Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram has unveiled the name of the first new Mersey Ferry in more than 60 years, as the Royal Daffodil is set to enter service in the summer of 2026.

The Royal Daffodil will provide passengers with improved accessibility, new seating areas, and an on-board bar. The vessel will feature large open plan decks as well as event spaces for corporate functions and private parties.

The vessel has been designed with state-of-the-art green technology, including a propeller system for reduced fuel usage, along with a diesel-electric hybrid-ready engine with the potential for future conversion to full electric propulsion.

The design and name of the new Royal Daffodil will honour the heritage of the Mersey Ferries, with the exterior retaining the traditional white, black and red colour scheme of the historic fleet.

The announcement was made at the ferry’s keel laying ceremony at Birkenhead’s Cammell Laird shipyard. Mayor Rotheram was joined at the event by Nurse Nadine Maguire of end-of-life care charity Marie Curie, whose symbol is the daffodil.

To find out more about a cruise for your coach trip or tour, visit https://www.merseyferries.co.uk/