Clive Mensink to head Clive Palmer’s Titanic II project in Europe

Clive Palmer’s nephew, Clive Mensink, who has been overseas since the collapse of Queensland Nickel in 2016, has a new job.

Clive Mensink, the nephew of Clive Palmer, leaves the Supreme Court in Brisbane, Wednesday, April 20, 2016. Mr Mensink Mr Mensink has asked the court to issue an injunction preventing the Queensland Nickel administrators from appointing receivers to three other Palmer nickel companies who were in a joint venture with QN. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt) NO ARCHIVING

Clive Palmer’s fugitive nephew, Clive Mensink, who was the director of Queensland Nickel at the time of its collapse, has been appointed as European director of the Titanic II project.

Mr Mensink has been on an open-ended overseas trip since the collapse of the Townsville company in 2016 and has failed to show up at appearances in court.

QN’s liquidators have sought to have Mr Mensink appear before the court to answer questions about the management of the company prior to its collapse.

Mr Palmer today announced his nephew would be appointed in the role of European director of Blue Star Line – a subsidiary of flagship mining company Mineralogy – which is heading the bid to make a replica of the Titanic.

“Based in Blue Star Line’s London office, Mr Mensink will be responsible for commercial negotiations, recruitment and training for Titanic II which will be put into service on the London to New York route across the Atlantic,” the company announced in a media release.

The Titanic II proposal was raised in 2012 but was suspended in 2015 due to financial issues.

But last month Mr Palmer said the project would go ahead after cash flow issues had been resolved.

Clive Mensink will be based in Blue Star Line’s London office, and will be responsible for commercial negotiations, recruitment and training for Titanic II. Picture: AP

The 56,000 tonne ship would have room for 2400 passengers and would be a replica of the liner that sank on its maiden voyage in 1912.

The press release for today’s announcement raised about Mr Mensink’s record as managing director of QN and described him as offering “extensive experience directing major projects”.

“He was involved in the inaugural wave testing of Titanic II when the concept was first launched in 2012,” the statement said.

“As managing director of Queensland Nickel, he increased cost efficiencies by 50 per cent after taking over from BHP in 2009, preserving the livelihoods of thousands of workers up to 2015.

About 800 workers lost their jobs when QN collapsed in 2016.

“Mr Mensink is the perfect candidate to deliver a world class experience with Titanic II,’’ Mr Palmer said.

“Backed by the extensive resources, he has my full endorsement to bring this unique project to fruition, generating unprecedented international exposure and public interest.”

The media release said Mr Mensink had not returned to Australia to face court, as requested by the liquidators, “due to a refusal by the special purpose liquidators to meet his travel expenses”.

Mining magnate Clive Palmer with plans for his Titanic II ship construction.

Earlier this year, Mr Mensink’s lawyer said he had never actually spoken to his client and had used Mr Palmer as a “conduit” between himself and Mr Mensink.

“He has always been available for any actions required by the liquidators. They have always known where he is,’’ Mr Palmer said.

“I caught up with Mr Mensink in Bulgaria recently and he is most excited about this opportunity.

“He shares Blue Star Line’s passion for recreating the ship of dreams as a symbol of love and peace in the world, playing to the Jack and Rose in all of us.”