Images reveal scale of first new Mersey Ferry built in 60 years as it takes shape

The new Mersey Ferry will make its first river crossing in 2026.

New images have revealed the scale of the first iconic Mersey Ferry to be built in more than 60 years as it starts to take shape.

The new Mersey Ferry, Royal Daffodil is being designed and constructed on the banks of the Mersey by Birkenhead shipbuilder Cammell Laird.

Following months of design, steel cutting and preparatory work, assembly began at the end of 2024, with the Royal Daffodil due to make its first crossing in summer 2026.

Designed to reflect Mersey Ferries’ world-famous heritage but with all-modern facilities, the new ferry will have a six-strong crew when it launches and be equipped to carry up to 500 passengers.

The multi-million pound project, funded by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, will create a purpose-built, fully accessible ferry fit for the 21^st century, employing a skilled workforce of around 150 as well as local subcontractors.

After a traditional keel laying ceremony, performed by Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram in January this year, the build has made great progress.

These latest photos show just what an impressive sight this Royal Daffodil, the sixth Mersey Ferry to carry the name, will be when it finally goes into service.

It will be almost 50 metres long – that’s half the length of an average football pitch – 12 metres wide at the beam and weigh as much as 385 family cars! A total of 327 tonnes of steel is going into its construction. 

A fully formed structure below the main deck is now in situ at Cammell Laird’s shipyard, and several of the ferry’s onboard systems are also being installed ready for the next phase to start.

A spokesperson for Mersey Ferries said: “It is really exciting to be at this stage where you can clearly see the structure of the new Royal Daffodil, although even from the outset when it only existed as a 3D model it was still exciting.

“Now you can actually walk around it, you can see the electrics going in and you can see where everything’s going to go. The scale is incredible and the way everybody works collaboratively to create something of this size while individually all working on one small part. 

“We know that so many people are positively interested in the project because of the history of Mersey Ferries, how well-loved they are in our region and because this is the first one to be built in over 60 years, so we’re looking forward to sharing its progress over the next year.”

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