Kongsberg Maritime has launched its new Kamewa S-4L waterjet series through a propulsion contract for a next-generation high-speed ferry being built for Gotlandsbolaget.

The first commercial installation of the S-4L series will be on Horizon X, a multi-fuel, hydrogen-ready ferry currently under construction at Austal Limited.

The vessel will operate on the Gotland–mainland Sweden route, linking Visby with Nynäshamn and Oskarshamn, a high-frequency corridor that requires fast turnaround times, efficiency, and manoeuvrability.

Horizon X will be fitted with two S160-4L waterjets alongside two S100-4L booster units. The S-4L series has been developed by combining design elements from Kongsberg Maritime’s existing S3 and S4 models, with the company aiming to improve durability, efficiency and handling for large high-speed ferries and naval vessels.

Key features include a dual bucket and steering nozzle configuration designed to enhance low-speed control and docking performance. Kongsberg Maritime said the series maintains a mean time between overhauls of 25,000 hours, or five years, and is constructed using duplex stainless steel to improve strength and corrosion resistance.

The hydrogen-ready design of Horizon X supports Gotlandsbolaget’s longer-term ambition to move towards zero-emission ferry operations.

Jonas Moberg, head of newbuildings at Gotlandsbolaget, said: “For this challenging and innovative project, we aim to elevate the building of high-speed craft to the next generation, where the vessel incorporates new developments that support cleaner maritime transport, with proven and reliable technology as the foundation.

“The new S160-4L waterjets with dual buckets provide not only efficient, powerful propulsion and manoeuvrability, but also the ability to reduce erosive effects in ports when docking sideways,” he added.

Fredrik Appel, director of products for waterjet systems at Kongsberg Maritime, said the S-4L series represents a major step forward in waterjet technology for high-speed craft.

“The S-4L series represents a major evolution in waterjet technology, designed to meet the needs of the next generation of high-speed ferries and naval craft. We are proud to be part of a project that is advancing the energy transition in the ferry market. By combining proven design elements with new innovations, we have created a solution that delivers outstanding performance, reliability and efficiency,” he said.

Kongsberg Maritime stated that the S-4L series will be available from size 100 and above for a range of high-speed vessel applications.