After an absence of more than three weeks Mersey Ferries are back in business on Tuesday as the £26m Royal Daffodil comes into full service for the first time as the stricken Snowdrop remains out of action. Tony McDonough reports
Mersey Ferries’ new £26m vessel Royal Daffodil comes into full service for the first time on Tuesday (November 3) and not a moment too soon.
Since October 10, more than three weeks ago, no Mersey Ferries have operated on the river as Snowdrop suffers an “ongoing mechanical issue with its engine”. Royal Iris was taken out of service for good earlier this year.
Although Royal Daffodil was officially launched several weeks ago she only comes into full service, operating both commuter and river cruise services, this week. Snowdrop is expected to remain out of action for several more weeks.
Royal Daffodil was built by workers and apprentices at the Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead. She underwent extensive sea trials before embarking on her maiden voyage in September.
She is the first new Mersey Ferry to come into service in 60 years and the problems with Snowdrop underline why a new vessel was necessary if the service was to continue.
City region Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “The Mersey Ferries are part of who we are as a city region. They’ve carried generations of people across the river, welcomed millions of visitors and become one of the most recognisable symbols of our home.
“I’m really proud that the Royal Daffodil is now ready to take her place in that centuries-old story. She’s a fantastic new vessel, built right here on the banks of the Mersey in Birkenhead, bringing our proud shipbuilding heritage together with the modern facilities passengers rightly expect.”
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Painted in Mersey Ferries’ iconic red, white and black colours, the vessel features a contemporary lounge, catering facilities, spacious open decks and panoramic windows.
The ferry has an on-board lift, while USB charging points, baby-changing facilities and cycle parking are also available.