In the global history of peacetime maritime disasters, the RMS Titanic remains the most infamous. The largest ship afloat at the time it entered service, Titanic was the second of three Olympic class ocean liners operated by the White Star Line. Built by the Harland and Wolff shipyard in Belfast, she sank on April 14th 1912 hours after colliding with an iceberg on her maiden voyage with approx. 2,200 on board. 1,500 lost their lives.

Almost a century later, on 13 January 2012, the Italian cruise ship Costa Concordia struck rocks off the Isola de Giglio, Tuscany and overturned. 32 lives were lost.

Despite 100 years between the two accidents that happened in different seas, there are many similarities relating to the major maritime accidents: both shipping companies encouraged prioritizing performance over safety and both Masters were aware of the potential dangers.
Our market briefing aims to compare and contrast the two disasters, firstly focusing on various aspects of the Titanic story: Why the ship was built, the construction of the vessel, its furnishings, comparison to the different types of accommodation as to class and launch. In addition, the cargo on board and subsequent claims will also be highlighted and the presentation will aim to dispel myths and legends that Titanic has attracted and also cover the role Titanic has assumed in the media, films and television programmes. In addition, the technologies, construction disaster response and media interest for 1912 and 2012 will be contrasted.

The presentation, organised by International Underwriting Association (IUA), aims to compare the Titanic and Costa Concordia, taking into consideration the above topics and looking to the future in avoiding such tragedies.