Metro Mayor reveals plan for first new-build Mersey Ferry in almost 60 years
Naval architects have prepared initial plans and, following a period of public consultation on the type of facilities for the new vessel, a tendering process will commence later this year. Tony McDonough reports
Plans for the first new-build Mersey Ferry in almost 60 years are revealed today.
Mersey Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram says the proposal is a key element of the Mersey Ferries strategy, which will be supported by approval of next week’s Combined Authority budget.
Naval architects have prepared initial plans and, following a period of public consultation on the type of facilities for the new vessel, a tendering process will commence later this year.
There are currently two Mersey Ferries vessels – Royal Iris and Snowdrop (the Dazzle Ferry). Both are decades old and are worked hard. They operate the morning and evening commuter sailings, the hour-long daytime cruises as well as the Manchester Ship Canal cruises in the summer.
There have been occasions in recent times when both have had to be taken out of service for essential maintenance and a new ferry would certainly lighten the load and maintain a service that has been in existence for more than 800 years.
Mr Rotheram said: “Ferries are such an important part of our identity. They have both a practical and an iconic value and will be a key element in our future transport and tourism strategies.
“This new ferry will be designed specifically for our needs and will ensure this ancient form of transport is relevant for the 21st century. There will be ferries on the Mersey as long as there are Liver Birds on the Liver Building.”
The new ferry design is aimed at providing a vessel with greater comfort and versatility. As well as fulfilling its core role as an integral part of our public transport system, it could be used for events and river cruises to generate additional income and showcase our famous cityscape to new audiences.
Following public consultation, and agreement on a final design, the project will be taken forward with the new ferry ready for service before 2021.
Councillor Liam Robinson, chair of Merseytravel, added: “Our existing ferry fleet has given outstanding service to generations of commuters and visitors. They have been part of the scenery on the river, but if we are committed to the future of the ferry, now is the time to invest in a state-of-the-art vessel fit for the next 50 years.”