The130-metre Horizon X  multi-fuel catamaran will navigate between the Swedish mainland and the island of Gotland, to support the operator’s climate-neutral goals.

According to Austral, the vessel will be equipped with a combined cycle propulsion system made up of gas and steam turbines that use waste heat recovery.

It claims the system is fuel flexible, allowing hydrogen and “other low-emission alternatives” to be used.

Now under construction in Cebu, the Philippines, it will carry up to 1,500 passengers, 400 vehicles and cargo.

With delivery of the ship scheduled for 2028, a primary fuel source for its operations has not been disclosed.

Paddy Gregg, CEO of Austal, said that flexibility will be key to decarbonisation in the maritime sector, with “solutions that allow operators to adapt as alternative fuels mature and infrastructure develops” being integral.

Proponents say hydrogen and dual-fuel ferries could support the decarbonisation of maritime transport, offering longer operational range and faster refuelling compared to battery-electric alternatives.

However, many early hydrogen movers in maritime have struggled to sustain operations amid tightening investment conditions and long commercialisation timelines.

In September 2025, Zero Emission Industries shut down its operations due to shifting market conditions and capital constraints.