Austal: $172M shipbuilding deal formalized for hydrogen-ready ferry

Austal Australasia, a part of Australian shipbuilding company Austal, has signed a contract with Gotlandsbolaget of Sweden to design and construct a hydrogen-ready vehicle passenger ferry.

The contract worth around A$275 million (US$172.6 million) includes the construction of the 130-meter multi-fuel ferry under Gotlandsbolaget’s Horizon X program.

The high-speed ROPAX catamaran is expected to be the largest vessel constructed by Austal. It will feature a combined cycle propulsion system that includes both gas and steam turbines.

The ferry with a capacity to transport up to 1,500 passengers, cargo, and 400 vehicles will be designed by Austal and built at the Austal Philippines shipyard.

The construction is set to begin in the first half of 2026, utilizing green aluminum, with the delivery scheduled in mid-2028.

Austal’s CEO Paddy Gregg commented on the contract: “Horizon X is an incredibly exciting project that is going to re-define commercial ferry capabilities, with a multi-fuel and hydrogen-capable combined cycle powerplant and a class-leading, efficient hull design.

“The flexible fuel technology demonstrated in Horizon X is leading the transition to decarbonisation of commercial ferries, and we’re proud to be at the forefront, partnering with Gotlandsbolaget, to deliver this industry-leading new ferry.“

Gotlandsbolaget CEO Håkan Johansson added: “Thanks to the great collaboration between Gotland Tech Development and Austal, we can now move forward in supplementing our existing fleet of larger passenger and cargo vessels with a high-speed, multi fuel-catamaran, which is also hydrogen-ready.”

Austal and Gotlandsbolaget revealed plans for the development of the 130-meter multi-fuel ferry design, with the flexibility to be able to operate on a variety of fuel types including hydrogen, in April 2023.

Since then, the companies have engaged with technology providers to select preferred main equipment, and to define system arrangements, including the development of a unique propulsion system arrangement that repurposes engine exhaust to contribute to vessel propulsion and reduce emissions.

In October 2024, the project gained approval in principle from DNV, with the vessel design being confirmed as complying in principle with rules relating to gas-fuelled ship installations (hydrogen) and the International Code of Safety of Ships Using Gases or Other Low Flashpoint Fuels.