THE new £26m Mersey Ferry took to the river for the 1st time today in an historic moment for the Liverpool City Region. 

Painted in the fleet’s historic red, white and black colours and with windows fitted, the 1st new Mersey Ferry in more than 60 years emerged from Cammell Laird’s giant construction hall on the banks of the Mersey early Thursday morning.  

In a carefully managed 24-hour operation, the Royal Daffodil was moved to the river’s edge to allow the incoming tide to slowly lift her clear and float the vessel for the very 1st time. She will then be tugged to the shipyard’s test basin where engineers will carry out further work ahead of full sea trials early next year.  

Liverpool City Region Mayor, Steve Rotheram, said:- “Despite huge procurement challenges, I promised in my manifesto that we’d build a new ferry on the banks of the Mersey at Cammell Laird, and that’s exactly what we’ve delivered. The ‘ferry cross the Mersey’ is a famous part of our cultural identity and I’m determined to keep it that way. The Royal Daffodil is now a symbol of our pride, progress and the world-class skills of our local workforce. Built right here in the Liverpool City Region, she’s cleaner, greener, and ready to carry this proud tradition into the future for many years to come.” 

David McGinley, Chief Executive of the APCL Group, added:- “The basin test is a vital stage in the shipbuilding process. It’s the 1st time a new vessel meets the water, and it allows us to confirm that everything performs as expected before she goes to sea. Seeing the Royal Daffodil afloat for the 1st time is a huge achievement for everyone involved in her construction. This is the 16th Mersey Ferry vessel we have constructed here in CL on the banks of the Mersey and we our proud to continue our involvement in this world famous service.” 

The Royal Daffodil will remain in the basin until early 2026 for further fit-out work before beginning river trials. Once in service, she will offer improved accessibility, cleaner and greener operations, and a more comfortable experience for both commuters and visitors. 

For more information on what visitors can expect from the Royal Daffodil, please visit the Mersey Ferries website.