• Recognition for driving change and breaking barriers
• Reshaping what diversity in maritime really means
• Mersey Ferries steering the industry toward a fairer, brighter future

Mersey Ferries has been crowned Diversity Champion at the prestigious Mersey Maritime Industry Awards 2025.

The award celebrates Mersey Ferries ongoing commitment to building a workplace that’s inclusive, diverse, and truly representative of the communities it serves across the Liverpool City Region.

Receiving the award at a glittering ceremony at Liverpool Cathedral last night was a major moment for the team, reflecting the dedication, compassion, and openness shown at every level of the organisation.

Commenting on the award, Katherine Fairclough, Chief Executive of Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, said:

“At Mersey Ferries, our maritime team are leading the way on equality, diversity and inclusion, delivering real, measurable change that sets an example for the wider industry.

“Our strength lies in our people; a global crew and engineering team, from the city region spanning Panama to Nigeria, Romania to Surinam, all united by shared values and respect. .

“Together, we’re proving that diversity drives excellence, and that Mersey Ferries isn’t just navigating the River Mersey, we’re leading the way into a brighter, fairer future.

“From adapting roles to support colleagues with disabilities, to championing the Combined Authority’s LGBTQ+ Network and inspiring the next generation of women in maritime, this award is proof that inclusion isn’t just part of what we do, it’s who we are.

“We’ll keep pushing forward to make the maritime industry more inclusive, equitable, and inspiring for everyone”.

Diversity highlights include:

• The appointment of the first-ever female Superintendent and first female bridge officer, setting new benchmarks for leadership and opportunity.
• Continued investment in inclusive recruitment, workplace design, and accessibility, including features built into the new ferry, the Royal Daffodil.
• Appointment of the first female apprenticeship leading to a Captain’s role
• Use of apprenticeships to help navigate the changing landscape of recruitment and make careers in maritime more accessible.
• Support for colleagues overcoming personal and professional barriers, including a visually impaired teammate successfully transitioning into a new engineering career.
• A growing, diverse team that mirrors the vibrant communities it serves across the region.

Thanks to this activity and more, Mersey Ferries is now seeing more diverse applicants, stronger, more creative teams, and a culture where people truly feel they can bring their whole selves to wo