Investment 'a real show of confidence' in Wirral's maritime industry
Wirral’s maritime industry is seeing an upsurge with recent investment and a new Mersey ferry built on the banks of the river.
The recent positive news about the multimillion-pound investment into the 12 Quays Terminal has capped a series of improvements locally including new terminals at Seacombe (completed 2022) and Woodside – currently ongoing.
And the first new Mersey Ferry in more than 60 years is being designed and constructed by Birkenhead shipbuilder Cammell Laird – named the Royal Daffodil it is due to arrive on the water in 2026.
Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Paula Basnett, said:
Wirral has a powerful and historic connection not just to the waters around it but to the world’s oceans and seas.
From the monks at the Priory providing the first Mersey ferry service based in Birkenhead, to the world famous Cammell Laird and its own proud history of shipbuilding and repairs, this borough has a proud heritage of building great vessels and nurturing an industry which continues its notable successes to this day.
The new ferry complements the considerable investment in both Seacombe and Woodside ferry terminals which will also support our plans for both Seacombe and the area around Woodside. Combined with the considerable recent investment by Stena Line in the terminal at 12 Quays, Cammell Laird forging ahead with building the latest Mersy Ferry as well as its wider successes, as well as our many smaller and less well known parts of Wirral’s maritime sector, there are a vital and important part of our economy.
I will be doing everything in my power to help us build on this and in doing so helping bring jobs, investment and prosperity to the borough in this sector which has played such an important role in Wirral’s history.
In October 2022 Mersey Ferries services made a welcome return to Seacombe following a major upgrade of the ferry terminal that has welcomed passengers for hundreds of years. The multi million pound investment saw both the 130-year-old linkspan bridges replaced, (a major piece of engineering work which can be viewed online).
The landing stage was also refurbished with new powered gangways to help people get on and off the ferry easily and safely and a contemporary ticket office area – integrating fully with the Eureka! Science and Discovery attraction on site.
Similarly at Woodside last year saw the 39-year-old landing stage, 110-tonne linkspan bridge and 45 tonne connecting boom removed as part of a wider project to regenerate the Ferry services for future generations.
The upgraded terminals will welcome the new £26m Mersey Ferry due to be launched by the summer of 2026, and which complement the ferry service to Ireland which has seen investment by Stena Line.
CEO Maritime UK, Chris Shirling-Rooke said:
95% of the UK's food, fuel and supplies come by sea, with our coastal communities being the beating heart of this incredible industry, Wirral is one such community. The increased investment into the borough will create more jobs and drive growth, it's a real show of confidence in the people and businesses that live there. I suspect along with the developments at Wirral Waters, there will be more positive news to come.
Richard Mawdsley, Director of Development for Wirral Waters, said:
Growing our economy is essential to creating jobs, and much of that growth can be driven by the marine and maritime sectors and Wirrals unique coastal assets. This covers trade and transport, leisure, energy, shipbuilding, and ‘place-making’ - and includes the much needed new homes at places like Millers Quay. Peel Waters welcomes the increasing investment into these areas.
The maritime industry’s commitment to decarbonisation is also a powerful catalyst for new jobs and skills. Working with government, academia, and Wirral’s new Leader, we will continue to unlock the area’s full potential, using key tools like Freeport status to support that ambition.
Earlier this month (June) the Swedish ferry company Stena Line said it is investing £17 million into developments at the 12 Quays Terminal in Birkenhead “to futureproof the operations” by increasing freight parking capacity and improving traffic flow.
This Ferry Terminal in Birkenhead has become a key hub for Stena Line which in February 2024, launched a new freight only service to Dublin, which has resulted in a significant increase in freight traffic through the terminal.
