Birkenhead shipyard Cammell Laird is set to build the first new Mersey Ferry for more than 60 years at a cost of £26m and some preliminary images, and a video, have been released. Tony McDonough reports

New images and a fly-through video have been released offering the first glimpse of the new £26m Mersey Ferry due to be built at Cammell Laird in Birkenhead.

Late last year LBN exclusively revealed Cammell Laird would build the new vessel, the first Mersey Ferry to be built in more than 60 years. It was originally planned that the company would share the work with a Dutch shipyard.

Liverpool City Region Combined Authority will be funding the project and on Thursday Metro Mayor Steve Rotherham offered a flavour of how it will look. 

He said: “The great Gerry Marsden sang about a Ferry ‘cross the Mersey which is as iconic as the Liver Building or the Cammell Laird shipyard where it will be built.

“We’ve taken something that’s deeply woven into the history of our region and reimagined it for the future. This ferry isn’t just about getting from one side of the river to the other—it’s about the enjoyment, the views, the memories, and the moments people will share.

“From commuters to couples celebrating their wedding day, we’re creating a space that’s as special as the Mersey itself.”

Click here to see the new ferry video fly-through

It is planned the vessel will be in service by summer 2026. It will replace one of the existing two ferries – Royal Iris and Snowdrop. A decision on which one will be taken out of service has yet to be announced.

Honouring its heritage, the ferry’s exterior will retain the traditional livery and colours that are so beloved by passengers, but the interior will offer contemporary styling, warm tones, and plenty of natural light.

The lower deck will feature comfortable seating, bike storage, and a cozy event space perfect for celebrations.

On the upper deck, passengers will be treated to panoramic views of the Mersey through full-length windows, with a spacious bar area and event space suitable for weddings, parties, and corporate events.

The ferry will also include outdoor seating, making it an unbeatable venue for soaking in the sights of the Liverpool skyline.

Mr Rotheram says the ferry will be designed with “cutting-edge green technologies that will help reduce its environmental impact”. However, specific details on how the vessel will be powered has yet to be revealed.

Accessibility is also a top priority. A designated lift will provide easy access to the upper deck, ensuring all passengers, regardless of mobility, can enjoy the ferry’s amenities and views.

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Starting today, visitors can explore a virtual tour of the ferry at the Seacombe Terminal Wirral. The Future of the Ferries will offer an immersive experience allowing visitors to walk through the new ferry, exploring both the upper and lower decks.

There has been a ‘Ferry Across the Mersey’ for more than 800 years with the original service operated by the monks of Birkenhead Priory from a slipway on the Wirral side of the river still known as Monks Ferry.

For hundreds of years the Mersey Ferries provided a vital commuter service between Liverpool and Wirral and were immortalised in the 1960s hit by Gerry and the Pacemakers called Ferry ‘Cross the Mersey.