Australian billionaire Clive Palmer says he has plans to build Titanic II, a replica of the ship that sank in 1912. This is not the first time he has unveiled this plan. In 2012 and 2018, he shared very similar plans — but at a press conference, at Sydney Opera House on Wednesday, March 13, he said he's really going to do it this time — because he wants to do something, so why not built an improved Titanic ship?
“It’s a lot more fun to do the Titanic than it is to sit at home and count my money,” he said, reported CNN.
Besides, he's getting older. The 69-year-old wants to do something with his life, reported the Guardian. “So I could do the Titanic. I’m gonna do it," he said.
Because of his previous failed attempts to launch, a reporter at the press conference asked if his plan was made up, which he said was “bulls—, really."
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But if Palmer is so certain about his plan, why didn't it work out before? The first time, there were financial complications, reported Guardian.
To be clear, though, Palmer says he has "enough money to build the Titanic 10 times over" so money is not an issue. The second time he tried to launch the project, there were complications due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Unveiling his plans at the press conference, he said the ship "will be the ship where dreams come true," reported The Telegraph.
He explained that the Titanic II would have features like those of the original ship.
Up to 2,435 passengers would be able to fit on the ship, according to his plan. It will include nine decks with 835 cabins. Those who want a more authentic historical experience are encouraged to wear 1900s attire and can eat in a communal dining room like on the 1912 Titanic.
“Millions have dreamt of sailing on her, seeing her in port and experiencing her unique majesty. Titanic II will be the ship where those dreams come true," Palmer said.
However, some are skeptical of the project — not only because it has already been delayed on two occasions, but also because people might not want to get on a ship that is designed like one that previously sank.
Interest in the Titanic is definitely there, but curiosity about the shipwreck has also resulted in tragedy. In 2023, five people died when OceanGate's Titan submersible imploded during an attempt to see the Titanic shipwreck.
