A FERRY proud day for the city

'REAL CIVIC PRIDE' AS THE FIRST NEW MERSEY FERRY IN 60 YEARS IS LAUNCHED INTO RIVER FOR THE FIRST TIME

- By DAVID HUMPHREYS

Pictures by IAIN WATTS

THE first new Mersey Ferry to be built in 60 years has taken to the water for the first time.

Confirmed in 2023, construction began last autumn on the first vessel to be built to cross the river since the 1960s.

The £26m Royal Daffodil emerged from the construction hall at Cammell Laird's Birkenhead shipyard on the banks of the River Mersey in the early hours of yesterday morning.

The company, which has played a strategic role in UK shipbuilding for the past 200 years, is constructing the ferry on behalf of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

Painted in the fleet's historic red, white and black colours and with windows fitted, yesterday morning marked the first test of the ferry's capabilities.

Metro Mayor Steve Rotheram said there was a “real civic pride” in the new vessel being showcased on the river.