Titanic II luxury liner to be built by Australian billionaire for 2016

Published Apr 30 2012, 11:41 BST  |  By Tom Eames

An Australian billionaire has unveiled plans to build a 21st century update of the doomed Titanic cruise liner.

Titanic II has been commissioned by mining magnate Clive Palmer, who has agreed a deal with Chinese company CSC Jinling Shipyard to build a new ship with the same dimensions of the original.

The luxury liner is planned to set sail for its first trip from England to New York in 2016.

"It will be every bit as luxurious as the original Titanic but of course it will have state-of-the-art 21st century technology and the latest navigation and safety systems," Palmer said in a statement.

"Titanic II will sail in the northern hemisphere and her maiden voyage from England to North America is scheduled for late 2016."

The Titanic recently passed the 100th anniversary since its sinking on April 15, 1912.

Palmer added that he hoped the new ship would be a tribute to the 1,514 crew and passengers who lost their lives in the disaster.

"These people produced work that is still marvelled at more than 100 years later and we want that spirit to go on for another 100 years."

Titanic II will have the same dimensions of the original ship - 270m long, 53m high and weighing 40,000 tonnes.

It will also contain 840 rooms and nine decks, while design teams are working with historical research teams to complete the project. It is currently unknown how much the ship will cost to be built.

Palmer added: "Titanic II will be the ultimate in comfort and luxury with on-board gymnasiums and swimming pools, libraries, high-class restaurants and luxury cabins."

The magnate is Australia's fifth richest person, estimated to be worth around $5bn.