Billionaire defends Titanic II plan

An Australian billionaire insists his plans to build a replica Titanic are not motivated by money.

Mining magnate Professor Clive Palmer, who wants his Titanic II passenger liner to sail from Southampton to New York in just three years, rubbished claims that the vision is a publicity stunt.

At a press conference at the Ritz hotel in central London, he said: "Money wasn't my primary consideration for this."

He then joked with journalists: "But it looks like, unfortunately, I'll make a lot of money out of it!"

The Queensland businessman's plans have been questioned by critics, who say the Titanic II project will never be a reality and Prof Palmer is simply trying to create headlines.

Asked what he thought of the sceptical reports, he said: "Well, I'd just say it's bulls**t really.

"We're building four ships now bigger than the Titanic at the shipyard.

"I'm not somebody with no money. I've got enough money to build the Titanic ten times over if I wanted.

"So, there's no need for publicity. I'm trying to avoid the media if I can."