Gotlandsbolaget orders large-scale catamaran with groundbreaking technology
Gotlandsbolaget has ordered a large-scale catamaran that is being built to be powered by the fossil-free fuels of the future; Gotland Horizon X. The vessel will be built and delivered by the Australian shipyard Austal Limited. The journey towards climate-neutral crossings and sustainable solutions has guided the entire process. A combination of gas turbines and a multi-fuel solution creates high efficiency and flexibility regarding which fossil-free fuels will power the vessel.
Important step towards climate-neutral crossings
The vessel that has now been ordered is a 130-metre-long high-speed catamaran, which can be powered by several gas- and liquid-formed fossil-free fuels. The ship will have room for 1500 passengers and 400 cars and be able to go at 29 knots, which gives a crossing time between Gotland and the mainland of just over 3 hours.
"I am very pleased to announce that we have ordered the next generation of vessels that will operate the Gotland traffic. The shipping industry must transform towards climate-neutral solutions, and reducing the climate footprint of travel and transport to and from Gotland is of great importance for the island's development and attractiveness. The construction of Horizon X is a crucial step in our journey towards climate-neutral crossings. At the same time, the ship will offer the same efficient crossing times as today, and a new and modern onboard experience," says Håkan Johansson, CEO of Gotlandsbolaget.
In order to minimize energy demand and achieve a high efficiency, significant efforts has been put into developing energy-efficient hulls, minimizing weight, optimizing energy consumers on board and streamlining operations and flows throughout the vessel. The hull is built in aluminium and where possible for the construction, green aluminium will be chosen, which means that approximately 60 percent of all aluminium on board is made with renewable energy.
Austal is a leader in the development of large catamarans, and Horizon X will be the largest catamaran the shipyard has built.
"Horizon X is an incredibly exciting project. The flexible fuel technology creates new opportunities to decarbonise commercial ferries, and we are proud to be at the forefront by partnering with Gotlandsbolaget to deliver this industry-leading new catamaran," says Paddy Gregg, CEO of Austal Limited.
Industrially proven gas turbines go to sea
The gas turbines are the heart of the Horizon series ships. Gas turbines have long been used in the combined cycle in industry, and now they will be used in the powertrain of Horizon X, providing efficient energy consumption. The turbines are built to be powered by several types of fossil-free fuels, so-called multi fuel.
"Shipping needs different solutions to make the climate transition. There is not a one-size-fits-all solution for all routes. We have extensive experience of the Gotland traffic and have developed the technology based on the needs of this type of route. But we also see that the technology can be relevant and used by other shipping companies and for other routes," says Håkan Johansson.
Through the development of multi-fuel and combined cycle, Horizon X is a vessel that is equipped for a future where there is still great uncertainty regarding which fossil-free fuels will be available on the market. The vessel is also prepared to switch to hydrogen operation as the production of hydrogen becomes commercially available.
Strengthening the Gotland traffic
The catamaran will be used by Destination Gotland, which is responsible for the Gotland traffic.
"We have high ambitions regarding continued reduction of our impact on the environment and climate, and a catamaran with multi-fuel means great opportunities for us. Access to fossil-free fuels will be a challenge and there is great uncertainty regarding the price. With this technology, we can mix fuels based on supply and price. We are now also working on developing concepts for our passengers, to further improve and modernize the onboard experience," says Marcus Risberg, CEO of Destination Gotland.
Gotland is in need of a seasonal vessel and Horizon X will supplement Gotland's traffic during the high season when travel is at its highest, but also during spring and autumn. On Gotland, the tourism industry is working together to create sustainable growth and strengthen Gotland as a destination during spring and autumn, and the new catamaran will play a role in that development by helping to extend the season.
"Exactly when the ship will enter service has not been decided, but it will be included in the timetable for spring 2029 and the following high season," concludes Marcus Risberg.
Delivery from the shipyard is planned for mid-2028, after which the ship will begin its journey towards the Baltic Sea and Gotland.
