The famous red, white, and black livery of the Mersey Ferries is set for a historic return to the water this week as the newest addition to the fleet undergoes its final preparations.
History will be made this week as the first new Mersey Ferry in over 60 years begins sea trials on the river, giving Liverpool City Region residents their first chance to see the Royal Daffodil in action.
The vessel is due to leave APCL Cammell Laird’s shipyard in Birkenhead on Thursday, 16 April, where she has spent two years under construction.
The ferry was first floated on the river last November and moved immediately to the shipyard’s test basin to be fitted out internally.
The start of sea trials is a highly visible, landmark moment for the world-famous service and comes just a fortnight after the Royal Iris was retired and the Dazzle Ferry ‘Snowdrop’ resumed services.
Testing Performance and Safety
As part of a complex, carefully coordinated process, the trials will assess the 750-tonne ferry’s operational performance, control systems, propulsion power, and manoeuvrability.
Onboard engineers will put the navigation and communication systems through their paces, while testing passenger safety features and carrying out berthing operations at the Seacombe and Pier Head terminals.
It is estimated the £26 million, 50-metre-long ferry will reach speeds of around 12 knots during the two-day test period to ensure the vessel meets all maritime industry standards.
Gary Evans, Director of Customer and Operations, said:
“This is a landmark moment for the Liverpool City Region and for the future of Mersey Ferries.
“This is the first ever Mersey Ferry commissioned and built with a leisure focus in mind, and this key milestone of first operational sea trials brings us a step closer to welcoming a modern vessel that celebrates the river’s heritage while supporting services for generations to come.”
A Celebration of Regional Shipbuilding
The construction of the Royal Daffodil represents a major achievement for local industry. David McGinley, Group Chief Executive Officer of APCL Group, noted that the sea trials are the final part of a shipbuilding programme that keeps the region at the forefront of the global industry.
David McGinley said:
“APCL Cammell Laird has always been a global business with a local heart, and it is a point of pride that we have delivered the Royal Daffodil.
“APCL Cammell Laird and the wider APCL Group wish her well as she and her crew embark on her trials.
“This latest Mersey Ferry is a true celebration of shipbuilding in the region and demonstrates that the region remains at the forefront of the global shipbuilding industry.”
Looking to the Future
Once the sea trials and subsequent crew training are complete, the Royal Daffodil will start carrying passengers later this year.
The purpose-built, fully accessible vessel features large open-plan decks and intimate event spaces designed for corporate functions and private parties.
Passengers can currently explore a virtual walkthrough of the vessel on the Mersey Ferries website or visit the ‘Future of the Ferries’ exhibition at Seacombe Terminal to see the high-spec interiors and luxurious surroundings for themselves.
