4. Could Titanic II Hit An Iceberg?

It’s a very simple, but very tragic story.

Shortly before midnight on 14 April 1912, the RMS Titanic Ocean Liner, on her maiden voyage, struck an iceberg and sank less than three hours later. Sadly, 1,517 lives were lost.

This image is believed to be the iceberg that sank the Titanic

With only visual sightings, hampered by lost binoculars, to guide the Titanic safely through iceberg-infested waters, the liner was ill-equipped to detect its nemesis.

However racing across the Atlantic, at full speed, in foggy and icy winter weather conditions, with few navigational aids, was even through to be reckless by some in 1912.

The Response

The tragedy galvanised world leaders to hold the first Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS) convention to address the iceberg threat.

The convention after the sinking resulted in the formation of the ‘International Ice Patrol’ (IIP). This was assigned to monitor “Iceberg Alley”, the infamous stretch of ocean around Newfoundland. The IIP has been monitoring the area ever since, using aerial patrols and radar to determine the limits of iceberg danger, which they broadcast in a daily bulletin.

International Ice Patrol and a sea of ice. (Zach Goudie/CBC)

In the southern hemisphere captains rely on programmes like the European Space Agency’s Polar View for real-time iceberg detection via satellite imagery.

Fortunately, with dedication monitoring teams issuing daily reports, satellites beaming back images and ship radars offering detailed information, the risk of a ship smashing into floating ice is now very slim.

Titanic II

The Titanic II will look just like the 1912 Ocean liner.

However, Titanic II will have higher bridge relative to the bow, as the superstructure has been raised by 1.3 metres by the centre section of the safety deck, and also by the removal of the sheer. This will give the Master and officers a better view over the bow and negates the requirement on the original Titanic for lookouts.

In white: RMS Titanic’s Crows Nest (lookout station)

Titanic II’s engines, communication and navigational equipment will all be state-of-the art. However much of it will be hidden from view, as to not shatter the illusion.

Titanic II’s modern bridge (Blue Star Line)

For example, radar systems will be hidden in her two dummy funnels. These will be capable of detecting objects in the path of a ship, many miles away.

(Blue Star Line)

One theory is that the RMS Titanic’s rudder was not big enough, meaning that she was not very manoeuvrable. She did not have time to turn quickly enough between the lookout shouting “iceberg” and the ship colliding with it.

The Titanic II will have modern propulsion and will be much more manoeuvrable. She will not even have a rudder to steer her. She will use the modern methods utilising ‘Azipods’.

If the original Titanic had Azipod technology, she might just have had enough time to avoid the iceberg completely, by steering clear of it. We will never know.

Three Azipods (Blue Star Line)

And if Titanic II did hit an iceberg?

Titanic II (Blue Star Line)

Titanic II will have better water tight compartments and bulkheads than the original RMS Titanic.  In the very unlikely event that she did hit an iceberg with the same force and same damage sustained,  hopefully she would not sink at all. She might be crippled, but she should still float.

The Titanic II will have more than enough lifeboats, unlike her ill fated namesake. These will be modern lifeboats, offering the occupants  so much more protection than the original Titanic’s ‘rowing boats’ did.

Malcolm

(Some information courtesy of Lauren Everitt/BBC)

Additional info about Titanic II’s propulsion – HERE

Additional info about Titanic II’s Lifeboats – HERE