Austal Launches Construction of Hydrogen-Ready Ferry
Austal has officially commenced the construction of Horizon X, a cutting-edge hydrogen-ready ferry for Sweden’s Gotlandsbolaget. The milestone was celebrated with a plate cutting ceremony on February 5, 2026, at the Austal Philippines shipyard in Balamban, Cebu. This event marks a significant step forward in the partnership between Austal and Gotlandsbolaget, as they work together to redefine ferry transportation with innovative, sustainable technology.
Key Developments in Ferry Construction
The ceremony was hosted by Wayne Murray, President of Austal Asia, and attended by notable figures including Austal Ltd CEO Paddy Gregg and Gotlandsbolaget CEO Björn Nilsson. Together, they acknowledged the official start of the build process and the strengthening collaboration between the two companies. Other attendees included Gotlandsbolaget’s Deputy CEO Håkan Johansson and Head of New Buildings Jonas Moberg, along with Austal’s Executive Vice President of Sales and Strategy, Oliver Morton.
Paddy Gregg expressed pride in the project, stating, “Today’s plate cutting for Horizon X is a proud moment for the Austal team in the Philippines and across the Austal Group. It represents the first major step in bringing this exciting new vessel to life for Gotlandsbolaget.” He highlighted the ferry’s innovative multi-fuel design, which incorporates a combined cycle propulsion system that utilizes gas and steam turbines, enhanced by waste heat recovery. This design aims to set new standards for efficiency and sustainability in the ferry industry.
Gregg emphasized the importance of flexibility in fuel and technology solutions, noting that successful decarbonization will depend on operators’ ability to adapt as alternative fuels and infrastructure evolve. The Horizon X has been engineered with this adaptability in mind, ensuring it can operate on various fuel types, including future hydrogen options.
Specifications and Future Impact
Björn Nilsson, CEO of Gotlandsbolaget, remarked on the significance of this project, stating, “Commencing production of Horizon X is a significant milestone for Gotlandsbolaget. We are pleased to see construction underway and to celebrate this moment alongside Austal and the skilled shipbuilders here in Balamban.” He noted that the ferry represents a crucial investment in their future capabilities, combining speed, capacity, and sustainability.
The Horizon X is a 130-meter high-speed catamaran ferry, designed to accommodate up to 1,500 passengers and 400 vehicles. It is the largest vessel ever contracted to Austal and is part of Gotlandsbolaget’s Horizon X program. The ferry will be constructed using lightweight ‘green aluminium,’ produced through energy-efficient processes to minimize embodied carbon. Scheduled for delivery in mid-2028, hull fabrication will begin in the first half of 2026.
Once operational, Horizon X will significantly reduce travel times between the Swedish mainland and the island of Gotland, aligning with Gotlandsbolaget’s long-term climate-neutral goals. The plate cutting ceremony marks the formal start of construction at Austal Philippines, which has established itself as a major commercial shipbuilding center, delivering over 20 vessels to operators worldwide since 2012.
