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This Australian billionaire is building a Titanic replica
Photo credit: Getty Images
The Titanic may get another shot at its fateful voyage -- sort of.
An Australian billionaire said Monday he plans to build a replica of the ill-fated ship, dubbed the Titanic II, and its maiden voyage will be from England to New York along the path that sunk the original, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
Mining magnate Clive Palmer made the announcement weeks after the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic, saying his company Blue Star Line Pty Ltd will commission state-owned Chinese company CSC Jinling Shipyard to build the replica.
Construction is set to begin late next year, with a 2016 projected launch date.
"These people produced work that is still marveled at more than 100 years later and we want that spirit to go on for another 100 years," Palmer said.
Commissioned by White Star Line, the Titanic was the world's largest ocean liner of its time. It sank in 1912, killing 1,500 passengers after colliding with an iceberg.
Reporters asked Palmer if the replica will be susceptible to sinking as well, to which he responded: "Of course it will sink if you put a hole in it."
"It will be designed as a modern ship with all the technology to ensure that doesn't happen," he continued. "But, of course, if you are superstitious like you are, you know what could happen."
A spokesman for the billionaire said the final budget has yet to be determined and doesn't "think he'll reveal the price."
A historical research team is working on the project to ensure accuracy. The design is set to be as close to the original as possible, but will run on diesel and contain "state-of-the-art 21st-century" technology and engineering. The ship will have 840 rooms and nine decks.
"Titanic II will be the ultimate in comfort and luxury with on-board gymnasiums and swimming pools, libraries, high class restaurants and luxury cabins," Palmer said.
The Chinese navy has been asked to escort the Titanic II on its maiden voyage.
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