ShipSpotting.com Forum
Shipspotters all over the world => Shipping News and information => Topic started by: Kelvin Davies on April 30, 2012, 06:16:06 AM
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Just as we are getting over all the hype over the Titanic, a wealthy nut case has announced he is to have a "21st century version" built.
He has signed a letter of intent with CSJ Jinling shipyard to knock one out for him. He then plans to run it from London to New York in 2016.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-17890754
Kelvin
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I'm a bit sceptical about the ability of the Chinese shipyard to construct a large passenger ship, let alone a luxury liner, while maintaining the same quality as European shipyards. It's already challenging to build a "normal" cruise ship - otherwise the Western shipyards would not be able to compete with Asian builders.
Also, I bet that some people are going to view the "made in China" copy of the Titanic with slight prejudice, especially considering that the original ship constructed by a famous European shipbuilder sank...
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Similar porjects have been touted before and have never happened. This one will never get off the ground either.
As Tuomas says, the Chinese have no experience building large passenger ships of any kind and the bloke who is going to own it has no experience in shipowning. let alone the cruise and passenger business. He's a fool.
Moreover, it's not a letter of intent - no deal has been signed. It's a Memorandum of Understanding, which essentially means nothing more than the two parties discussing whether the project is viable
Pie in the sky
Brgds
Phil
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"His plan to build the Titanic replica was announced on the same day that he revealed plans, in a separate news conference, to contest the next federal election in Queensland." (A quote from the article http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-17890754)
I think that's the essential sentence in this news. Nothing more than to get publicity for his person in the election...
Brgds
Jens
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If the ship is going to be an exact replica with state-of-the-art navigation systems , that may be OK. But when did the fella get the original naval architect plans from 1910 as they would have been held by the NI national museum. The power plants will be modern eco-diesels so the some of the four funnels would be dummies , I cannot imagine him paying for the labour intensive coal fired boilers.
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Well, as long as the plans exist, you can probably get copies if you ask nicely and leave an open check. However, I'm quite sure that the point of the whole project is to build a copy that looks like the old one from outside and perhaps from passengers' point of view, but is otherwise constructed using modern methods, so perhaps he's okay with just a detailed GA and photographs.
As for technology, I don't think he has any other practical alternatives than diesel engines despite the outdated propulsion arrangement.
edit: On the other hand the size of the ship and especially its engine rooms would allow some rather interesting propulsion arrangements. After all, aiming for a faithful copy, he's not going to convert the machinery space for additional cabins or anything. The triple-expansion steam engines could be replaced with their nearest modern equivalent - low-speed crosshead diesel engines - while the steam turbine kind of resembles an electric motor. This would make the ship quite economical for long voyages while retaining some flexibility of a diesel-electric powertrain and propulsion system built according to the power plant principle. Even the sound would be more authentic.
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Indeed the original propulsion system "Titanic 1" with all her boilers, steam engines and coal stores will mean that they will have to do some thinking on weight under the waterline and thus stability. Furthermore since wood is banned from modern ships due to fire-hazzard, I wonder what the interiors will look like
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All this calls to mind an interview Lew Grade gave after he had made his famous turkey "Raise the Titanic". Some TV interviewer asked him "How much did it cost to make Raise the Titanic?" He is reputed to have replied "It would have been cheaper to lower the Atlantic!"
If this bozo is serious I think he had better be prepared for a bit of Atlantic lowering.
J
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all due respect but if he was a fool he wouldn't be where he is today with a wealth of billions :)
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True sate :Dtemnt.....however, what's that saying? A fool and his money.....?
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I note none of the above comments do not mention the very idea of calling it "Titanic" .....whereas in the comments column of the Telegraph (UK) there were several saying it was "insensitive" & some even stronger views as to using the name. Some were convinced it was "bad luck" and the Telegraph had a quick poll gizmo: "Would you sail on a ship called Titanic, on the basis that lightening etc etc..... "Yes" or "No"......Overwhelmingly 3 to 1 said "Yes"
And although I doubt that it will ever get off the ground(?), at least it would be a lot more pleasant on the eye than many current designs of 'Cruise Ships'
We'll see.
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Here are excerpts from a Sydney Morning Herald article at http://www.smh.com.au/business/behind-the-billionaire-blowhard-20120511-1yic8.html?mod=igoogle_news_gadget
WHEN Clive Palmer announced his plans to join with a Chinese shipyard to build a replica of the fabled Titanic, his announcement met with equal parts of excitement and incredulity.
It was classic Clive Palmer: attention-grabbing and more than a little eccentric.
It produced well over 1000 news reports worldwide and resulted in approaches from the BBC, National Geographic and others to document its construction.
Palmer's promise to build the Titanic II proved correct, at least to a point.
China's CSC Jinling Shipyards confirmed it had signed a memorandum of understanding with Palmer's new shipping line, Blue Star.
Even so, said Li Wenbao, an official at the state-owned company: "Details about its budget and design have yet to be decided
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http://blogs.wsj.com/dealjournalaustralia/2012/06/19/palmer%E2%80%99s-titanic-vision-moves-closer/
"Australia
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Hello,
At last! what a Fantastic thing that will be if it succeeds,
i have said it for many years as i think it will be a great idea, lets face it most [IMHO] cruise ships today have no character like the old ships, i think the QE2 was as close as a modern ship could be,
I for one will hope it gets built and if can have a touch on the Lottery [UK] i will be first in the queue for a ticket! ;D
Cheers,
Roger.
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Well Roger the Dodger, I agree too.....lets have a bit of 'retro'......The sandwich boxes they build these days.... (like a multi-layered cake at a Fat Gypsy Wedding)... they barely deserve the title "Ship".
Whilst beauty is in the eye of the beholder.. I can't see what harm it would do to "re-build" the Titanic.
(With higher water-tight Bulkheads of course!)It would be most interesting to see just how popular it would be with the punters......could be booked up-years in advance, such is the attraction & mystique surrounding the Titanic name & history.
Ghoulish? No, I don't think so. There were fundamental flaws in the original & many people died, but I would argue that it would be a fitting tribute to those people; It would show we have not forgotten the tragedy.
Of course, others on this site have pointed out that the guy proposing this is a bit of a maverick & does not (somehow) deserve to be involved with a project such as this with so much passion involved...or that it is merely a publicity stunt.....well, again, if not he, then it would be some other "rich-bloke" with such a dream. (Richard Branson for example?)
Never a "corporation" with shareholder constraints......Let's all dream a bit for heavens sake.
There is enough trouble & strife in the world to depress us all as it is:
So................GO FOR IT CLIVE....would be my view!
As for the capacity of the Chinese to meet such a challenge: Well, much the same was said when Japan decided to take up building cars & ships in a serious way in the 70's, they were mocked & ridiculed, well, he who laughs last....etc....
Seriously, I doubt it will happen, not in my lifetime anyway but, hey, who knows?
Cheers,
Steve.
p.s. Roger, if I win the lottery before you....I'll be sure to look you up & invite you along.
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I like the idea of a 'modern' Titanic with all the safety features, with a original looking exterior, as long as it was operated in a dignified, and respectful way (not in some cheap, tacky money making way...'Titanic the floating Casino' anyone?) With all the emotions still running high about anything 'Titanic', and the possibility of somehow being seen to be desecrating the memory of those who were involved in the original tragedy, whoever decided to embark on this, would be walking a proverbial minefield. Having said that, I could see a place for a modern Titanic, catering to the nostalgic and educational cruises/functions, especially recreating the grandeur and beauty of the Edwardian era. I was personally surprised at the amount of interest in the 100th Anniversary events being held, even locally, where I was portraying First Officer Murdoch.
I personally don't feel comfortable about the way it was announced, it seemed like a politically motivated publicity stunt. I also don't feel comfortable or confident at the Chinese being called upon to build her, somehow doesn't 'feel' right and I doubt they would have the expertise needed to undertake such a monumental project. I especially don't care for the Chinese Navy getting involved. It will be interesting to see if this goes ahead or was just a publicity stunt after all....but that's my opinion. ;)
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Titanic II's general arrangements:
http://media01.couriermail.com.au/multimedia/2012/07/Titanic.pdf (http://media01.couriermail.com.au/multimedia/2012/07/Titanic.pdf)
Everyone always complains how modern cruise ships have such a shallow draught in comparison to their overall height and how old liners were better. So, what did they do with the new "super-safe" Titanic II? Added one deck and reduced the draught by three meters. I wonder what people are going to say...
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I understand that the vessel is supposed to be a replica of the original Titanic with all the modern amenities and safety features.
But, "coal" storage spaces on board?!? Come on! :)
Having seen the plan, I somehow believe less in the project now.
(I like "lifeboat replicas", though...)
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possible design features:
transport of passengers cars on open decks or in garage..
lol..
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But, "coal" storage spaces on board?!? Come on! :)
Where? I didn't see any...
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Elevation, in way of fr. 140, 180 & 215... :)
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That's the original Titanic...
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Oh, I see now... :-[
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Well, it is now "official".
The Australian behind this scheme organised a publicity launch in Southampton today.
He maintains the vesselw ill start building later this year and the maiden voyage will be from the same berth at Southampton as the original sailing.
Here's a link to BBC's coverage:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-21657201
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I am a bit sceptical about the building schedule. I don't think they can finish basic, detail and construction design within this year.
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Sorry, I forgot to mention; the maiden voyage is supposed to be in 2016.
Not mentioned in the BBC report was some small changes to the beam (I think the TV report said an extra 3m) and the height. Also, it will have the appropriate number of lifeboats this time!
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Still no "official" shipbuilding contract and no word on how a shipbuilder and shipbuilding country with zero experience in this kind of export work will deal with such a project. Don't hold your breath.
Brgds
Phil
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As with the original, there will be first, second and third classes of passenger and they will not be allowed to mingle. Ticket prices are yet to be revealed.
Mr Palmer he insists he will travel in third class for "the human experience".
"To have a bit of Irish stew, to grab a fiddle and a drum and do an Irish jig - what more could a man want than that?" he said.
That's a very expensive bit of irish stew.
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Its not the first time this has been thought of, but certainly this billionaire seems to be confident although he did not attend the press event in Southampton.
Will be interesting to see what happens with this project or if it just fades away, also its a shame that if she is built it will be in China, appreciate the (UK) couldnt build her but even somewhere in Europe would have been better although alot more expensive I guess.
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Seems like a contract to build the TITANIC II has been signed with the Chinese Shipyard CSC Jinling Shipyard Co Ltd in Nanjing
http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2013-02/18/content_16230777.htm
So will she be built after all ?
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Sorry Geir, if you read though the article it states : .. "a formal construction contract has not yet been signed".
Clive Palmer talks the talk and is good at building publicity. It's also good publicity for the Chinese who are never shy of blowing their own trumpets. However, publicity is probably the only thing that will be built. It's never going to happen. Trust me.
Brgds
Phil
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It seems like Clive Palmer still has plans for the TITANIC II
http://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/news/northern-ireland/titanic-ii-set-to-sail-in-2018-says-aussie-billionaire-31492220.html
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Well Geir....Something is afoot...
Photos of the current & the orignal here:
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/travel_news/article-3440405/Titanic-replica-photos-compare-original-ship.html
Yesterday's Daily Mail...Not always accurate!!!!
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Ah ha!!! Not real photos but CGI....Doh!
Can't see them doing that in 2 years...can you? Just more smoke & mirrors.
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No Steve, I can't see them doing that in 2 years at all. I do believe what Phil said, It's never going to happen and that It's just a publicity stunt.
Brgds,
Geir
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Quite a romantic dream but as many have said: Just waffle.
Shame, becuase if the idea did actually get to reality...I would consider a cruise on her.
(Definitely 3rd class: I'd take my ukelele with me.)
Cheers: Steve.
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Looks like they are behind schedule with this waste of money project. The below link is some general info on the CSC Jinling shipyard.
http://sbico.sinotrans-csc.com/col/col831/ (http://sbico.sinotrans-csc.com/col/col831/)
And this below link is the shipyards website. As of April 2016, construction had not begun on the vessel.
http://jlshipyard.sinotrans-csc.com/ (http://jlshipyard.sinotrans-csc.com/)
Shouldn't the maiden voyage be from Southampton to New York? Kinda tacky having it in China.....
Just keeping it real....