Lara 1 Lifts New Linkspan Bridges for the Ferry Across the Mersey

New linkspan bridges have been installed as part of the major refurbishment project at the Seacombe Ferry Terminal connecting Seacombe with Liverpool on opposite sides of the River Mersey.

The schedule for the work has included:

• Extensive refurbishment works have taken place over the past 10 months
• Old linkspan bridges had been in place for over 130 years
• Full re-opening to take place in Spring 2022
• The latest milestone in the refurbishment of Seacombe Ferry Terminal was passed last week as the new passenger linkspan bridges to the landing stage were successfully installed.

This phase of work has seen the existing linkspan bridges, which were over 130 years old and at the end of their operational life, removed and replaced and the landing stage undergo a major refurbishment, including upgrading the mooring bollards and installing new powered gangways.

Carried out over a four-day period, the new north and south linkspan bridges and refurbished north and south boom were installed using a specialist Lara 1 Crane Ship after being transported up the river from Garston via a barge.

The works are part of a major investment to keep the services running at Seacombe for many years to come.

Once complete, they’ll mean the landing stage can operate for another 25 years before any major future maintenance is needed.

Seacombe Ferry Terminal will remain closed until Spring 2022 whilst the terminal refurbishment works continue.

Cllr Liam Robinson, Transport and Air Quality Portfolio Holder for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority, said:“The installation of these new linkspan bridges marks a major milestone in this significant investment at Seacombe Ferry Terminal by the Combined Authority.

“We’re hugely grateful to our loyal Mersey Ferries customers and their patience while these works are being carried out and look forward to welcoming them back to Seacombe in the new year.

“The Mersey Ferries are an important part of our cultural identity in the city region and these works will make sure that they continue to run from Seacombe for many years to come.”

The crane ship Lara 1 is a regular visitor to the River Mersey. Formally named the Mersey Mammoth and built for the Mersey Docks and Harbour Company, Lara 1 has been operated by the Dutch marine crane barge specialist, Hapo International Barges B.V. since late 2011.

Following a dry docking and refit in the Netherlands in 2012 the 250t lift crane ship has been working on a long term contract to Peel Ports in Liverpool.

Local contractor John Sisk, who are carrying out the ferry terminal contract, appointed Osprey to manage the marine operations, who subsequently chartered the Lara 1 for the crane work.

Source Liverpool City Region and and Hapo International Barges B.V.