Red Funnel's £10 million order for the new ship was announced on 14 February 2018.

The ferry provides 265 lane metres of roll-on/roll-off freight capacity and accommodation for up to 12 passengers.

[2] The keel for MV Red Kestrel was laid down on 31 May 2018 at Cammell Laird in Birkenhead in a ceremony attended by 300 guests.

[3][4] She was floated out on 19 February 2019 and in April underwent sea trials on the River Mersey.

[7] The vessel was officially named in a ceremony on 25 April 2019, attended by Alok Sharma, Minister of State for Employment.