A replica of the infamous British liner that sank into the sea, the RMS Titanic, is now being built in China with its maiden voyage expected in 2022.
The project, aptly named “Titanic II,” aims to be an exact replica of the British ship with some important additions, such as modern navigation and radar equipment.
“Titanic II” is the brainchild of Australian billionaire Clive Palmer — a mining tycoon and owner of the Blue Star Line shipping company — who first floated the idea in 2012.
The RMS Titanic, the largest ship afloat in its time, was thought to be “unsinkable” until the bitter irony occurred on the cold night of April 15, 1912.
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The incident, which took the lives of more than 1,500 people, became one of the deadliest peacetime maritime disasters in history, inspiring a slew of adaptations in popular media.
Construction of the “Titanic II” stalled after a conflict between Palmer and China’s CITIC Limited in 2015. However, a settlement was reached on Sept. 25 and work has since recommenced.
“Titanic II,” which costs $500 million to build, will house 835 cabins and accommodate 2,435 passengers, together with over 500 crew.
The ship’s maiden voyage, expected in 2022, will sail from Dubai to Southampton before repeating the Atlantic journey of its predecessor to New York.
“The ship will follow the original journey, carrying passengers from Southampton to New York, but she will also circumnavigate the globe, inspiring and enchanting people while attracting unrivaled attention, intrigue and mystery in every port she visits,” CNN quoted Palmer as saying.
Passengers will be able to purchase first, second, and third-class tickets, just like in the original liner. Prices are yet to be announced.
Interestingly, “Titanic II” is not the only replica being made in China. A private firm is working on a “New Titanic,” which will remain docked at a local reservoir to serve as a tourist attraction.
Featured images via YouTube
