Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor, Steve Rotheram, has today announced proposals to commission a new state-of-the-art Mersey Ferry.

The proposal is a key element of the Mersey Ferries strategy, which will be supported by approval of next week’s Combined Authority budget.

Naval architects have prepared initial plans and, following a period of public consultation on the type of facilities for the new vessel, a tendering process will commence later this year.

This latest stage in the commissioning process brings delivery of the first new ferry for nearly 60 years significantly closer.

Steve Rotheram said:

“Ferries are such an important part of our identity. They have both a practical and an iconic value and will be a key element in our future transport and tourism strategies. This new ferry will be designed specifically for our needs and will ensure this ancient form of transport is relevant for the 21^st century. There will be ferries on the Mersey as long as there are Liver Birds on the Liver Building.”

The new ferry design is aimed at providing a vessel with greater comfort and versatility. As well as fulfilling its core role as an integral part of our public transport system, it could be used for events and river cruises to generate additional income and showcase our famous cityscape to new audiences.

Following public consultation, and agreement on a final design, the project will be taken forward with the new ferry ready for service before 2021.

Councillor Liam Robinson, Chair of Merseytravel, said:

“Our existing ferry fleet has given outstanding service to generations of commuters and visitors. They have been part of the scenery on the river, but if we are committed to the future of the ferry, now is the time to invest in a state-of-the-art vessel fit for the next 50 years.”