An Australian Tycoon named Clive Palmer has been planning to build a replica Titanic for several years, and his vision is finally turning into a reality. The mining magnate and politician with the United Australia Party revealed this week that his cruise ship company, Blue Star Line, is in the process of selecting a European headquarters next year. The likely location is Paris.
“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 said. “Millions have dreamt of sailing on her, seeing her in port and experiencing her unique majesty. Titanic ll will be the ship where those dreams come true.”
Palmer appears in a video promoting the project, which shows people in period clothing walking near a grand staircase, enjoying tea in a cabin, and lounging in a Turkish bath. “Titanic represents the spirit of man. The spirit of love. The hope that all men have for peace on earth,” he said.
The ship will feature first-, second-, and third-class cabins to accommodate 2,435 passengers. Unlike the original Titanic, the Titanic II will have enough motorized lifeboats for everyone onboard as well as modern safety and navigation tools.
The original Titanic sank after hitting an iceberg during its first voyage in April 1912. Over 1,500 people died.
The Titanic II will travel between London and New York and visit several ports around the world.
“Blue Star Line will create an authentic Titanic experience, providing passengers with a ship that has the same interiors and cabin layout as the original vessel, while integrating modern safety procedures, navigation methods and 21st-century technology to produce the highest level of luxurious comfort,’’ Palmer said.
Palmer initially announced plans for the project in 2012, but plans were stalled in 2015 while his flagship company, Mineralogy, and the state-controlled Chinese company Citic were involved in a payment dispute. The dispute is ongoing, but some of the issues have been resolved, and Palmer has been able to once again focus on Titanic II.
According to a press release from Blue Star Line, “Mr. Palmer confirmed that the financial constraints brought about by the failure of Citic to pay Mineralogy its financial entitlements were responsible for work on the project is suspended. Now those matters have been resolved, work has recommenced to build and operate Titanic ll.”
Palmer’s nephew, Clive Mensink, will serve as the project’s European director. Mensink was previously the managing director of Palmer’s business, Queensland Nickel. After the company failed, Mensink relocated to Bulgaria. There are currently warrants for his arrest involving liquidation, reports the New York Times.
Mensink has not returned to Australia to face officials because liquidators would not pay his travel experiences, according to a press release. Palmer noted that his nephew is “the perfect candidate to deliver a world-class experience with Titanic II.”
He added that Mensink “shares Blue Star Line’s passion for recreating the ship of dreams as a symbol of love and peace in the world, playing to the Jack and Rose in all of us.”
Palmer was referencing the 1997 movie Titanic starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet.
It’s unclear where the Titanic II will be built. Blue Star Lines previously claimed it had received several $1 million offers from future passengers hoping to travel on the ship’s first voyage.
See what Titanic ll will look like here: https://youtu.be/QhRPvYbNDNE
