Mersey Ferries suspended over licensing issue

The commuter service and River Explorer cruises are effected

Mersey ferries have been suspended due to a licensing issue.

The commuter service and River Explorer sightseeing cruises did not run on Tuesday and will not run on Wednesday, Mersey Ferries said.

"Due to operational reasons, services are currently suspended until further notice," it said on social media site X.

Mersey Ferries said a replacement bus service was in place for its "loyal customers".

A spokeswoman for the ferry service said: “Unfortunately, a short delay on our passengers licencing approvals has meant that we weren’t able to have two boats back on the water today as we’d originally hoped."

She said the firm had "made the tough choice" to suspend the River Explorer Cruise and Direct Cross-River services until Thursday "to fulfil our commitment to our Manchester Ship Canal Cruise passengers".

"We know people may be disappointed, and we thank passengers for their patience as we work hard to bring the Royal Iris of the Mersey back into service," she added.