Billionaire wants to sail Titanic II from Southampton to New York in 2016
One of Australia’s wealthiest businessmen has announced plans to build a replica of the Titanic and sail her from Southampton to New York in 2016.
Billionaire Clive Palmer revealed in a news conference that he has already signed a memorandum of understanding with CSC Jinling Shipyard to build Titanic II.
He plans to use the best technology available to build a replica of the ship, which will offer luxury cruises across the Atlantic. Palmer explained: “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.”
When asked if he thinks the ship would suffer the same fate as her namesake, Palmer said: “Of course it will sink if you put a hole in it.”
He added: “It’s going to be designed so it won’t sink. But of course, if you are superstitious you never know what could happen.”
The original Titanic was dubbed “virtually unsinkable” when she set off on her maiden voyage, killing over 1,500 passengers and crew after hitting an iceberg in the Atlantic Ocean.
Last year an ill-fated cabin cruiser called Titanic II sank on her maiden voyage, though the consequences were far less devastating. Luckily no one was hurt when the 16ft cruiser sank at West Bay Harbour in Dorset.
The news comes just hours after mining magnate Palmer announced he will stand for election to the Australian federal parliament, drawing accusations that the enterprise is a publicity stunt for his fledgling political career.
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