Name of first Mersey Ferry in 60 years revealed

Steve Rotheram said the name was an "iconic name and historic title"

The name of the first Mersey Ferry to be built in more than 60 years has been revealed.

The £26m vessel will be named Royal Daffodil and is the sixth Mersey Ferry to bear the name, which was first used in the 1990s.

It is being built at Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead and is expected to enter service in the summer of 2026.

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram made the announcement at a traditional keel laying ceremony, which marked the official start of construction.

The £26m vessel is the sixth Mersey Ferry to bear the name Royal Daffodil

Mr Rotheram said he was "delighted" to announce the new ferry would have the "iconic name and historic title carried by some of the best-loved vessels in our fleet".

"Over the coming months the Royal Daffodil will start to take shape, with a design that blends the modern and the traditional, and with facilities that will improve passenger experience," he said.

"A ferry fit for the 21st Century, built right here in the Liverpool City Region."

Project director John Drummond said the Mersey Ferry was "in his heart"

David McGinley, group chief executive officer of APCL Group of which Cammell Laird is part, said: "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," he said.

Project director John Drummond said for many people working on the project who have memories of going on the ferries as children, the Mersey Ferry "is in your heart".

He said it was special because "we are building a ferry for Merseyside".