Replica of Titanic Could Sail in 2016?

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If believe Australian billionaire plans, the new version of Titanic could sail in 2016. Clive Palmer, an originator of Titanic II, announced his plans to build an updated version of famous Titanic, which is expected to set sail and start the voyage in 2016, since its construction is scheduled to start soon in China. Palmer, who announced his plans at the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum in New York, will not only replicate the ship, but also the voyage itself – the same course the original ship did, from Southampton, England to New York. He said that already more than 40,000 people are interested in purchasing tickets. Titanic II will be exactly full-size replica of the original version, but with the latest and most advanced technology. It will meet modern navigation and safety requirements. In addition, plans call for a new “safety deck” featuring state-of-the-art lifeboats, safety chutes and slides. The new ship will also have amenities unknown a century ago, like air conditioning. But the passengers on board the replica will dress in the fashion of that period and eat dishes from the original menu, in dining rooms copied from the tragically ended predecessor. Palmer referred to the Titanic, which sank in 1912 after hitting an iceberg in the North Atlantic, killing more than 1,500 people, as the “ship of dreams,” and its replica as the ship “where dreams come true.” As he said, we don’t have reason to worry, since one of the benefits of global warming is there hasn’t been as many icebergs in the North Atlantic these days. I’m not sure that’s sufficient guarantee. According to released details, Titanic II is to be constructed by CSC Jinling Shipyard Company in Nanjing, China.The construction of the ship is expected to start in April 2013. As it has been underlined by Ge Biao, director of CSC Jinling Shipyard Company, the Chinese shipyard is ready to face up to £330 million ($500 million)  project. [Blue Star Line]