SNOWDROP © Frank Lose

Mersey Ferries out of service until early November as SNOWDROP engine repairs continue

FerryMersey Ferries has not run any sailings across the Mersey since 10 October because of an engine problem on SNOWDROP, currently the only vessel in service. The operator now expects services to resume in early November, according to a notice on its website.

Engineers are working on SNOWDROP's engine, and on 23 October Mersey Ferries said the 1960-built ferry was likely to be out of service for several weeks. Both the commuter crossings between Liverpool and Wirral and the Liverpool Sightseeing River Cruise are suspended. A replacement bus runs between Seacombe and Hamilton Square for morning and evening commuters, and Merseyrail accepts ferry tickets at commuter times.

SNOWDROP has run the service alone since ROYAL IRIS OF THE MERSEY was withdrawn at the end of March. The new ROYAL DAFFODIL, built for GBP 26 million at the former Cammell Laird yard in Birkenhead and handed over to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority in June, cannot yet step in. She made her first public cruise on 26 September but is still undergoing testing and essential work before entering passenger service, which the operator hopes will happen in early November.

okt 26 2026