Australian billionaire Clive Palmer launches plan to build Titanic II/2.0, a replica of the ill-fated majestic ship that sank in 1912 with more than 2,200 people on board, only about 700 survived.
Billionaire Palmer first launched plans for Titanic II in 2012, and again in 2018, saying this third launch is unstoppable.
“We are very pleased to announce that after unforeseen global delays, we have reengaged with partners to bring the dream of Titanic ll to life. Let the journey begin. It’s a lot more fun to do the Titanic 2.0 than it is to sit at home and count my money,” he said during the launch a day ago at a press conference.
Tenders are being sought, with plans to confirm a ship builder by the end of the year, to begin work in the first quarter of 2025. The billionaire says the ship builders will definitely come from Europe as he does not trust Chinese builders.
The ship itself will be similar in length as the original Titanic, measuring 269 meters (833 feet) long and 32.2 meters (105 feet) wide, slightly wider than the original. Capacity will be 2,345 passengers spread across nine decks with 835 cabins.
Since the sinking of the Titanic more than a century ago, researchers and historians remain captivated by its story which has led to James Cameron’s Oscar-winning 1997 blockbuster “Titanic,” and another exploration mission which ended in tragedy in June 2023.
