China, Australia to build modern replica of Titanic

Australian billionaire Clive Palmer plans to build a modern replica of Titanic, in cooperation with state-owned Chinese company CSC Jinling Shipyard, based in Jiangsu Province, according to the media reports Sunday.

Due to the romantic story of Rose and Jack, people around the world are showing a great interest in Titanic II and willing to be the first paying passengers.

"We've probably had half a dozen people already offering more than $1 million to get on the maiden voyage," said James McDonald, global marketing director of Palmer's Blue Star Line company.

But the company does not reveal how much Titanic II will cost.

According to the Blue Star Line, the launch of Titanic II project is scheduled for Feb. 26, and its maiden voyage from England to North America will be made for late 2016.

The Titanic II will stay true to the design of the ill-fated original, but more focus on a safety deck.