Australian billionaire, Clive Palmer, is planning to use his amassed wealth to recreate the Titanic voyage. The billionaire recently announced his plans for the project at the Sydney Opera House on Wednesday, with his plan to recreate the Titanic ship on its voyage in the original journey.
This marks the third attempt Palmer has had in his project of recreating the Titanic, with him initially announcing his plans in 2012, but which then failed in 2015 due to payment issues. The project was then announced ounce again in 2018 and is set to sail in 2022. The latest failure, Palmer explains, was a result of “unforeseen global delays” because of COVID-19.
“The government lockdowns sent the cruise industry into a long-term shutdown, but shipping is back in full business with passenger numbers now surpassing pre-COVID levels,” Palmer explained at a press conference. “We are getting the best shipbuilders, designers and engineers in the world back on deck to build Titanic II.”
Palmer further explained his plans of recreating the Titanic stems from his hopes of inspiring world peace. “In 1912 the Titanic was the ship of dreams. For over a century, Titanic’s legend has been powered by mystery, intrigue, and respect for all she stood for,’’ Palmer stated.
“Titanic II is something that needed to be built,” he said. “We all know how to make war. We get armies and we fund wars. People know about that. But it is a lot harder to make peace. To make peace, you have got to stick with it every day. You progress inch by inch.” Palmer added, his recreation of the Titanic “can be a ship of peace between all countries of the world.”
The dimensions of the ship will be 268 meters (833 feet) long and 32.2 meters (105 feet) wide, similar size to the original except slightly larger. The ship will also have a passenger capacity of 2,345 passengers living across 9 decks with 835 cabins. Passengers will also be encouraged to dress in the style of the 1900s, although this is not required, a spokesperson added.
Written by Kevin Han
