The Horizon series is our single most important initiative for reducing the climate impact of shipping. We have a long tradition of using the latest technology and constantly modernising our fleet of ships. Gotlandsbolaget formulated the first concept ship back in 2009 with a clear ambition to achieve fossil-free crossings between Gotland and the mainland. Since then, we have worked tirelessly to reduce the climate footprint. The Horizon series is our most ambitious step so far – a step that we consider vital not only for us, but for society as a whole.
The Horizon vessels require significant investment and technological development, to secure supplies of fossil-free fuels but also to promote technical advances in shipping. This work is led by Gotland Tech Development, that works with investments and in collaborations to turn our ambitious goal into reality. Long term, we see that the development of hydrogen technology offers a great potential, because the energy consumption is competitive and the fuel mainly releases steam during combustion. Until then, other fossil-free alternatives can be used to cut emissions and achieve a faster climate transition.
2021 saw the launch of our first concept ship in the Horizon series: the Gotland Horizon, a large ro-pax. In 2022 we launched the Gotland Horizon X, a high-speed catamaran.
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Gas turbines for a faster journey
Gas turbines are the beating heart of the ships in the Horizon series. Combining this technology with steam turbines allows improvements on today’s speed and service, while at the same time cutting emissions and ensuring competitive energy consumption. Gas turbines have long been used in the industry, but only now will they be powered by hydrogen. This provides a unique opportunity to accelerate shipping’s climate transition.
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