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Titanic II

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This article is about the Clive Palmer project. For the 2010 disaster film, see Titanic II (film). For other resurrection projects, see Replica Titanic. For other uses, see Titanic (disambiguation).
Warning: Display title "Titanic II" overrides earlier display title "<i>Titanic II</i>" (help).
File:3D model of Titanic II.png
3D rendering of Titanic II
History
NameTitanic II
Owner Blue Star Line
BuilderCSC Jinling, Nanjing[2]
Cost$500 million[2]
Completedlate 2016 (planned)
StatusIn project development stage[1]
General characteristics
Class and typeReplica of Olympic-class ocean liner
Tonnage56,000 GT (estimate)
Length269.15 m (883 ft 0 in)
Beam32.2 m (105 ft 8 in)
Height53.35 m (175 ft 0 in)
Draught7.5 m (24 ft 7 in) (normal); 7.926 m (26 ft 0 in) (max)
Depth19.74 m (64 ft 9 in)
Decks10
Installed powerlist error: mixed text and list (help)
  • 2 × Wärtsilä 12V46F
  • 2 × Wärtsilä 8L46F
  • 48,000 kW (64,000 hp) (combined)
PropulsionDiesel-electric; three azimuth thrusters
Speed24 knots (44 km/h; 28 mph) (maximum)[3]
Capacity1,680 (double capacity); 2,435 maximum)
Crew900

Titanic II is a planned ocean liner, to be built as a replica of the Olympic-class RMS Titanic. The project was announced by Australian billionaire Clive Palmer in April 2012, as the flagship of his cruise company Blue Star Line.[4] The intended launch date is set in 2016, 104 years after the original voyage,[5] and the ship will set sail from Southampton to New York within the same year.[6][7]

History

Previous projects

See also: Replica Titanic
The original RMS Titanic in 1912.

The concept of a replica of the Titanic has been explored several times, especially following the resurgence of interest following the release of the film Titanic in 1997. The most widely publicised project was that of South African businessman Sarel Gous.

The South African project began in 1998, and was one of the subjects of an article in Popular Mechanics magazine in September of that year.[8] The article discussed the changes to the original design required to produce a safe and economically viable ship, including a welded rather than riveted hull, diesel-electric propulsion in place of steam engines, and a bulbous bow. The article concluded that although the various Titanic revival projects would cost $400–$600 million, they could be economically viable.

Although he originally intended to construct the ship in Durban, Gous presented his £500 million proposal to Belfast City Council in June 2000.[9] He commissioned Olsen Designs to design the ship, advised by Harland and Wolff Technical Services who produced a feasibility study, and Callcott Anderson to design the interior. In November 2000, he began his attempts to raise capital, including through government grants and a stock market flotation.[10] After signing an agreement with a Monaco-based investment banking company, Gous claimed that construction would begin at Harland and Wolff within nine months.[11] The design changed repeatedly, with claims emerging of 'the world's largest liner' with capacity for 2,600 passengers, and increasingly divergent plans for a heliport, swimming pools and discos eventually being released.[12] In 2006, after repeatedly failing to secure investment, the project was abandoned.[12]

Design stage

Clive Palmer, chairman of the Blue Star Line.

Clive Palmer first announced the project in a press conference on 30 April 2012,[13] following the signature of a memorandum of understanding with state-owned Chinese shipyard CSC Jinling ten days before.[14] On 19 June, it was announced that Finnish naval architecture firm Deltamarin Ltd. had been commissioned to undertake the design of the ship,[15][16] and on 17 July a preliminary general arrangement was published.[17]

In October 2012, Blue Star Lines announced that Titanic expert Steve Hall had been appointed as Design Consultant and Historian for the project,[18] and that Titanic interiors expert Daniel Klistorner had been appointed as Interior Design Consultant and Historian.[19] Hall and Klistorner had previously co-authored books such as Titanic: The Ship Magnificent and Titanic in Photographs, and gave a technical presentation at the unveiling of the designs in New York, as well as at the dinner in London.[19] Later that month, it was announced that an advisory board would be formed to provide "suggestions and recommendations to Blue Star Line to ensure the Titanic II appropriately and respectfully pays homage to Titanic, her crew and passengers." Terry Ismay, the great-great nephew of White Star Line chairman and Titanic survivor J. Bruce Ismay will be a member of the board,[20] as well as Helen Benziger, great-granddaughter of Titanic survivor Margaret 'Molly' Brown.[21]

The design for the Titanic II was unveiled at worldwide launch events in Macau (China), New York (United States), Halifax (Canada), London & Southampton (United Kingdom). The gala event in New York was the official Global Launch and was held aboard the USS Intrepid in New York City on 26 February 2013.[22][23] The gala dinner in London (UK) was held at the Natural History Museum on 2 March, which was accompanied by a display of items salvaged from the Titanic,[24] as well as in Southampton on 13 March.

On 16 April it was announced that Deltamarin had been contracted for the project development phase, and will be responsible for coordinating the various parties involved in the project, including the shipyard, architects, interior designers and operations managers.[1] The feasibility study is complete, and the project development phase is ongoing. The signature of a contract and keel laying is expected in March 2014.[25]

Further contracts and agreements relating to the design and construction were announced later in 2013; the project development contract to Deltamarin Ltd.,[26][27] the appointment of V.Ships Leisure as ship management services partner,[28] and of Tillberg Design as provider of architectural and interior design services.[29][30]

On July 17, 2013, Blue Star Line announced that the classification society Lloyd's Register has joined the Titanic II project.[31] The work carried by Lloyd's will make sure that the ship's design is compliant with the current SOLAS regulations.

Model testing using a 9.3-metre (31 ft) wooden model was undertaken in September 2013 at the Hamburgische Schiffbau-Versuchsanstalt (HSVA). Resistance and powering tests were carried out in a 300-metre (980 ft) towing tank.[32][33]

Design and construction

The gross tonnage of the replica will be 56,000 GT, considerably more than that of the original.[note 1]

Construction was scheduled to begin in 2013, with launch and maiden voyage in 2016.[34] In an August 2013 interview, Palmer however indicated that construction will not begin until March 2014, while still citing 2016 as the intended completion date.[35]

Comparison with the original Titanic

The ship is being designed to be as similar in internal and external appearance to the Titanic as possible. However, modern safety regulations and economic considerations will dictate several major changes to the design, including:

  • Greater beam for enhanced stability[36][37]
  • Welded, not riveted, hull[36]
  • Reduced draught[36]
  • Bulbous bow for higher fuel efficiency, although moderately sized compared to modern ships [36]
A preliminary comparison of the profiles of the Titanic (cyan) and the Titanic II (magenta).
  • Stabilisers to reduce roll[36]
  • Diesel-electric propulsion system with four diesel generating sets providing power for three azimuth thrusters to replace the original coal-fired boilers, steam engines and steam turbine, as well as the rudder. Also, the ship will have 2 bow thrusters. [36]
  • An additional 'safety deck' between C and D decks for modern lifeboats and marine evacuation systems, with the boat deck housing replicas of the original lifeboats. Space for the deck has been made by lowering decks D and below by 2.8 metres, and for the taller centre section of the safety deck, which houses the lifeboats, by raising the superstructure by 1.3 metres. In spite of the reduced draft, space has been made for the lowered decks by removing the orlop deck, which mainly housed the boilers.[36]
  • New 'escape staircases' in addition to the original staircases, housed in the redundant boiler exhaust uptakes.[36]
  • Observation decks in the redundant first two funnels, which will be be covered with tinted window coverings to blend in with the funnels' color, intended to be as close as possible to the original "White Star buff." [36]
  • No sheer or camber,[36] unlike the original. Pronounced sheer was a cosmetic feature of ocean liners, intended to add a graceful appearance to the ship, but made construction more difficult and therefore costly.[38] Renderings released in February 2013 show an upwards rake added to C Deck at the bow and stern to give a superficial appearance of sheer, although an inauthentic wedge-shaped gap has had to be added between C and D decks in these areas to produce this effect.[39]
  • A higher bridge relative to the bow, as the superstructure has been raised by 1.3 metres by the centre section of the safety deck, and also by the removal of the sheer.[36] This negates the requirement on the original Titanic for lookouts.
  • An overall increase in the height of the ship above the waterline (due to the insertion of the safety deck). However, the total of the ship will be the same as the original, at 175 ft. [40]

Power plant and propulsion

The steam engines and coal-fired boilers of the original Titanic have been replaced with a modern diesel-electric propulsion system. The space which housed the boilers will be used for crew quarters and ships systems. Power will be produced by four Wärtsilä 46F medium-speed four-stroke diesel generating sets; two twelve-cylinder 12V46F engines producing 14,400 kilowatts (19,300 hp) each, and two eight-cylinder 8L46F engines producing 9,600 kilowatts (12,900 hp) each, running on heavy fuel oil and marine gas oil.[36] Propulsion will be by three azimuth thrusters which will also be used for maneuvering, while the replica of the rudder of the Titanic II is purely cosmetic, and will not extend substantially below the waterline.[36] The positioning of the azimuth thrusters has necessitated the stern being made substantially more blunt than the original.[36]

View of a corridor on the RMS Queen Mary showing the sheer. This feature will be lost on the Titanic II.

Interior

The interior of the ship is intended to be as similar as possible to the original. Tillberg Design of Sweden has been contracted to produce drawings replicating Titanics original interiors. However, the original wooden panelling does not conform to modern fire regulations, so as in Queen Elizabeth 2, veneers will have to be used. Plans show a layout broadly similar to the original, but with the third-class cabins modernised, and consideration being given to en-suite cabins throughout the ship.[needs update] The room freed up by eliminating the steam boilers of the original ship will be used for crew quarters and various services.[36]

Criticism

If built, the Titanic II would represent the first major passenger vessel constructed in China, a country with much more experience of building cargo ships than cruise ships, and a significant investment would be required to ensure it meets the much more stringent safety requirements for passenger vessels.[41]

The Chinese state-owned CSC Jinling shipyard has never built a large passenger vessel. In addition, it has no drydock, instead using side launching from a 200 m slipway.[42] The 269 m Titanic II would be the largest side-launched vessel in history by a huge margin,[43] and would require a significant extension to the shipyard's facilities.

Representatives from the shipyard have questioned whether the ship can be completed by 2016, and emphasize that no contract has yet been signed.[41]

Clive Palmer has been described as an 'eccentric billionaire' with a reputation for bizarre publicity stunts, such as the attempt to create a massive Jurassic Park style dinosaur theme park at his golf resort.[44][45][46] It has also been noted that the publicity surrounding the Titanic II coincided with Palmer's announcement of his entry into Australian federal politics, which was made immediately following the Titanic II conference.[47] Palmer had previously claimed that he was the target of a conspiracy involving Barack Obama, the CIA, the Rockefeller Foundation and Greenpeace, who he believed were attempting to close down his mining operation.[48] In 2010, Palmer started a company called Zeppelin International, with the intention of making a commercially viable Zeppelin.[49] After the plan came to nothing, it was ridiculed as the 'bizarre move of the year' by Australian business website Smartcompany.[50] He has gained a reputation in Australia for floating ambitious and unusual business ideas which he fails to see through, and the Titanic II has been described as 'a classic Clive Palmer announcement'.[51]

The idea of a commercialised replica of the Titanic has itself been criticised, being described as "insensitive" and "a mockery of the memory of those who died".[52] Cunard Line, which merged with the White Star Line, stated that they "have always been very mindful and very respectful of such a tragic event [and] don't think that building a replica or a 'II' is appropriate."[53]

In June 2013, it was reported that Clive Palmer may be experiencing financial difficulties, and that his two most prominent businesses were running at a loss.[54] This followed the leaking of a letter where he asked a Chinese business partner for a $200 million AUD payment.[54] His net worth was believed to have fallen by $1.6 billion AUD in 2013.[55]

Notes

  1. ^ The original Titanic had a gross register tonnage of 46,328 GRT, which is not directly comparable with modern gross tonnage. However, as one register ton is equal to 100 cubic feet (2.83 m3), an approximate value of 39,640 GT can be calculated by using the formulae given in the The International Convention on Tonnage Measurement of Ships, 1969.

References

  1. ^ a b Crook, Andrew. "Deltamarin to manage Titanic II project development" (PDF). Blue Star Line. Retrieved 19 April 2013.
  2. ^ a b Cruise Ship Orderbook. Cruise Industry News. Retrieved 2013-04-23.
  3. ^ The Titanic sails again: Australian tycoon unveils plans for perfect replica of doomed vessel (except with a few more lifeboats). Daily Mail, 25 February 2013. Retrieved 2013-05-11.
  4. ^ Calligeros, Marissa (30 April 2012). "Clive Palmer plans to build Titanic II". Sydney Morning Herald.
  5. ^ Fickling, David (30 April 2012). "Titanic II to Be Built by Billionaire Palmer, Chinese Yard". Bloomberg.
  6. ^ "Titanic II announced". Guardian. Retrieved 1 December 2012.
  7. ^ "Titanic II confirmed will set sail from Southampton". Daily Mail. Retrieved 2 December 2012.
  8. ^ Wilson, James (September 1998 p. 56-59). Titanic Reborn. Popular Mechanics. Retrieved 24 August 2012. {{cite book}}: Check date values in: |date= (help)
  9. ^ "Tycoon presents Titanic II proposal". BBC News. 9 June 2000. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
  10. ^ Ringshaw, Grant (19 November 2000). "A Titanic task". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 11 October 2012.
  11. ^ Oldham, Jeanette (20 November 2000). "Dreams afloat to build Titanic II". HighBeam Research. Retrieved 11 October 2012.
  12. ^ a b Louis, Epstein. "To Build a New Titanic?". Retrieved 11 October 2012.
  13. ^ "Clive Palmer Launches Titanic II". Blue Star Line. 30 April 2012.
  14. ^ "MOU CSC Jinling and Blue Star Line". Blue Star Line. 20 April 2012.
  15. ^ Jabour, Bridie (19 June 2012). "Titanic II a step closer to reality". Brisbane Times.
  16. ^ "Global Ship Design Firm Commissioned to Titanic II Project". Blue Star Line. 19 June 2012.
  17. ^ "First Glimpse At Titanic II Plans". Blue Star Line. 19 June 2012.
  18. ^ "Renown Titanic Historian Joins Titanic II Project". Blue Star Line. 1 October 2012.
  19. ^ a b "Titanic Researcher and Interiors Expert Joins Blue Star Line". Blue Star Line. 11 October 2012.
  20. ^ "White Star Line Chairman Descendant Joins Titanic II Project". Blue Star Line. 19 October 2012.
  21. ^ "Molly Brown Descendant Joins Titanic II Project". Blue Star Line. 21 October 2012.
  22. ^ "New Dates for Titanic II Global Launch and Events". Blue Star Line. 20 December 2012.
  23. ^ "Design for Titanic II to be unveiled in NYC". MYFOXNY.COM. 3 October 2012.
  24. ^ "London Event To Celebrate Titanic II Project". Blue Star Line. 9 October 2012.
  25. ^ "Titanic II tycoon Clive Palmer plans movie cameo". Daily Telegraph. Retrieved 23 October 2013.
  26. ^ "Deltamarin To Manage Titanic II Project Development". Blue Star Line. Retrieved 29 May 2013.
  27. ^ "Deltamarin designs Titanic II". Deltamarin. Retrieved 29 May 2013.
  28. ^ "V.SHIPS Leisure Appointed To Titanic II". Blue Star Line. Retrieved 29 May 2013.
  29. ^ "Titanic II Engages World's Leading Marine Architecture and Interior Design Company". Blue Star Line. Retrieved 29 May 2013.
  30. ^ "TITANIC II". Tillberg Design. Retrieved 29 May 2013.
  31. ^ "Lloyd's Register Joins Titanic II Project". Blue Star Line. Retrieved 20 July 2013.
  32. ^ "Clive Palmer announces Titanic II model tests to be held in Germany". Robert's Cruise & Tour Leading E.U. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  33. ^ "Titanic II: Replica of proposed liner tested". British Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 20 September 2013.
  34. ^ Smith, Oliver (19 June 2012). "Titanic II moves a step closer". Daily Telegraph.
  35. ^ http://www.themalaymailonline.com/travel/article/australian-tycoon-says-titanic-project-is-about-love
  36. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o Deltamarin. "General Arrangement, Titanic II Project" (PDF). Blue Star Line. Retrieved 31 July 2012.
  37. ^ "Get a Glimpse of Titanic II". Cruise News. 25 July 2012.
  38. ^ Vandersteel, William. "SS Oceanic; A Matter of Design". ssmaritime.com. Retrieved 26 August 2012.
  39. ^ "The Return of a Legend". Blue Star Line. Retrieved 16 February 2013.
  40. ^ "Titanic II: Return Of The Legend". Blue Star Line. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  41. ^ a b Yi, Zheng. "Titanic II agreed but no contract signed". Global Times. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  42. ^ "Our Partners". Blue Star Line. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  43. ^ Khetan, Ashok. "World's Biggest Side Launch of Ship in Gujarat". Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  44. ^ Alwyn-Jones, John. "Clive Palmer goes even more eccentric". E-Global Travel Media. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  45. ^ "The Titanic, a dinosaur, JFK and the Australian PGA Championship". aussiegolfer.net. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  46. ^ "Is an Australian billionaire about to launch the real-life Jurassic Park?". Daily Mail. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  47. ^ McKechnie, Kirrin. "Clive Palmer's Titanic bid for federal politics". ABC News. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  48. ^ Farr, Malcolm. "Mining magnate Clive Palmer says CIA is behind campaign to kill coal industry". News.com.au. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  49. ^ Cowie, Tom. "Clive Palmer's magnificent flying machines". Crikey.com.au. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  50. ^ Thomson, James. "The best & the worst of 2010". Smartcompany. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  51. ^ Thomson, James. "How Clive Palmer funds his amazing adventures". Smartcompany. Retrieved 17 February 2013.
  52. ^ Gaynor, Hazel. "Sinking feeling: unease about Titanic II plan". Irish Examiner. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  53. ^ Stafford, Stephen. "Titanic 2: Mixed reaction at Southampton launch event". British Broadcasting Corporation. Retrieved 26 April 2013.
  54. ^ a b Khadem, Nassim. "Clive Palmer disputes 'beat-up' about Queensland Nickel's future". BRW. Retrieved 17 June 2013.
  55. ^ Mccullough, James. "Clive Palmer still Queensland's richest person". news.com.au. Retrieved 17 June 2013.

External links

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