Shipbuilder APCL Cammell Laird of Birkenhead marked a historic milestone as the first new Mersey Ferry in more than 60 years for the Liverpool City Region took to the river for the very first time, writes Jehan Ashmore.
The £26 million newbuild Royal Daffodil, painted in the traditional Mersey Ferry fleet livery of black, red, and white, last week was moved in a 24-hour operation from the shipbuilder’s construction hall to the river’s edge. This facilitated an incoming tide to slowly lift the new ferry clear and float for the very first time, and the propulsion, steering, and safety systems were successfully completed.
Involved in the operation were a pair of tugs. Afloat adds from the local Boluda Towage fleet, which saw the 327-ton newbuild taken to the shipyards adjacent Wet Basin. Engineers will carry out further fit-out works ahead of full sea trials to be taken early next year.
David McGinley, CEO of APCL Group, said, “The basin test is a vital stage in the shipbuilding process. It’s the first time a new vessel meets the water, and it allows us to confirm that everything performs as expected before she goes to sea. Seeing the Royal Daffodil afloat for the first time is a huge achievement for everyone involved in her construction."
The CEO added, "This is the 16th Mersey Ferry vessel we have constructed here in APCL Cammell Laird on the banks of the Mersey, and we are proud to continue our involvement in this world-famous service."
Commenting on the float-out launch, Mayor of the Liverpool Region Steve Rotheram said, “This Royal Daffodil is more than a vessel. She represents our region’s future transport network—green, sustainable, and best-in-class.”
With basin testing successfully completed, Royal Daffodil moves on to final outfitting and certification of the 500-passenger ferry before entering service.
Also attending the float-out launch were the future captains who will be sailing the commuter vessel Royal Daffodil across the River Mersey, linking Liverpool's Gerry Marsden (Pier Head) and Seacombe on the Wirral peninsula. They, along with a crew of 5, will be the next generation to continue the long-standing and unique part of the English northwest city’s regional transport network, where passengers can look forward to a more accessible, low-emission, and modern ferry that still pays homage to its rich history. In addition visitors can ‘cross the Mersey and take in the sight of Liverpool's famous waterfront known as the 'Three Graces.'
On the opposite bank on the Wirral is where Cammell Laird has had a rich shipbuilding history for more than 120 years. Its 130-acre site has four dry docks and one of the largest modular construction halls in Europe. Afloat has tracked the following vessels currently in dry dock: the freight ferry, Stena Hibernia; CalMac’s newbuild, Glen Sannox; and the local Irish Sea ferry, Stena Embla, of the Birkenhead-Belfast route.
