A project to build a new Mersey ferry in more than 60 years has been announced by the Mayor of Liverpool City Region.

The Mayor, Steve Rotheram said that the multi-million pound project will "ensure that the iconic 'Ferry Cross the Mersey' will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come."

According to ITV News, the new ferry is expected to be constructed at the historic Cammell Laird shipyard located in Birkenhead, opposite of Liverpool's famous Three Graces waterfront which includes the former Cunard Line building. 

The work at the shipyard on the Wirral Peninsula would support jobs, apprenticeships and development opportunities for the region in north-west England.

Steve Rotheram said: "The Mersey Ferries are not only a vital transport link between communities in the Liverpool City Region, they're also an important part of our identity.

"But, as the current vessels are older than the Gerry and the Pacemakers song that helped make them world famous, they are becoming harder and harder to maintain and definitely in need of an upgrade.

"There have been boats crossings the Mersey since the 12th century and, thanks to our investment, here they’ll stay…"

Following a consultation process in 2018, feedback received has led to a design which will provide passengers with greater comfort and improved accessibility so to enhance the overall experience on the service operated by MerseyTravel.

More here on the ferry service which Afloat adds is currently served by the Cammell Laird's 1960 built Royal Iris of the Mersey (see ex Mountwood's Dun Laoghaire role) which runs the commuter service in addition to River Explorer Cruises.

Another veteran ferry, the Snowdop (known as the Dazzle ferry) is out of service. The former Woodchurch also from the shipyard in Birkenhead, in more recent years was repainted in an eye-catching design in honour of the 'camouflage dazzle' patterns that were first used on vessels in World War One.