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Australian billionaire Clive Palmer, who unveiled plans to build a replica of the Titanic in 2012, has issued an update ahead of its planned launch next year
Titanic II was set to launch next year (Image: Blue Star Line)
The £400m replica of the doomed Titanic that was due to launch in a matter of months looks set to be delayed. Australian billionaire Clive Palmer unveiled plans for the so-called Titanic II in April 2012, 100 years after the original vessel sank.
The ship was set to be an exact replica of the RMS Titanic, which sank on April 15, four days after it left Southampton for New York when it hit an iceberg. More than 1,500 people died in the incident, making it one of the deadliest peacetime maritime disasters.
How the grand staircase in Titanic II would look (Image: Blue Star Line)
Titanic II, operated by Blue Star Line, was set to boast more modern technology while retaining retro features like the Edwardian gym and Turkish baths. It was set to offer first, second and third class tickets as well as a smoking room, and a grand staircase that was featured in James Cameron’s iconic 1997 Hollywood film, Titanic.
The new ship, which was originally set for launch in 2018, was due to be able to carry 2,435 passengers and 900 crew. It would have 840 cabins and enough lifeboats for every single person on board.
Titanic II however is set to be 13ft wider than the original vessel, something Blue Star Line claims would make it safer. On its website, it says: “This enhancement enhances the ship’s structural integrity and ensures a smoother sailing experience across the open seas.”
It would also boast an additional safety deck packed with emergency equipment and lifeboats. Blue Star Lines also says it would address a “previous design flaw” by improving the captain’s visibility over the bow of the ship. It added: “This improvement enhances navigation and oversight capabilities, reducing the risk of collisions and enhancing overall safety.”
An impression of the swimming pool in Titanic II (Image: Blue Star Line)
Titanic II was set for its maiden voyage in 2027. It was due to mimic the route of the original Titanic, setting sail from Southampton before docking at Cherbourg, France, and then heading across the Atlantic to New York.
However on the Karl Stefanovic Show in March, Clive revealed it would be five years until he expects to get the ship underway. He said: “It took us seven years to design the ship, so it was a new class and [we had] to get it approved in the United States to build it.”
He added: “We’ve got our people in Europe looking for shipyards who can do it but you know, cruise ships have gone berserk since Covid and there’s about a five-year wait to get the ship underway, which is very disappointing.”
Previously the mining tycoon revealed he hoped to have the ship designed in three to four years, only to discover the necessary safety changes delayed the project.
The Titanic II dining area (Image: Blue Star Line)
Speaking to Rolling Stone magazine in 2024, he said: “We thought we could design the whole ship and have it ready in three to four years' construction.
“But it took about five to six years to design. Originally, the challenge was much greater because we had to incorporate all the safety provisions and still keep the design of the ship the same — that was a lot harder than we thought.”
Clive had previously claimed his boat would be “far, far, superior than the original". And when questioned if he had the funds for the ambitious project, estimated to be between £300m and £400m, he claimed he has "enough money to build the Titanic 10 times over".
Inside the Titanic II, first class was said to be a “realm of opulence and grandeur reminiscent of the Edwardian era”. Decorated with ornate chandeliers and polished woodwork, stewards would tend to the guests’ every need.
Clive Palmer launched Titanic II over a decade ago (Image: Getty)
Second class meanwhile was said to have an “atmosphere of understated luxury and genuine hospitality”. There would be communal areas and cozy lounges, Blue Star claims.
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While third class was set to have a “sense of camaraderie and adventure”. The company says it will provide a “taste of how it was” only with “more toilets”.
Tickets have not yet been released for Titanic II, with Blue Star Lines claiming prices will be available online once released.
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