Australian billionaire Clive Palmer has revived the Titanic II project, an ambitious initiative to build a replica of the famous ship, but in a version he describes as "far, far superior" to the original, which met a tragic end during the voyage its inaugural
When the story of Titanic II began
In an impressive event held in a rented hall in the Sydney Opera House, Palmer made the long-awaited announcement that he plans to realize his long-held dream of building a 1:1 scale replica of the famous vessel. However, although he initially promised that his company, Blue Star Line, would build a "ship of love" that would redefine style and luxury, Palmer admitted that he had yet to find a suitable shipyard to build the vessel.
Almost a decade has passed since Palmer's press conference at London's Ritz Hotel, where he initiated the Titanic II project. However, although the project has been relaunched, it remains to be seen whether Palmer's dream of bringing the Titanic back to life will ever become a reality.
In response to a reporter's question in 2018 about the veracity of his project, Clive Palmer dismissed the idea that it could be a hoax or a publicity stunt. He qualified these accusations as "nonsense" and emphasized that he has "enough money to build the Titanic 10 times over".
Since then, Palmer has devoted his time and resources to various fields, from involvement in politics, serving as a member of the Australian federal parliament, to disbanding and reviving a political party, and investing in tourism and expensive election campaigns. The Titanic II project suffered a halt in 2015 following a legal dispute between one of Palmer's companies and the Chinese firm Citic, which left the project without funds.
The luxury ocean liner is almost ready
In 2018, Palmer re-announced the project and set 2022 as when the new Titanic would set sail on its maiden voyage. In the latest announcement, Palmer attributed the project's delays to the Covid-19 pandemic and stressed that it now has even greater financial resources. Here, in 2024, construction was resumed and the project is fast approaching completion.
At a press conference in Sydney Harbour, Palmer, 70, said he "could die at any time without having achieved anything great". However, he is adamant that he will continue to pursue his dream of building the Titanic and hopes that he will not close his eyes until he sees it floating on the sea.
