Austal Limited has officially started construction of a hydrogen-ready high-speed ferry for Gotlandsbolaget, following a plate-cutting ceremony at its shipyard in Balamban, Cebu, Philippines.

The ceremony, held on 5 February, marked the formal start of build activity for Horizon X, a 130-metre catamaran ferry designed to operate on multiple fuel types, including future hydrogen and other low-emission alternatives.

Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg remarked: "Today's plate-cutting for Horizon X is a proud moment for the Austal team in the Philippines and across the Austal Group. It represents the first major step in bringing this exciting new vessel to life for Gotlandsbolaget.

"We are delighted to be building Horizon X, a world-leading hydrogen-ready high-speed ferry — and the largest we have ever built — at Austal Philippines. This vessel's innovative multi-fuel design — including a unique combined cycle propulsion system integrating gas and steam turbines, driven by waste heat recovery — will help redefine efficiency and sustainability in the ferry sector."

Gregg added that achieving decarbonisation in commercial shipping would require a flexible approach.

"There is no single solution that fits every operator or route. Long-term success in decarbonisation will come from flexible fuel and technology solutions that allow operators to adapt as alternative fuels mature and infrastructure develops. Horizon X has been designed with that flexibility at its core," he said.

Gotlandsbolaget Chief Executive Officer Björn Nilsson commented: "Commencing production of Horizon X is a significant milestone for Gotlandsbolaget. We are pleased to see construction underway and to celebrate this moment alongside Austal and the skilled shipbuilders here in Balamban. This vessel represents a key investment in our future capability, combining speed, capacity and sustainability, and we look forward to working closely with Austal throughout the build."

The ferry is designed to carry up to 1,500 passengers along with 400 vehicles and cargo. It will be built using lightweight “green aluminium” produced through energy-efficient processes to help reduce embodied carbon.

Delivery is scheduled for mid-2028, with hull fabrication due to begin in the first half of 2026. Once in service, Horizon X will operate between the Swedish mainland and the island of Gotland, aiming to shorten crossing times while supporting the operator’s climate-neutral ambitions.

The ceremony was also attended by Austal Asia President Wayne Murray, Gotlandsbolaget Deputy Chief Executive Officer Håkan Johansson, Head of New Buildings Jonas Moberg, and Austal's Executive Vice President Sales and Strategy Oliver Morton.

Austal Philippines has delivered more than 20 vessels to operators worldwide since 2012, according to the shipbuilder.