• Austal Australasia awarded $265-$275m contract by Gotlandsbolaget of Sweden
• To design and construct 130-metre 'hydrogen-ready' vehicle passenger ferry
• Largest vessel ever built by Austal, featuring unique combined cycle propulsion system

Austal Limited (ASX: ASB) has announced that its Austal Australasia division has been awarded a contract valued between A$265 and A$275 million by Gotlandsbolaget of Sweden, for the design and construction of a 130-metre combined cycle, 'hydrogen-ready' vehicle passenger ferry. Part of Gotlandsbolaget's 'Horizon X' program, the high-speed ROPAX catamaran will be the largest vessel ever constructed by Austal, and feature a unique, highly efficient combined cycle propulsion system that includes both gas and steam turbines - a first for high-speed craft, worldwide. With a capacity to transport up to 1,500 passengers, cargo and 400 vehicles, the 'Horizon X' multi-fuel catamaran will be designed by Austal with construction at the Austal Philippines shipyard commencing in the first half of CY2026. The vessel will utilise 'green aluminium', produced using energy efficient processes and technologies that use less carbon, resulting in lower emissions. Construction is scheduled to complete in mid-2028. Austal's CEO Paddy Gregg highlighted that the Horizon X project will redefine commercial ferry capabilities, with its multi-fuel and hydrogen-capable combined cycle powerplant and efficient hull design. Gotlandsbolaget's CEO, Håkan Johansson, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating that Horizon X is designed for speed, efficiency and sustainability, incorporating cutting-edge green technology including a hydrogen-ready, highly efficient gas turbine propulsion system.

The Horizon X project represents a significant milestone in Gotlandsbolaget's strategy to achieve climate-neutral operations, utilising lightweight green aluminium and advanced hydrodynamic design to minimise fuel consumption and emissions. Serving the island of Gotland and the Swedish mainland in a climate and environmentally responsible way is at the heart of Gotlandsbolaget's mission.