World

Peter Mandelson helps launch Titanic replica in China

The Titanic leaving Southampton in April 1912. Picture from Associated Press
The Titanic leaving Southampton in April 1912. Picture from Associated Press The Titanic leaving Southampton in April 1912. Picture from Associated Press

A FULL-SIZE replica of the Titanic is to be built at a Chinese theme park, with the project officially kicked off by former Secretary of State Peter Mandelson.

Work on the liner, built by Harland and Wolff in Belfast, began yesterday. Once completed the ship will be docked permanently at a reservoir at the park in Sichuan province.

Mr Mandelson travelled to Sichuan province’s Daying county to take part in what was described by local media described as a “solemn ceremony” to mark the start of construction on the full-scale replica

The Titanic sank on its maiden voyage in April 1912 when it hit an iceberg in the north Atlantic. More than 1,500 people were killed in the disaster.

The story of the Titanic is well-known in China, particularly after it came to greater prominence following the blockbuster Hollywood film of the same name.

The film, starring Oscar-winners Kate Winslet and Leonardo DiCaprio, was released in 1997.

The Chinese attraction is the first full-size replica of the Titanic ever built. Titanic director James Cameron had a 90 per cent scale replica built for the film.

In 2012 Australian billionaire Clive Palmer announced plans to create a 98 per cent scale replica but it has not yet been completed.