Austal Limited, through its subsidiary Austal Australasia, has secured a substantial contract valued between A$265 and A$275 million from Gotlandsbolaget of Sweden to design and construct a groundbreaking 130-metre 'hydrogen-ready' vehicle passenger ferry. This high-speed ROPAX catamaran, developed as part of Gotlandsbolaget’s ‘Horizon X’ program, will mark the largest vessel ever constructed by Austal and will showcase a unique combined cycle propulsion system with gas and steam turbines, setting a new standard for efficiency in the high-speed craft industry globally. With a capacity to transport a large number of passengers, cargo, and vehicles, the 'Horizon X' ferry will commence construction in the first half of CY2026 at the Austal Philippines shipyard. The vessel will utilize 'green aluminium' produced through energy efficient processes to lessen carbon footprint and emissions, with the completion targeted for mid-2028. Austal's CEO, Paddy Gregg, expressed excitement about the project, highlighting its role in shaping the future of commercial ferry operations towards decarbonization. Gotlandsbolaget CEO, Håkan Johansson, also shared enthusiasm for the initiative, emphasizing the vessel's sustainability focus, advanced green technology integration, and hydrogen-ready propulsion system. The collaboration between Austal and Gotlandsbolaget aims to lead the transition towards climate-neutral operations, supporting environmental responsibility and efficiency in maritime transport. The joint efforts of Austal and Gotland Tech Development have led to the creation of a vessel design that can operate on various fuel types, including hydrogen, aligning with the industry's shift towards cleaner energy sources. The project, approved by the global Nautical Classification Society, DNV, demonstrates compliance with safety standards for gas-fuelled ship installations and sets a milestone in the journey towards climate-neutral ferry services, emphasizing lightweight materials and advanced design to minimize fuel consumption and emissions.