Austal Australasia has secured a groundbreaking contract valued between AU$265 million and AU$275 million to design and construct a revolutionary 130-meter 'hydrogen-ready' vehicle passenger ferry for Swedish operator Gotlandsbolaget. This new vessel, part of the Horizon X modernization program, will feature a combined cycle propulsion system integrating gas and steam turbines, representing a pioneering approach in high-speed craft. It will be the largest ship ever built by Austal, showcasing their commitment to innovation and sustainability in the maritime industry. The ferry, with a capacity for 1,500 passengers, cargo, and 400 vehicles, will operate on a route between the Swedish mainland and the island of Gotland, aiming to revolutionize commercial ferry capabilities. With construction set to begin in the first half of 2026 at the Austal Philippines shipyard, utilizing green aluminum to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, the project is expected to be completed by mid-2028. The partnership between Austal and Gotlandsbolaget emphasizes the vessel's focus on sustainability and efficiency, with a hydrogen-ready propulsion system and cutting-edge green technology at its core. Gotlandsbolaget's CEO highlighted the pivotal role of Horizon X in their mission towards climate-neutral operations, underlining the importance of environmentally responsible transportation. The approval in principle from nautical classification society DNV and compliance with gas-fuelled ship regulations mark significant progress in the project's advancement towards a greener future.