Steel-cutting at Austal Philippines marks the official start of construction on the Horizon X high-speed ferry.
Austal has taken a major step forward in building Horizon X, the next-generation high-speed ferry for Sweden’s Gotlandsbolaget, with a formal steel-cutting ceremony on 5 February 2026 at the Austal Philippines shipyard in Balamban, Cebu.
Hosted by Austal Asia President Wayne Murray, the event was attended by Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg and Gotlandsbolaget Chief Executive Officer Björn Nilsson, who jointly recognised the official start of build activity and the strengthening partnership between the two companies. The ceremony was also attended by Gotlandsbolaget Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Håkan Johansson and Head of New Buildings, Jonas Moberg; and Austal’s Executive Vice President Sales and Strategy, Oliver Morton.
Austal Limited Chief Executive Officer Paddy Gregg said the plate cutting milestone reflects both market confidence in Austal’s shipbuilding excellence and the project’s importance in advancing sustainable commercial ferry solutions. Achieving meaningful decarbonisation in commercial shipping would require a flexible, technology-agnostic approach.
Paddy Gregg, Austal Limited CEO, said “Today’s plate cutting for Horizon X is a proud moment for the Austal team in the Philippines and across the Austal Group. It represents the first major step in bringing this exciting new vessel to life for Gotlandsbolaget,”
“We are delighted to be building Horizon X, a world-leading hydrogen-ready high-speed ferry – and the largest we have ever built – at Austal Philippines. This vessel’s innovative multi-fuel design — including a unique combined cycle propulsion system integrating gas and steam turbines, driven by waste heat recovery — will help redefine efficiency and sustainability in the ferry sector.”
“There is no single solution that fits every operator or route. Long-term success in decarbonisation will come from flexible fuel and technology solutions that allow operators to adapt as alternative fuels mature and infrastructure develops. Horizon X has been designed with that flexibility at its core.”
Gotlandsbolaget Chief Executive Officer Björn Nilsson said the milestone marks an important step forward in the company’s fleet strategy and commitment to cutting-edge maritime technology “Commencing production of Horizon X is a significant milestone for Gotlandsbolaget. We are pleased to see construction underway and to celebrate this moment alongside Austal and the skilled shipbuilders here in Balamban. This vessel represents a key investment in our future capability, combining speed, capacity and sustainability, and we look forward to working closely with Austal throughout the build.”
Horizon X is a 130-metre, hydrogen-ready, high-speed catamaran ferry — part of Gotlandsbolaget’s innovative Horizon X programme — and represents the largest vessel ever contracted to Austal. The ferry is designed to carry up to 1,500 passengers and 400 vehicles and cargo and will be capable of operating on multiple fuel types, including future hydrogen and other low-emission alternatives.
The ferry will be constructed using lightweight “green aluminium”, manufactured through energy-efficient processes to support reduced embodied carbon, and is scheduled for delivery in mid-2028, with hull fabrication commencing in the first half of 2026.
Once delivered, Horizon X will operate between the Swedish mainland and the island of Gotland, significantly shortening crossing times while supporting the company’s long-term climate-neutral goals.
