Clive Palmer has so much money he doesn’t know what to do with it. Well, until now that is. The Australian billionaire, who earns almost half a billion dollars in mining royalties every year, has re-floated his plans to build Titanic II – a replica of the 1912 ship. 

Palmer first launched plans for Titanic II in 2012, and 2018 and six years later has relaunched the project, again. During a press conference at the Sydney Opera House, the mining magnate gave his reasoning for wanting to rebuild one of the most iconic and ill-fated ships. 

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“It’s a lot more fun to do the Titanic than it is to sit at home and count my money,” Palmer, who is also the chairman of the Blue Star Line company behind the Titanic project, told local media. 

His 2018 efforts to get this project from paper to sea were halted due to the pandemic, but now that the cruise industry is booming again, Palmer believes it’s the perfect time to revive his dream of sailing on the Titanic. 

“We are very pleased to announce that after unforeseen global delays, we have re-engaged with partners to bring the dream of Titanic ll to life. Let the journey begin,’’ Palmer said in a press release. If all goes to plan and shipbuilders can be secured, work is due to begin on Titanic II in the first quarter of 2025. 

Palmer recreating the build of the ship, is just the tip of the iceberg. He also wants to recreate the social, dining and entertainment experiences those on the ship had before its sinking. The 2,345 passengers aboard the replica will be encouraged to dress up in 1900s costumes, third-class passengers will be treated to stew and mash at long tables in a communal dining room and actors will dress in period costumes. 

“Millions have dreamt of sailing on her, seeing her in port and experiencing her unique majesty. Titanic ll will be the ship where those dreams come true,’’ Palmer said.

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