Blue Star Line Pty Ltd Chairman Professor Clive Palmer has announced the shipping company has engaged Tillberg Design of Sweden to provide architectural and design services for the interior of the Titanic II project.

Blue Star Line has undertaken the task of building Titanic II, a replica of the original RMS Titanic, which is scheduled to sail from Southampton to New York on her maiden passenger voyage in 2016.

Professor Palmer said the engagement with Tillberg Design of Sweden was retained this month and includes the design of the first, second and third class accommodation, smoking room, first class lounge, Café Parisian, grand staircase and modern features on the safety deck.

Fredrik Johansson, Tillberg Design of Sweden partner and senior architect, said the Swedish company is thrilled to be associated with Blue Star Line and with this exceptionally exciting and prestigious project.

“The whole concept of building a period replica is naturally to give an experience that is as close to the original as possible,” he said.

“The fact that Blue Star Line has chosen Tillberg Design of Sweden for the design of the Titanic II is beyond our wildest dreams and a first rate vote of confidence.”

Titanic II, a full scale version of the original ship, is being designed by the Finland-based Deltamarin and will be built by leading Chinese shipbuilders CSC Jinling Shipyard, which since 1996 has built vessels for customers from more than 20 countries.

While every bit as luxurious as the original, Titanic II will have every modern amenity along with 21st century technology and the latest navigation and safety systems.