Australian Shipbuilder Austal has started building a new high-speed ferry for Sweden’s Gotlandsbolaget at its shipyard in Cebu, Philippines.
The vessel is called Horizon X. It is planned to operate between mainland Sweden and the island of Gotland.
Austal says the ferry will be “hydrogen-ready,” meaning it is designed for future fuel upgrades. The ship also has a multi-fuel design, according to the company.
The 130-metre catamaran is designed to carry up to 1,500 passengers and 400 vehicles and cargo. Austal says it will use lightweight “green aluminium.”
The first steel plate was cut on 5 February 2026, marking the start of manufacturing. Delivery is targeted for mid-2028, according to Austal.
