LOCAL businesses are being urged to get involved in plans for a new Mersey Ferry

An event held by metro mayor Steve Rotheram on Wednesday, July 11 at Mann Island hopes to bring local suppliers and maritime partners in order to secure funding for the new ferry which is due to come into service from 2021.

On Friday, Merseytravel publishes a 'Prior Information Notice' on their procurement portal to mark the beginning of receiving funding for the new vessel.

Mr Rotheram said: “I made it clear from the beginning that we need to maximise the opportunities for our excellent local supply chain when it comes to commissioning our new Mersey Ferry.

“That’s why I’ve asked Merseytravel to hold a supplier engagement event where we can introduce local businesses to some the maritime industry’s major shipyards both locally and from across the rest of the UK and Europe.

"We want to make sure local businesses are involved in conversations around the new ferry right from the start.

“Ensuring that our projects have social as well as economic value, is an integral part to the work of the Combined Authority.”

The event will give suppliers more details on the plans as well as allowing them to give feedback on proposals for the new ferry.

It is hoped the event will give smaller local businesses the chance to meet with companies from the maritime industry who may be interested in submitting proposals when the tending process starts later this year.

Mr Rotheram added: “It’s an open invitation to all suppliers, one which demonstrates how committed the City Region is to continuing the legacy of the iconic Mersey Ferries.

"I’d really encourage any companies interested in the future of the Mersey Ferries to come along to find out our plans.”

Merseytravel is managing the procurement process for the new vessel and they will be seeking passenger’s views on the design of the ferry before it comes into full service.

Transport portfolio holder for the Liverpool City Region Liam Robinson said: “Our current fleet is nearly 60 years old and in recent years has had some technical issues, meaning the ferry service we provide hasn’t been as reliable as we would expect.

“For every commuter journey by ferry there are three leisure journeys, so it’s clear that while a more modern ferry will help offer a more reliable service to commuters, it will also be better suited to the rising demand of leisure journeys.

“Although the cost of a new Ferry will be significant, we expect a new vessel better suited to this market, will help to bring down the cost of running the Mersey Ferries overall; securing them for generations to come."

Companies interested in attending Merseytravel’s supplier engagement event on July 11 can register interest at www.the-chest.org.uk or by emailing tender@merseytravel.gov.uk

Final call for expressions of interest from commercial operators or other organisations interested in providing a sustainable long term future for the Royal Daffodil will also be available through the same procurement portal until Friday, July 13.