A video of the Titanic II has sparked fresh speculation about the billion-dollar plans to build a replica of the famous but ill-fated ship.

The video resurfaced after reports in London that the project, started by miner turned politician Clive Palmer, might be back on track with a 2018 launch date.

However, given Mr Palmer’s present financial woes, many remain sceptical that the massive project will ever get underway.

Mr Palmer first announced plans in 2012 to build an exact replica of the Titanic, which sunk 100 years earlier.

But Mr Palmer’s nickel mining business ran into trouble late last year.

A spokesperson for Mr Palmer said that there has been interest from investors from the UAE and China.

“We’re not looking for investment from Dubai as it is a project we are funding ourselves, but we have been in contact with a number of companies based in the Emirates who are looking at utilising,” said marketing director of Blue Star Line James McDonald.

“It is people looking to use the opportunity of the trademark and licensing potential of the project…we own the Titanic II name and trademark and people are lining up to be part of it.

Titanic II, if finished, will be 270 metres long and have nine floors with 840 cabins, accommodating 2,400 passengers and 900 crewmembers.

It will also remain faithful to the original ship with first, second and third class tickets on offer.

Crystal Cruises recently announced it was looking at refloating the SS United States, an old steam ship, at a cost of up to $800,000.

Let’s hope Mr Palmer’s plans don’t sink without trace – like the original Titanic.