Clive Palmer, an Australian mining magnate, has declared plans to build a replica of the Titanic, the most renowned cruise ship in history. According to CNN, Mr Palmer, who originally announced his plans in 2012 and again in 2018, revived his passion project of building a replica of the ship during an event at the Sydney Opera House on Wednesday.
Mr Palmer stated that his company, Blue Star Line, intends to build the duplicate ship and set sail in June 2027. “We are very pleased to announce that, following unforeseen global delays, we have re-engaged with partners to bring the dream of Titanic ll to life.” “Let the journey begin,” Mr Palmer stated in a press statement.
”The government lockdowns sent the cruise industry into a long-term shutdown, We are getting the best ship-builders, designers and engineers in the world back on deck to build Titanic II,” he further said. The billionaire claimed that this ship would be ”far, far superior to the original”.
”It’s a lot more fun to do the Titanic than it is to sit at home and count my money,” Mr Palmer told local media. The mining mogul has a net worth of $4.2 billion.
Tenders are currently being sought to build the ship, and Mr Palmer aims to find a shipbuilder by the end of the year so that construction can begin in 2025. The ship will accommodate 2,345 guests in 835 staterooms spread across nine decks. Nearly half of the rooms will be dedicated for first-class passengers.
New ‘Titanic II’ to replicate original ship’s interior, cabin layout, and amenities
The ship would feature the same interior and cabin configuration as the original vessel, including a ballroom, swimming pool, and Turkish baths.
”In 1912 the Titanic was the ship of dreams. For over a century Titanic’s legend has been powered by mystery, intrigue and respect for all she stood for,” Mr Palmer said. He estimated the 56,000-tonne ship would cost between $500m and $1 billion, as per a Guardian report.
”Titanic II is something that needed to be built. We all know how to make war. We get armies and we fund wars. People know about that. But it is a lot harder to make peace. To make peace you have got to stick with it every day. You progress inch by inch,” he added.
The ship’s inaugural trip is planned to follow the original itinerary of the disastrous 1912 voyage from Southampton to New York. It is set for 2027.
Notably, the RMS Titanic, a British passenger ship, was among the largest and most sumptuous ocean liners ever built. The ship was making its inaugural voyage from Southampton to New York City, with 2,240 passengers and crew on board. On April 15, 1912, the ship struck with a large iceberg, sinking in less than three hours. The marine accident killed over 1,500 persons, leaving only 705 survivors.
The tragedy inspired James Cameron’s Oscar-winning 1997 picture Titanic, which starred Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.