Billionaire launches plans for Titanic replica
NEW YORK (AP) - What could possibly go wrong?
An Australian billionaire is getting ready to build a new version of the Titanic that could set sail in late 2016.
Clive Palmer unveiled blueprints for the famously doomed ship's namesake Tuesday at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York. He said construction is scheduled to start soon in China.
Palmer said 40,000 people have expressed interest in tickets for the maiden voyage, taking the original course from Southampton, England, to New York. He said people are inspired by his quest to replicate one of the most famous vessels in history.
"We all live on this planet, we all breathe the same air and, of course, the Titanic is about the things we've got in common," he said. "It links three continents."
The original Titanic was the world's largest and most luxurious ocean liner when it hit an iceberg in the North Atlantic and sank on April 15, 1912. Only 700 people of the more than 2,200 on board survived the most famous maritime disaster in history, partly because there were not enough lifeboats to carry everyone.
Palmer said an unknown when the original ship sailed - climate change - may play into a positive for the new ship's fate.
"One of the benefits of global warming is there hasn't been as many icebergs in the North Atlantic these days," Palmer said.
Passengers on board the replica will dress in the fashion of that period and eat dishes from the original menu, in dining rooms copied from the ill-fated predecessor.
Joining Palmer on Tuesday was Helen Benziger, the great granddaughter of Titanic survivor Margaret "Molly" Brown. Benziger, who agreed to serve on the advisory board for the Titanic II, said her great grandmother, who died in 1932, would have loved to see the Titanic rebuilt and complete the journey it never got to finish.
In what some may consider a temptation of fate for a remake of a notoriously "unsinkable" ship that sank, a representative of the Finnish designer of the Titanic II said it will be the "safest cruise ship in the world."
Markku Kanerva, director of sales for marine design company Deltamarin said that while the vessel is modeled after the legendary liner - the diesel-powered ship will even have four decorative smoke stacks mimicking the coal-powered originals - it will meet modern navigation and safety requirements.
In addition, plans call for a new "safety deck" featuring state-of-the-art lifeboats, safety chutes and slides. The new ship will also have amenities unknown a century ago, like air conditioning.
Palmer, who is funding construction of the ship himself, built his fortune in real estate and coal. Australia's BRW magazine estimated his net worth last year at $4 billion, although Forbes puts it at $895 million.
"I want to spend the money I've got before I die," he said. "You might as well spend it, not leave it to the kids to spend, there will be enough left for them anyway."
An Australian billionaire is getting ready to build a new version of the Titanic that could set sail in late 2016.
Clive Palmer unveiled blueprints for the famously doomed ship's namesake Tuesday at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York. He said construction is scheduled to start soon in China.
Palmer said 40,000 people have expressed interest in tickets for the maiden voyage, taking the original course from Southampton, England, to New York. He said people are inspired by his quest to replicate one of the most famous vessels in history.
"We all live on this planet, we all breathe the same air and, of course, the Titanic is about the things we've got in common," he said. "It links three continents."
The original Titanic was the world's largest and most luxurious ocean liner when it hit an iceberg in the North Atlantic and sank on April 15, 1912. Only 700 people of the more than 2,200 on board survived the most famous maritime disaster in history, partly because there were not enough lifeboats to carry everyone.
Palmer said an unknown when the original ship sailed - climate change - may play into a positive for the new ship's fate.
"One of the benefits of global warming is there hasn't been as many icebergs in the North Atlantic these days," Palmer said.
Passengers on board the replica will dress in the fashion of that period and eat dishes from the original menu, in dining rooms copied from the ill-fated predecessor.
Joining Palmer on Tuesday was Helen Benziger, the great granddaughter of Titanic survivor Margaret "Molly" Brown. Benziger, who agreed to serve on the advisory board for the Titanic II, said her great grandmother, who died in 1932, would have loved to see the Titanic rebuilt and complete the journey it never got to finish.
In what some may consider a temptation of fate for a remake of a notoriously "unsinkable" ship that sank, a representative of the Finnish designer of the Titanic II said it will be the "safest cruise ship in the world."
Markku Kanerva, director of sales for marine design company Deltamarin said that while the vessel is modeled after the legendary liner - the diesel-powered ship will even have four decorative smoke stacks mimicking the coal-powered originals - it will meet modern navigation and safety requirements.
In addition, plans call for a new "safety deck" featuring state-of-the-art lifeboats, safety chutes and slides. The new ship will also have amenities unknown a century ago, like air conditioning.
Palmer, who is funding construction of the ship himself, built his fortune in real estate and coal. Australia's BRW magazine estimated his net worth last year at $4 billion, although Forbes puts it at $895 million.
"I want to spend the money I've got before I die," he said. "You might as well spend it, not leave it to the kids to spend, there will be enough left for them anyway."
Cool, when he's done with that he should have the Chinese replica of the Hindenburg built. Lots of us dying to give that another run. Fools and their money...
I think this is a good design, to be honest. Plus, it would be inexpensive to operate a cruise liner of this size compared to all those giant floating skyscrapers!
Plus, with the problems we've been having with the TSA, I think this could signal a resurgence of "classic marine travel" between the Atlantic coasts.
I guess Mr Palmer also wants to keep Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute and James Cameron in business too. Yea I will never step foot on this ship, ever.
@yentalehÂ
I was thinking I would offer my personal contact information & he could send a bit of that moey my way. Trying to survive on disability will only get harder as the looming sequestratoin begins, and that just as gas prices & consumables are all rising as well.
If you want to spend the money so bad, I know of a government that will help you. And they won't even say thank you.
I'd go, except for the 'made in china' part.
Just like the 520 bridge, just when will it sink?
If it isn't powered by steam, four cylinder triple expansion engines on port and starboard shafts with an exhaust turbine on the center shaft, it won't be a copy. Better have those Scotch boilers as well.
I love steam, history and ships but this is a ridiculous idea.
@Furd Very true, a steam powered ship is much much quieter than a motor vessel!
  I love the FOSS 300. Good looking steam crane derrick. Steam is so quiet to work around, unlike GM diesels.
@rockguy Not just GM but any diesel engine.
Unfortunately, your link to the Foss 300 didn't come through.
If you like steam you'll love the Georgetown PowerPlant Museum. Closed right now but hopefully in a couple of months we will be back to offering public tours on Sunday afternoons.
Wow...REALLY? Titanic II, coming to a theater near you in...ummm 3001? (Year of release based on number of years between original sinking and release of Cameron's 1997 film, as compared to the estimated year of the new boat's construction finishing time...WHEW!)
one of the most famous vessels in history." That's because it sank.
"Palmer said an unknown when the original ship sailed - climate change - may play into a positive for the new ship's fate." Good grief, they are blaming THAT TOO on climate change?
Again, we read about this at least a year ago so how can this be "news"?
Who's designing the iceberg? I'm guessing the same people who are putting together the 520.
This will all end in tears, I just know it.......
Rich people get away with murder:
http://vimeo.com/40021362
@cheekygesturtonÂ
Interesting video, and puts forth some intriquing (and disturbing) possibilities.
Even if JP Morgan DID know in advance & feigned illness to avoid sailing, why would he have let so many of his friends, colleages & associates go ahead and sail?
@cheekygesturton Thanks for sharing that. I actually sat and watched all of it and am more curious about the entire incident. Before hearing these claims, I have always thought something just didn't seem right.
"One of the benefits of global warming is there hasn't been as many icebergs in the North Atlantic these days," Palmer said.
 *Rolls Eyes*
"Made in China". Just another casino to tie up somewhere when the novelty dies off.