A new high-speed RoPax vessel that can be powered by hydrogen will soon be deployed in the Baltic Sea: The record order goes to Australian shipbuilder Austal, with construction itself taking place in the Philippines.
Austal Australasia has announced the newbuild order worth 270 million Australian dollars – the equivalent of around €164 million – for a 130-metre-long ship.
The order for the development and construction of the “hydrogen-ready” ship comes from the Swedish shipping company Gotlandsbolaget, which intends to deploy the newbuild between the Swedish mainland and the island of Gotland.
Largest ship from Austal
The RoPax catamaran is part of Gotlandsbolaget’s “Horizon X” fleet program and is set to be the largest ship ever built by Austal. The propulsion system, which includes both gas and steam turbines, is described as “unique” – “a world first for high-speed vessels”, writes Austal. According to the information provided, “green aluminum” will also be used.
There will be capacity on board for up to 1,500 passengers, freight and 400 vehicles, and the ship is being built at the Austal shipyard in the Philippines. Delivery is scheduled for mid-2028, with construction due to start in 2026.
Paddy Gregg, Chief Executive Officer of Austal, said on the announcement of the contract award: “Horizon X is an incredibly exciting project that will redefine the possibilities of commercial ferries, with a multi-fuel and hydrogen-capable combined cycle power plant and a class-leading efficient hull design.”
