MERSEY Ferries are to resume crossings after technical issues forced vessels out of service.

At the end of June, the commuter ships were taken out of action after ferry bosses revealed there had been issues around licensing. This was compounded by additional technical issues last week.

In a social media post this afternoon, Mersey Ferries confirmed services would resume today, after initially indicating they may not be able to run.

Last month, replacement bus services had to be put in place for both the morning and afternoon commuter services between Seacombe Ferry Terminal and Hamilton Square station in Wirral after it emerged delays on passenger licensing approvals meant neither ferry could take to the river. A spokesperson for the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority said it had taken the “tough choice” to suspend River Explorer Cruise and Direct Cross-River services to fulfil its commitment to Manchester Ship Canal Cruise passengers.

The statement added: “Replacement buses are in operation for our loyal commuters. We know people may be disappointed, and we thank passengers for their patience as we work hard to bring the Royal Iris of the Mersey back into service.”

Ferries have been a feature on the River Mersey for more than 800 years and has become a famous part of Merseyside life. The ferries were immortalised by the Gerry and the Pacemakers hit, Ferry Cross the Mersey.

The commuter ferry service operates each weekday between the Liverpool Gerry Marsden ferry terminal at the Pier Head and Seacombe in Wirral. There are also a number of cruise options available for tourists and sightseers.

The wait for services across the river looked to be further extending into this month when Mersey Ferries posted on Monday that” due to an ongoing technical issue,” all services remained suspended and were not expected to go ahead today.

However, passengers were welcomed back on board as of this afternoon from Liverpool Pier Head terminal. In a follow up post, the company said: “Great news!

“Services will resume at 2pm from Pier Head Liverpool. Thank you for your patience and happy sailing!”

The ferries are owned and operated by Merseytravel, the executive body that provides professional, strategic and operational transport advice to the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority. It was revealed last year a new Mersey Ferry will be built at the historic Cammell Laird shipyard in Birkenhead after a deal was finally struck on the £26m project.