Major milestone as new Mersey Ferry begins sea trials

History will be made this week as the first new Mersey Ferry in over 60 years begins sea trials on the river, giving people the first chance to see the Royal Daffodil in action.

Painted in Mersey Ferries’ historic red, white and black colours, the Royal Daffodil is due to leave APCL Cammell Laird’s shipyard in Birkenhead on Thursday 16 April where she has spent two years under construction.

The ferry was first floated on the river last November and moved immediately to the shipyard’s test basin to be fitted out internally.

The start of sea trials is a highly visible, landmark moment for the world-famous Mersey Ferries and comes just a fortnight after the Royal Iris was retired and the Dazzle Ferry ‘Snowdrop’ resumed services on the river.

As part of a complex, carefully coordinated process, the trials will assess the 750-tonne ferry’s operational performance, control systems, propulsion power and manoeuvrability.

Onboard engineers will put the ferry’s navigation and communication systems through their paces, test passenger safety features such as alarms and lifesaving equipment, plus carry out berthing operations at the Seacombe and Pier Head terminals, to ensure the vessel meets maritime industry standards.

It is estimated the £26m, 50-metre-long ferry will reach around 12 knots during the two-day test period.

Looking ahead, more sea trials are planned, along with captain and crew training, as teams get the new ferry ready for passenger service later this year.

The purpose-built, fully accessible vessel 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.

With warm tones and thick fabrics, it will offer a new level of comfort for the world-famous Mersey Ferries while securing the service for future generations.

A virtual walkthrough – accessible on the Mersey Ferries website or at the ‘Future of the Ferries’ exhibition 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.