MV Royal Iris

MV Royal Iris is a twin screw, diesel-electric, Mersey Ferry. The vessel was built by William Denny & Brothers of Dumbarton (Yard No. 1448) and launched in December 1950, costing £256,000. She was the third Mersey ferry to carry the 'Royal Iris' name. The engines were produced by Ruston & Hornsby Metropolitan-Vickers. Propulsion: 4 oil 4SA, each six cylinders driving four generators, each 300 kW/300v DC-connected to two electric motors, each 730shp and 2 shafts. The maximum speed is 12 knots. The ship measured 1,234 GT. Length is 159 feet long and 48 feet wide, with a draught of 9 feet. At least during the first decade of its life, the ship's diesel-electric propulsion made her more economical to run than the other vessels in the fleet. Since 2002, the vessel has been laid up in a berth on the River Thames, close to the Thames Barrier in Woolwich. As of 2022, the ship continues to sit derelict and half submerged at its moorings and by 2025, her interior had been gutted by fire.