Australian mining billionaire Clive Palmer plans to build a replica of the Titanic and repeat the most famous cruise in history.
Palmer first announced his plans in 2012 and again in 2018, and has now unveiled his passion project at the Sydney Opera House to build a replica ship and set sail in 2027, local Australian media reported.
“It is with great pleasure that we announce that, after unforeseen global delays, we have re-engaged with our partners to make the lifelong dream of “Titanic Two” come true. Let the journey begin,” Palmer said in a statement.
He pointed out that the blockade of cruises by government decisions brought the entire industry to a standstill, but that now the world’s best shipbuilders, designers and engineers will be hired to build “Titanic Two”.
“It’s a lot more fun to drive the “Titanic” than to sit at home and count your money,” said Palmer, whose fortune is estimated at $4.2 billion.
Tenders are now being drawn up to build the ship, and Palmer hopes to find a shipbuilder by the end of the year so that work can begin next year.
The ship will accommodate 2,345 passengers in 835 cabins on nine decks. Close to half of the rooms will be reserved for first class passengers.
The ship will have the same interior and cabin layout as the original Titanic, including a ballroom, swimming pool and Turkish baths.
“The Guardian” estimates that the construction of the 56,000-ton ship will cost between 500 million and 1 billion dollars.
The goal is that the new “Titanic” on its maiden voyage follows the original route of the infamous voyage from 1912, from Southampton to New York.
