THE Mersey's first new ferry in more than 60 years will be called the Royal Daffodil.
The announcement was made by Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Liverpool City Region, during a keel-laying ceremony at the Cammell Laird shipyard on Friday, January 10.
This will be the sixth ferry to bear the name since it was first used in the early 1900s, and is set to enter service in the summer of 2026.
(Image: Supplied) The keel-laying ceremony, an integral part of maritime tradition, marks the start of the full assembly of the vessel.
This significant milestone was attended by engineers, apprentices, and APCL Group's CEO, David McGinley.
Special guest, Nurse Nadine Maguire from Marie Curie, was also present to lay a commemorative coin on the ferry's keel block in recognition of the charity's work.
Mr Rotheram said: "The world-famous Mersey Ferries have inspired hit songs and best-selling books; they’ve attracted visitors from around the world and they’ve connected communities on both sides of the River Mersey for hundreds of years.
"They are an instantly recognisable symbol of our city region, around the globe.
"That’s why I’m delighted to announce that the first new Mersey Ferry in more than 60 years will retain the iconic name and historic title carried by some of the best-loved vessels in our fleet, the Royal Daffodil.
"Not only is today’s keel-laying ceremony an important part of shipbuilding tradition, it also marks the important next step in the shipbuilding process."
(Image: Supplied) The new Royal Daffodil is part of a £26m investment to modernise the ferry fleet.
The vessel is designed with a blend of modern and traditional features, including event spaces, bars, bike storage, and improved accessibility.
It also includes open-plan decks and areas for functions and private parties.
The ferry is designed to be environmentally friendly, featuring an Azipod propeller system to reduce fuel usage, and a diesel-electric hybrid-ready engine, with the potential for conversion to full electric propulsion in the future.
(Image: Supplied) Mr McGinley said: "The keel-laying ceremony for the Royal Daffodil represented a significant milestone in the vessel’s construction process, marking the transition from preparation and fabrication to construction.
"Cammell Laird and the wider APCL Group is proud to be working in partnership with the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority to be building the Royal Daffodil, which will provide a platform for millions of local people and tourists to enjoy Liverpool and the wider Liverpool City Region for many years to come.
"The economic impact of contracts such as these ensure that shipyards like Cammell Laird can continue to operate and are critical to the ongoing development of shipbuilding in the UK.
"This ferry will also provide an opportunity to showcase Cammell Laird’s shipbuilding skills to the world and ensure that Merseyside remains a maritime leader on the global stage."
