Australian billionaire plans to build Titanic II

Clive Palmer

Consider me provisionally intrigued:

Queensland billionaire mining magnate Clive Palmer has unveiled his plans to build the Titanic II to add to his tourism portfolio.

Mr Palmer said his new company Blue Star Line Pty Ltd had commissioned the state-owned Chinese company CSC Jinling Shipyard to build a near replica of the ill-fated Titanic. The cost is unknown.

[…]

Mr Palmer said the companies had signed a memorandum of understanding to build the cruise liner in China, with the ship's maiden voyage from England to North America scheduled for late 2016.

"It will be every bit as luxurious as the original Titanic but of course it will have state-of-the-art 21st-century technology and the latest navigation and safety systems," Mr Palmer said.

Technical specs are limited:

Mr Palmer said a historical research team was involved in the design of the Titanic II, which would have the same dimensions as its predecessor, with 840 rooms and nine decks.

The only differences would be found below the water line, he said, and would include a bulbous bow for greater fuel efficiency and diesel generation, and an enlarged rudder and bow thrusters for improved manoeuvrability.

"Titanic II will be the ultimate in comfort and luxury with on-board gymnasiums and swimming pools, libraries, high class restaurants and luxury cabins," Mr Palmer said.

I’ve heard of a variety of plans for a “Titanic II” over the years, few of which even seemed plausible and none of which ever graduated from the drawing board. I’ve never heard of Mr. Palmer and the details are still sketchy, but it does sound like those behind this latest hopeful endeavor have some idea of what they’re talking about.

Of course, now, being the perfectionist that I am, I will be ever so peeved if they make the critical mistake of giving the ship the Olympic’s open A-Deck promenade wall design. It’s irksome enough to constantly see photographs of the Titanic’s sister ship paraded as pictures of the actual Ship of Dreams.

… Why, yes, I am a complete and utter pedantic geek. Why you ask?

(via @BreakingNews)

Tags: Titanic • RMS Titanic • Titanic II • Clive Palmer