Mersey Ferry to venture out to sea after major new milestone

In an historic move, the first Mersey Ferry in over 60 years will start sea trials across the river this week.

This will allow Liverpool City Region residents to see the Royal Daffodil in action. 

Decked out in Mersey Ferries’ historic red, white and black colours, the Royal Daffodil is expected to depart APCL Cammell Laird’s shipyard in Birkenhead tomorrow (Thursday 16 April). This comes after the ship had spent two years under construction. 

After first being floated on the river last November, the ferry was soon moved to the shipyard’s test basin to be fitted out internally.

With Mersey Ferry’s Royal Iris recently retiring, the launch of these sea trials is a landmark moment for Liverpool’s iconic ferry. After the Royal Iris finished its service on the river, the Dazzle Ferry ‘Snowdrop’ took over.

This complex, carefully planned trial will assess the 750-tonne ferry’s operational performance as well as its control systems, propulsion power and manoeuvrability. 

The ferry’s communication and navigation systems will be put to the test by engineers, along with testing passenger safety features like alarms and equipment. Berthing operations will also be carried out at the Seacombe and Pier Head terminals to make sure the ferry meets maritime standards. 

The 50-metre-long ferry is estimated to reach about 12 knots during the two-day test period. 

Gary Evans, Director of Customer and Operations:

“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.”

David McGinley, Group Chief Executive Officer of APCL Group, said:

“Sea Trials are a critical and final part of the shipbuilding programme as they will allow our engineers and the ship’s crew to put the vessel through its paces on the River Mersey.

“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, more sea trials are in the works as well as crew and captain training too while teams get the ferry passenger ready. 

Designed to offer a world-class experience for both everyday passengers and tourists, the fully-accessible vessel offers a big open plan deck and indoor event spaces.

Displayed on the Mersey Ferries website or at a ‘Future of the Ferries’ exhibition at Seacombe Terminal  is a virtual walkthrough tour where passengers can explore the new high-spec ferry.

Find out more about Mersey Ferries here.

The iconic Mersey Ferry, the Royal Iris, embarked on its final voyage after 60 years.

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