Billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer has once again announced plans to build a replica of the Titanic, promising a vessel “far, far superior than the original”. Speaking at a press conference at the Sydney Opera House, Palmer unveiled new designs for the Titanic II, nearly a decade after first announcing the project in London.
Palmer acknowledged that no shipyard has been secured yet, but expressed confidence that construction could begin early next year. He blamed the Covid pandemic for previous delays, adding, “I’ve got more money now”. The proposed maiden voyage from Southampton to New York is scheduled for June 2027, replicating the original’s ill-fated 1912 route.
The 56,000-tonne ship is estimated to cost between $500m and $1bn. Palmer said tenders would go out in June, with contracts signed by December. Finnish design firm Deltamarin is among those supporting the project. Journalists were shown a 3D video of the nine-deck vessel, featuring period interiors, a ballroom, swimming pool and Turkish baths.
Palmer, who turns 70 this month, said he wanted to avoid dying having “done nothing”. He added, “It’s a lot more fun to do the Titanic than it is to sit at home and count my money.” The original Titanic sank in 1912 after hitting an iceberg, killing about 1,500 people.
