In a bold move reminiscent of history, Australian billionaire Clive Palmer and his company Blue Star Line have announced plans to resurrect the Titanic II project, aiming to construct a modern replica of the ill-fated ship that sank in 1912.
According to reports from The Guardian, Palmer intends to secure a shipyard and commence construction of the vessel, promising it to be “far, far superior than the original,” beginning early next year. Despite previous false starts in 2012 and 2018, Palmer attributes the delays to the pandemic and asserts that this time, he has the financial resources to see the project through.
Addressing the public, Palmer expressed his determination, stating, “So I could do the Titanic. I’m gonna do it. It’s a lot more fun to do the Titanic than it is to sit at home and count my money.”
Tenders for the construction are set to be released in June, with contracts expected to be finalized by December. The estimated cost of the ambitious venture ranges between $500 million and $1 billion, with support from Finnish-based ship design and marine engineering company Deltamarin.
The Titanic II is envisioned to be 269 meters (833 feet) long and 32.2 meters (105 feet) wide, boasting a capacity for 2,345 passengers across 835 cabins. While nearly half of the cabins will cater to first-class passengers, third-class passengers will experience dining reminiscent of the original ship, with communal tables serving stew and mashed potatoes. However, modern dining alternatives will also be available for those seeking a more contemporary experience.
As plans for the Titanic II gain momentum, Palmer’s vision of recreating a timeless icon of maritime history is poised to capture the imagination of the world once again.
