Billionaire behind £400m ‘Titanic 2' issues major update on ship launch

Billionaire behind £400m ‘Titanic 2' issues major update on ship launchAustralian billionaire Clive Palmer unveiled plans for the £400m Titanic II replica in 2012, but the ship's launch has been repeatedly delayedCommentsNewsMatt Jackson Trendswatch Content Editor06:00, 15 Apr 2026View 5 ImagesTitanic II was due to launch next year(Image: Titanic II/PA Wire)The £400m replica of the ill-fated Titanic, which was due to set sail within months, looks likely to face further delays. Australian billionaire Clive Palmer first revealed his plans for the so-called Titanic II back in April 2012, marking 100 years since the original ship went down.‌The vessel was intended to be an exact copy of the RMS Titanic, which sank on April 15, just four days after departing Southampton bound for New York, after striking an iceberg. More than 1,500 people perished in the tragedy, cementing it as one of the deadliest peacetime maritime disasters in history.‌Titanic II, operated by Blue Star Line, was set to feature cutting-edge technology while preserving period touches such as the Edwardian gym and Turkish baths. The ship was to offer first, second and third class tickets, along with a smoking room and the iconic grand staircase immortalised in James Cameron's legendary 1997 blockbuster, Titanic.‌The new vessel, originally scheduled for launch in 2018, was designed to accommodate 2,435 passengers and 900 crew members, featuring 840 cabins and sufficient lifeboats for everyone on board, reports the Express.Titanic II is, however, set to be 13ft wider than its predecessor, something Blue Star Line maintains would make it considerably safer. On its website, the company states: "This enhancement enhances the ship's structural integrity and ensures a smoother sailing experience across the open seas."View 5 ImagesHow the grand staircase in Titanic II would look(Image: Blue Star Line)‌It would also feature an extra safety deck filled with emergency equipment and li...