INTERVIEW The shipping industry must lower emissions, and the introduction of stricter decarbonisation regulation and more punitive penalties reflects this. In response, the passenger shipping industry is working to develop lowemission, future-proofed vessels that are flexible, efficient and ready to meet both today’s emission limits and the more demanding requirements of tomorrow. Australia-based shipbuilder Austal has designed and will construct a multifuel ro-pax catamaran for Swedish ferry operator Destination Gotland. Developed in close collaboration between Austal and Destination Gotland’s parent company Gotlandsbolaget, the 130-metre, 1,500-passenger, 30 knot Horizon X ferry will be the largest vessel ever constructed by Austal and will feature a combined cycle propulsion system that includes both gas and steam turbines – a global first for high-speed craft. By recovering waste heat energy from the exhaust gasses and converting to mechanical energy for the two booster jets, the combined cycle system increases overall efficiency by approximately 35 per cent compared to a simple cycle gas turbine system. “We believe in a ‘one size does not fit all’ approach and look to tailor vessel designs, propulsion systems and energy sources to meet customer and route requirements, including current and potential future fuel availability,” says Simon Smith, EMEA head of commercial business development at Austal. “Due to limitations in charging infrastructure and range, fully battery powered high speed ferries are currently only viable on a limited number of routes. For all other routes, new vessel designers and builders must be flexible, integrating today’s low-carbon technologies, while also allowing for future upgrades to operate with more advanced low and zero-carbon fuels.” Horizon X has been designed to meet evolving low and zero-emission targets by initially running on LNG and liquid biogas. However, over time and as the infrastructure and fuel becomes more readily available, the technology developed by Austal and Gotlandsbolaget means it will eventually run on hydrogen. “Gotlandsbolaget is working with partners to build a liquid biogas facility in Sweden, which is scheduled to supply up to 10 per cent of Destination Gotland’s annual fuel needs,” explains Smith. “Horizon X is a pathway to hydrogen; this has been achieved with the use of multi-fuel gas turbine technology and a fuel-flexible vessel design. “Other advanced technologies include the use of power take-offs installed on the gas turbine and steam turbine drive line gearboxes. The electricity generated by these turbines while in port will be used to charge the vessel’s energy storage system and supply its hotel load, minimising the requirement for additional power from generators. During vessel manoeuvring, the bow thrusters will also be able to draw power from the energy storage system. Delivering this catamaran represents a significant step towards achieving climateneutral emission targets while providing an exceptional passenger experience.” Construction on Horizon X will begin at the Austal Philippines shipyard in the first half of 2026 and is scheduled to be complete in mid-2028. Ferry ready for the future Austal is collaborating with Gotlandsbolaget to deliver the 130-metre ro-pax catamaran Horizon X, a high-speed ferry with flexible fuel capabilities for today and tomorrow. Simon Smith shares the details with Laura Hyde The 130-metre, 1,500-passenger Horizon X ferry for ferry operator Gotlandsbolaget will be the largest vessel ever constructed by Austal Image: Austal 127
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