Construction underway on first new Mersey Ferry in 60 years

Mayor Steve Rotheram has announced construction is underway on the first new world-famous Mersey Ferry in more than 60 years.

The landmark moment marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for the iconic ferries, which have been sailing on the River Mersey for more than 800 years. The new vessel will ensure Mersey Ferries remains a proud part of Liverpool City Region’s visitor attractions.

Following the all-important steel cutting, construction is now underway at APCL’s Cammell Laird’s Birkenhead facility, where the state-of-the-art Mersey Ferry is being built.

The hull is beginning to take shape thanks to more than 90,000 metres of welding, and a total of 327 tonnes of steel, creating the backbone of the impressive vessel.  

From platers to welders, 25 apprentices are investing a total of 17,000 hours on the history-making project and are embracing the unique opportunity to be a part of the Mersey Ferries legacy.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Liverpool City Region, said:

“The world-famous Mersey Ferry has inspired books and songs and has been making waves in our city region for more than 100 years. Today, we begin its next chapter. 

“As a staple of our heritage, the ferry has connected millions of people over its 800-year history, many of whom will remember the first time they hopped aboard. 

“We want future generations to experience that same feeling, which is why we’re investing in a new boat and why we’ve developed a 20-year strategy to keep the Mersey Ferries on the water for many more years to come.”

David McGinley, CEO of APCL Group added:

“Cammell Laird has a long history of supporting Mersey Ferries, our facility has built 15 of the vessels, dating back to 1836, as well as helping to maintain the current fleet.

“This new project will be built by apprentices working alongside our highly- experienced teams to create a state-of-the-art vessel that we will all be able to enjoy for decades to come.

“Cammell Laird is excited to be working with the team and to bring to life a project that has been many years in the making, which will further cement our history together. “

The announcement follows last month’s unveiling of the first images showing what passengers can expect when they embark on the impressive new boat.

Expected to set sail by summer 2026, the new Mersey Ferry will feature state of the art navigation and steering systems as well as providing improved spaces for events and functions.

The new ferry is designed to offer a world-class experience to both everyday passengers and eventgoers thanks to large, open plan decks and smaller, more intimate event spaces for corporate functions and private parties, alongside new regular seasonal cruises.

A virtual walkthrough – accessible on the Mersey Ferries website or at a ‘Future of the Ferries’ exhibition in situ at Seacombe Terminal – allows passengers to experience the new high-spec Ferry, while being able to immerse themselves in the luxurious, comfortable surroundings and picture themselves enjoying a cruise while taking in the unique views across the Mersey that only the Ferries can offer.

The new vessel’s design will honour the rich heritage of the Mersey Ferries, with the exterior retaining the traditional livery and colours of the iconic fleet, while the interiors boast a stylish, contemporary theme. 

For more information on Mersey Ferries, please visit the Mersey Ferries website.