I have to admit the hydrogen system of this vessel is not very clear yet. What means hydrogen ready? However we can see hydrogen storage containers at the bow open deck area. Therefore very good to see these kind of vessels being introduced with hydrogen as fuel.
Austal Australasia
Austal Australasia has secured a contract valued between A$265 and A$275 million to design and construct a 130-meter, hydrogen-ready high-speed ferry for Sweden’s Gotlandsbolaget. This vessel, part of the ‘Horizon X’ program, will be the largest ever built by Austal. It will feature a unique combined cycle propulsion system that includes both gas and steam turbines—a first for high-speed craft worldwide. The ferry will have the capacity to transport up to 1,500 passengers, 400 vehicles, and cargo. Construction is scheduled to begin in the first half of 2026 at Austal’s Philippines shipyard, utilizing ‘green aluminium’ produced through energy-efficient processes to reduce emissions. Completion is expected by mid-2028.
Combined cycle propulsion system
The combined cycle propulsion system enhances efficiency by repurposing engine exhaust to power steam turbines, reducing overall fuel consumption and emissions. This design allows for flexibility in fuel types, including hydrogen, aligning with global decarbonization efforts in maritime transport. The vessel’s hydrogen-ready configuration means it can transition to zero-emission operations as hydrogen fuel becomes more accessible. In October 2024, the project received approval in principle from the international classification society DNV, confirming compliance with regulations for gas-fueled ship installations and the International Code of Safety for Ships Using Gases or Other Low Flashpoint Fuels.
Collaboration
Austal and Gotland Tech Development have collaborated with global technology providers to refine the vessel’s propulsion system. This partnership has focused on selecting preferred equipment and defining system arrangements that repurpose engine exhaust to contribute to vessel propulsion, thereby reducing emissions. The use of ‘green aluminium’ in construction further underscores the project’s commitment to sustainability, as this material is produced using energy-efficient processes that result in lower carbon emissions.
This project represents a significant advancement in sustainable maritime transport, combining innovative propulsion technology with environmentally friendly materials to set new standards in eco-friendly ferry design.