Full Breakdown
New Royal Daffodil Ferry Launch Marks First Mersey Vessel in Six Decades
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event – Launch of the Royal Daffodil
- Date: September 22, 2026 (occurred) – naming ceremony at the Gerry Marsden Ferry Terminal, Liverpool.
- Builder: Cammell Laird (now Balaena Birkenhead) in Birkenhead.
- Cost: £26 million.
- Significance: First new Mersey Ferry in more than 60 years.
- Maiden voyage: Conducted on the same day; final preparations will be completed before passenger service begins in early autumn 2026.
Background & Context
- The Mersey ferry service has operated for over 800 years, originally run by Benedictine monks and taken over by Liverpool City Council in 1777.
- By the mid-19th century, ten different ferry routes linked Liverpool to the Wirral coastline.
- The opening of the Mersey Railway Tunnel (1886), the Queensway Tunnel (1934) and the Kingsway Tunnel (1971) gradually reduced ferry demand, leaving only two vessels by 1972.
- Historical images capture the MV Royal Iris ferry on July 22, 1974, illustrating the service’s long-standing presence on the river.
Data & Statistics
- Construction cost: £26 million.
- Key amenities: Accessible lift, cycle parking, baby-changing facilities, USB charging points, panoramic windows, main-deck lounge, open-plan decks, upper viewing area with traditional timber seating, onboard catering by Crosby Fresh.
Why It Matters
- The launch underscores a commitment to local manufacturing and job creation on the Mersey banks.
- Modern, accessible facilities aim to improve passenger experience and attract tourists, bolstering the regional visitor economy.
- The ferry complements a wider transport transformation that includes new bus fleets, a £50 million train fleet, new rail stations, contactless ticketing and the region’s first franchised bus services in St Helens.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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.” — Liam Robinson, leader of Liverpool City Council
- “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.” — Region Combined Authority. Mayor, Councillor Mary Jordan
- “Actress and television presenter Ms Sweeney, who hosted the event, said: "To be involved with the launch of the Royal Daffodil, the new ferry which is going to be crossing the Mersey and it's one of the greatest honours of my career to be involved with this.” — Ms Sweeney
- “Maritime Minister Keir Mather MP, who attended the ceremony, said: "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.” — Minister Keir Mather MP, maritime minister
- “Today’s ceremony marks an important milestone for Mersey Ferries and for our waterfront.” — Paula Basnett, councillor
What's Next
- After final preparations, the Royal Daffodil will begin regular passenger service in early autumn 2026.