First look onboard the new Mersey Ferry

Images of how the first new Mersey Ferry for 60 years could look have been released.

The £26m vessel is the first to be commissioned since the 1960s.

A series of CGI images and video have given the first glimpse inside the vessel which is being built by Birkenhead shipbuilder Cammell Laird.

The new ferry is planned to be running a passenger service by summer 2026.

The vessel is being designed with "cutting edge" green technologies that will help reduce its environmental impact, a Liverpool City Region Combined Authority representative said.

The lower deck will feature new seating, bike storage, and an event space.

A lift will also help provide access to the upper deck with full-length windows, a bar area and event space suitable for weddings, parties, and corporate events.

Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram, who announced the new ferry in December, said the ferry was "as iconic as the Liver Building or the Cammel Laird shipyard where it will be built".

“We’re building more than just a ferry, we’re building on our legacy," he said.

“We’ve taken something that’s deeply woven into the history of our region and reimagined it for the future.

“This ferry isn’t just about getting from one side of the river to the other—it’s about the enjoyment, the views, the memories, and the moments people will share on board.

"From commuters to couples celebrating their wedding day, we’re creating a space that’s as special as the Mersey itself.”

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas to [email protected]