Amphibious vehicle tours to return to Liverpool

The new vehicle has been eight years in development, tour operator Splash Tours Liverpool says

Amphibious vehicle tours are set to return to a city after ten years.

Splash Tours Liverpool said the new purpose-built vehicle had been eight years in development, and was "totally different" from former duck boat tours.

The "Yellow Duckmarine", operated by a different firm, ran for 14 years before two sank in Salthouse Dock.

Splash Tours co-founder Ed Lumley said this new machine had been built using "the latest technology" and was "compliant with all safety laws".

He said: "We have designed something from the ground up. We are the only manufacturer in the world to manufacture and operate its own amphibious vehicles."

The vehicle was designed with "nine watertight compartments which would ensure the vehicle would remain afloat", he added.

"All of those procedures are in place, that's why its taken eight years to develop."

The previous duck boat tours used World War Two DUKW trucks, landing craft built in the 1940s.

The Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB) found poor maintenance and a failure to meet standards were to blame for the sinking and the tours ceased operating in 2014.

Amphibious vehicle tours are expected to "splashdown" in Salthouse Dock in spring

The new Liverpool land and water tour, planned to start in spring, will take in landmarks including the Liver Building, St George's Hall and the two city cathedrals before returning to Albert Dock for a splashdown.

Sean Morrison, from the Royal Albert Dock, said it was "wonderful" the tour would be coming to the docks.

"In a city steeped with history, we're delighted to be part of a unique experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in Liverpool and provides an exciting opportunity to see the iconic waterfront like never before," he said.

Andrea Barrett, from the Canal and River Trust, said Splash Tours would join an "already thriving community of leisure craft - such as trip boats and floating restaurants - on and around Canal and River Trust's water at Royal Albert Dock."