14 July 2009

QE2 may not have made its final voyage

DUBAI - The Dubai owner of the QE2 is weighing plans to open the liner as a floating hotel elsewhere in the Middle East or Africa rather than on Dubai’s man-made Palm Jumeirah island.

The ship’s new owner, Nakheel, told The Associated Press that other ports have expressed interest in hosting the vessel and that it is evaluating those options before going ahead with a planned refurbishment.

The property developer had originally planned to renovate the ship and turn it into a luxury hotel following its arrival in Dubai last November.

Nakheel said it is seeking "to ensure opportunities to experience QE2 in her current condition are maximised whilst ensuring her important heritage is at all times protected."

South Africa's Business Day newspaper, citing a spokeswoman for the country's tourism department, reported that Nakheel has applied to anchor the ship in Cape Town.

The future of the QE2 is linked to the financial fortunes of Nakheel, which has been struggling as a result of the global financial crisis and a steep drop in Dubai’s property market.

At the time of QE2’s purchase, Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Dubai World’s chairman, said, "The QE2 is without doubt one of the wonders of the maritime world and I’m delighted we have been able to create a home for her on the newest wonder of the world.

"Dubai is a maritime nation and we understand the rich heritage of the QE2. She is coming to a home where she will be cherished."

The 40-year-old liner, launched in Scotland, completed 25 circumnavigations of the globe, 800 Atlantic crossing and welcomed 2.5 million passengers on board before heading for Dubai and a new life.