Mersey Ports : Liverpool and Birkenhead

The busy River Mersey and its two ports, Liverpool and Birkenhead, have seen great changes in recent years.

In Mersey Ports - Liverpool and Birkenhead, Ian Collard charts the developments that have taken place in maritime life on the Mersey, from the 1950s and 1960s through to the present day.

Ships of all shapes and sizes have been found on the Mersey, from the old Mersey ferries and the motor ferries that replaced them, to huge passenger liners and container ships. as well as tall ships, tugs and seacats. All of them feature in this detailed photographic history.

A host of international shipping companies are represented, including Blue Funnel, Ellerman, Harrison and Elder Dempster lines.

The Isle of Man Steam Packet Co. wintered its fleet in Morpeth Dock at Birkenhead, and Princes Landing Stage was once the focal point of activity at the docks, as passenger liners queued to berth.