Cammell Laird hosts Keel Laying Ceremony for the first new Mersey Ferry in 60 years

On Friday, 10 January, Cammell Laird marked a historic milestone in shipbuilding with the Keel Laying Ceremony for The Royal Daffodil, the first new Mersey Ferry in over six decades.

This ceremonial tradition, which took place at Cammell Laird, celebrates the transition from preparation and fabrication to the actual construction of the vessel.

Many years ago, when ships were built from timber, a ‘Mast Stepping Ceremony’ was held. During this ceremony, a coin was placed on the vessel, and then the main mast was lowered onto it. This tradition is believed to bring good luck and protection to the vessel and crew.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of the Liverpool City Region was accompanied by APCL Group Chief Executive David McGinley, as well as engineers and apprentices who are working on the vessel.

Also joining the event was honoured guest Nadine Maguire of hospice care charity Marie Curie UK, whose symbol is the daffodil, to lay a special commemorative coin on the new ferry’s keel block. The ceremony concluded with a performance of “Ferry Cross the Mersey” by Rock Ferry Primary School Choir.

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

“The Keel Laying Ceremony for the Royal Daffodil represented a significant milestone in the vessel’s construction process, marking the transition from preparation and fabrication to construction.

“Cammell Laird and the wider APCL Group is proud to be working in partnership with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to be building the Royal Daffodil, which will provide a platform for millions of local people and tourists to enjoy Liverpool and the wider Liverpool City Region for many years to come.

“The economic impact of contracts such as these ensure that shipyards like Cammell Laird can continue to operate and are critical to the ongoing development of shipbuilding in the UK.

“This ferry will also provide an opportunity to showcase Cammell Laird’s shipbuilding skills to the world and ensure that Merseyside remains a maritime leader on the global stage”.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Liverpool City Region, said:

“The world-famous Mersey Ferries have inspired hit songs and best-selling books; they’ve attracted visitors from around the world and they’ve connected communities on both sides of the River Mersey for hundreds of years. They are an instantly recognisable symbol of our city region, around the globe.

“That’s why I’m delighted to announce that the first new Mersey Ferry in more than 60 years will retain the iconic name and historic title carried by some of the best-loved vessels in our fleet, the Royal Daffodil.

“Not only is today’s keel laying ceremony an important part of ferries tradition, but it also marks the important next step in the shipbuilding process.

“Over the coming months the Royal Daffodil will start to take shape – a design that blends the modern with traditional and provides facilities designed to improve passenger experience. A ferry fit for the 21st century, built right here in the Liverpool City Region.”

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