First look inside new £26m Mersey Ferry
Multiple images reveal the interior of the new £26m Mersey Ferry Royal Daffodil which Cammell Laird has now officially handed over to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. Tony McDonough reports
New images show the interior of the new £26m Mersey Ferry Royal Daffodil.
Birkenhead shipbuilder Cammell Laird has officially handed over the vessel to Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. In recent weeks Royal Daffodil has been undergoing sea trials up and down the Mersey.
When it comes into service later this year, replacing the recently retired Royal Iris, the vessel will be the first new Mersey Ferry in more than 60 years. And new images show the interior and fit-out work that has taken place.
They reveal a contemporary lounge on the main deck at the back of the ferry, designed as a function space available for private hire. There is also a sneak peak of the bridge and decking area.
Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said: “This is a proud moment for our region and a big step forward for our public transport network.
“Just like our new publicly owned trains and modern bus fleet, this new ferry sits alongside the very best of our transport investments. We want people to step aboard and be genuinely wowed from the moment they arrive.
“This is just a first glimpse of what’s to come, our team will now be working hard behind the scenes to make sure everything is in ship-shape for passengers to experience the full reveal when she takes to the water later this year- watch this space.”
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Royal Daffodil has been built with versatility in mind, with dedicated event spaces that transform the ferry into a venue for conferences, corporate functions, and private celebrations.
A fully accessible interior includes a dedicated lift providing easy access to the upper deck, ensuring all passengers can enjoy the ferry’s facilities and panoramic views.
Over the coming months, there will be a programme of comprehensive captain and crew training, ahead of its launch later this year.