New £26m Mersey Ferry revealed with construction well under way

Images of the first new £26m Mersey Ferry in more than 60 years have been revealed, showing a striking blend of modern ship design with traditional Mersey Ferry colours.

The livery is revealed in an updated CGI video which shows how the vessel will look in front of Liverpool’s iconic waterfront, along with images of its stylish interior.

By retaining the fleet’s traditional red, black and white colour scheme and false funnel, the exterior respects the Mersey Ferries’ rich heritage, while the interior boasts a contemporary theme fit for the future.

Construction of the new Mersey Ferry is currently under way at Cammell Laird’s Birkenhead shipyard, with services due to start by summer 2026.

Steve Rotheram, Mayor of Liverpool City Region, said: “The world famous Mersey Ferries have served the people of the Liverpool City Region for over 800 years.

“With a perfect blend of traditional and contemporary design, the new ferry will be visually striking whether you’re watching it sail down the Mersey from the waterfront or travelling on board.

“The Mersey Ferries are a proud part of our past and our future, which is why we’re investing in not only a new ferry, but also Seacombe and Woodside terminals on the Wirral to ensure the ferries remain a unique attraction on the River Mersey for generations to come.”

David McGinley, CEO of Cammell Laird parent, APCL Group, said: “Construction of the new ferry is now well under way, and the vessel is really starting to take shape.

“Cammell Laird is working in partnership with its supply chain to deliver both the exterior and interior of the vessel as we work around the clock to make these images a reality.”

The new Mersey Ferry will feature state of the art navigation and steering systems as well as providing improved spaces for events and functions.

The accessible new ferry 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.

The virtual flythrough – 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 while taking in the unique views across the Mersey.