The new Mersey Ferry Royal Daffodil is a step closer to entering service, with the crew now operating the vessel entirely on their own for the first time. This marks a significant milestone in the ferry's preparation, as crews have undergone extensive training to master the new technology and systems.
A Decade of Work Culminates
Marine operations manager Ian Hayman has spent the last decade turning the project from an idea into reality. He said: "We've reached a huge milestone recently because for the first time, the Royal Daffodil has been operated entirely by our own crew, from the engineers and bridge team through to the deckhands. It's been fantastic to see the progress everyone has made."
Hayman added: "I've spent 10 years working on Royal Daffodil and seeing that vision become reality, and even exceeding our expectations, is absolutely fantastic."
New Technology and Training
Unlike the existing fleet, Royal Daffodil uses diesel-electric propulsion and highly manoeuvrable systems that required months of specialist training. Hayman noted: "This is a completely different vessel to what we've operated before. It's more responsive, more modern and gives us opportunities to deliver an even better experience for passengers. But bringing a vessel like this into service is a huge team effort."
Captain Gary Simpson has been part of that journey from the very beginning. He said: "The difference between Royal Daffodil and the vessels we've operated before is night and day. The propulsion system is completely different, and the learning curve has been huge. It's been exciting from the very beginning. We saw the vessel when it was still being built, then worked on simulators, then sea trials, and now we're operating her ourselves. To see everything coming together is really special."
Simpson was also the final captain to command the much-loved Royal Iris before she left passenger service. He said: "I was the last captain of Royal Iris passenger service, so saying goodbye was emotional because she meant a lot to so many people. But looking at what we've got now, Royal Daffodil is an absolute game changer for Mersey Ferries."
Engineering and Teamwork
Below deck, engineer Dawang Haruna has been getting to know every inch of the vessel's new machinery. Engineering runs in his family, with both his father and grandfather working as mechanical engineers, and after training in Nigeria before spending more than a decade at sea, he now finds himself involved in what he describes as a "once-in-a-career opportunity".
Haruna said: "Very few engineers get the chance to be involved with a brand new vessel from construction through to commissioning and into service. It's a once-in-a-career opportunity and I'm very proud to be part of that story. We're moving from systems that were much more manual to systems that are highly automated and diagnostic-led. The technology, reliability and environmental performance are on another level. We call ourselves a crew because everybody plays a vital role. Just like a football team, everybody depends on everybody else."
That sense of teamwork is something deckhand Phil Rogers says has stood out throughout months of training. He said: "A lot of the training is about getting familiar with the vessel and understanding all the new systems. Communication is a huge part of it because everybody needs to work together. It makes me really proud to be part of bringing a new vessel into service. Opportunities like this don't come around very often, so I feel very privileged to be part of the crew helping to write the next chapter for Mersey Ferries. The best thing about working at Mersey Ferries is the sense of togetherness. Whether you're on deck, in the engine room or on the bridge, everybody works together and everybody plays a part."
New Faces and a Bright Future
Marine customer service officer Katey Hutchinson only joined Mersey Ferries earlier this year after more than a decade working in the international yachting industry. Returning home to the region, she said Royal Daffodil represents an exciting new chapter. She said: "For me, working on the Mersey Ferries combines two things I've always loved, being on the water and meeting people. Every day is different, whether we're carrying commuters, welcoming visitors from around the world or helping families enjoy a day out on the river. Being part of the training on Royal Daffodil has been really exciting. The vessel is a huge step forward and it's amazing to see the difference in the technology, the space and the facilities on board. It's an exciting time to be part of Mersey Ferries, and I feel very proud to be helping prepare such an important vessel for service. What stands out most is the team. Everyone supports each other, and there's a real sense of togetherness. Whether you're on deck, in the engine room, or on the bridge, everybody works together to make sure passengers have a great experience."
Painted in Mersey Ferries' traditional red, white and black colours, Royal Daffodil has been designed to offer more than simply a journey across the river. The ferry features spacious lounges, modern bars, open air viewing decks and flexible event spaces that can host conferences, celebrations and corporate events, while a fully accessible layout, including a lift to the upper deck, ensures every passenger can enjoy the experience.
As the vessel moves closer to entering service, those who have spent months preparing her say they are looking forward to welcoming passengers aboard and beginning the next chapter in the long history of Mersey Ferries.
