The first new Mersey Ferry in more than 60 years has made its maiden voyage on the River Mersey following a special naming ceremony in Liverpool.
The £26m Royal Daffodil was officially welcomed to the Mersey Ferries fleet today, marking a major milestone in the service’s more than 800-year history and the beginning of a new chapter for one of the Liverpool City Region’s most recognisable attractions.
Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram was joined by Minister for Aviation, Maritime and Logistics Keir Mather MP, presenter Claire Sweeney, civic leaders and representatives from the shipyard which built the new vessel for the celebrations.
The ceremony highlighted the role Mersey Ferries continue to play in connecting communities on both sides of the river, while attracting visitors to Liverpool’s world-famous waterfront.
Royal Daffodil was built in Birkenhead at the shipyard formerly known as Cammell Laird and now operating as Balaena Birkenhead.
Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, said:
“Anyone from this part of the world understands the significance Mersey Ferries conjure in the minds of people – they are part of the very fabric of our skyline, our history and our identity. And thanks in no small part to Gerry Marsden, they’re a part of the soundtrack of this place too – and I wish he could have been here today.
“With the Royal Daffodil, we haven’t just spent £26 million on a new ferry. We have invested in the people and the capability to build one right here on the banks of the Mersey. We have built something here that millions of people will see, use and enjoy for decades to come. And we have shown that when we invest in our people and our places, we can create things that make the whole region proud.
“This is an investment in keeping one of the great symbols of our region alive for another generation. There will be children who take their first trip across the Mersey on Royal Daffodil, families who make memories on her, people travelling to work, and visitors seeing our waterfront from the river for the first time. Ultimately, this ferry belongs to the people. They have helped us to write the next chapter in its story.”
Guests gathered at the Gerry Marsden Ferry Terminal, where they were welcomed by members of the Sea Cadet Corps before Royal Daffodil received a traditional blessing.
A ceremonial bottle was then broken against the vessel’s hull in keeping with a long-standing maritime tradition.
Performances from Pleasant Street Primary School Choir and Liverpool Show Choir provided the musical backdrop before Royal Daffodil headed out onto the River Mersey.
The naming ceremony concluded with a spectacular tugboat salute as the new ferry embarked on its maiden voyage and was formally welcomed into the fleet.
Members of the public will get their first opportunity to experience Royal Daffodil on Saturday, September 26, when passengers selected through a free ballot will take part in a special celebration cruise.
The new ferry will then undergo its final preparations before beginning regular passenger services later this autumn.
Maritime Minister, Keir Mather MP, said:
“Gerry and the Pacemakers made the Mersey Ferry famous around the world, generations of dockyard workers made it part of Liverpool’s story, and today the Liverpool City Region is writing the next chapter.
“This £26 million investment in the Royal Daffodil delivers better accessibility, modern facilities and some of the best views on the water.
“This isn’t just a new ferry, it’s a new era for one of Britain’s most iconic services, connecting communities, boosting tourism and keeping the Mersey’s proud maritime story sailing on for generations to come.”
Royal Daffodil has been designed to provide a significantly more modern, comfortable and accessible experience while retaining the familiar character of the Mersey Ferries.
Painted in the service’s historic red, white and black colours, the vessel features a contemporary main-deck lounge, modern bars and spacious open-plan decks.
Adjustable panoramic windows have been installed to give passengers extensive views across the River Mersey and Liverpool waterfront.
Other onboard facilities include USB charging points, storytelling displays exploring the ferry service and region, baby-changing facilities and dedicated cycle storage on the main deck.
Passengers can move between decks using two staircases as well as an onboard lift, improving accessibility throughout the vessel.
The upper deck features an open-air viewing area with traditional timber bench seating, offering passengers panoramic views of Liverpool’s waterfront and the river.
Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of Liverpool City Council, said:
“The Royal Daffodil is a fantastic addition to one of our region’s most iconic attractions and a symbol of our continued ambition to invest in Liverpool’s waterfront and visitor economy.
“For generations, the Mersey Ferries have been part of the identity of our city region. This new vessel combines that proud heritage with modern, accessible facilities that will enhance the experience for residents and visitors alike.
“Whether people are commuting, enjoying a day out or taking in the world-famous views of Liverpool’s waterfront, the Royal Daffodil will help ensure Mersey Ferries remains a treasured part of life on the Mersey for decades to come.”
Local business Crosby Fresh, which already operates the Discovery Café at Seacombe Ferry Terminal, will provide Royal Daffodil’s onboard catering, serving freshly prepared food and drink using locally sourced produce.
The £26m investment in Royal Daffodil forms part of a wider programme of changes to public transport across the Liverpool City Region.
The programme also includes new trains and buses, new rail stations, contactless ticketing and the introduction of franchised bus services.
Cllr Paula Basnett, Leader of Wirral Council, said:
“Today’s ceremony marks an important milestone for Mersey Ferries and for our waterfront. The Royal Daffodil is a wonderful addition to the fleet, bringing together the proud heritage of this iconic service with the modern facilities, accessibility and comfort that passengers expect today.”
“Built here in Birkenhead, the new vessel is a showcase for Wirral’s long-standing maritime and shipbuilding traditions and represents the best of our past and our future.
“As well as providing an improved experience for those who use the ferry every day, it will create memorable experiences for residents and visitors alike, helping more people enjoy everything our waterfront and the River Mersey have to offer.
“It will also support local businesses and strengthen our visitor economy, ensuring Mersey Ferries remain a valued part of our communities for generations to come.”
Following its naming ceremony and maiden voyage, Royal Daffodil will now complete its remaining preparations before welcoming residents and visitors aboard as part of the Mersey Ferries’ regular service.
