Titanic II Model Put Through Tests in Germany

Australian billionaire Clive Palmer, whose Blue Star Line plans to build a replica of the Titanic, said a model of the ship was put through tests in Hamburg, Germany, last month. Palmer said a 30-foot wooden model of Titanic II was put through propulsion and power testing in a 984-foot-long tank Sept. 9-12. The tests took place at the facilities of Hamburg Ship Model Basin (HSVA), a hydrodynamic service and consulting group.

Palmer says Titanic II will be launched in China in 2016 and will then make a maiden passenger voyage retracing the original journey of the ill-fated Titanic from Southampton to New York. “The model testing by HSVA, including resistance and open water tests, is an important part of the process in the Titanic II project,” Palmer said. “The Titanic II model was tested by HSVA at speeds of up to 23 knots, and this testing is crucial for assessing the speed and power performance of this prototype vessel design.”

The original RMS Titanic was commissioned by White Star Line and was the largest liner in the world at about 40,000 tons. Titanic II will have similar dimensions as its predecessor, with 840 rooms and nine decks. Palmer said the only changes to the original Titanic would be below the water line including welding and not riveting, a bulbous bow for greater fuel efficiency, diesel generation and enlarged rudder and bow thrusters for increased maneuverability.

Source: Travel Pulse, http://www.travelpulse.com/titanic-ii-model-put-through-tests-in-germany.html