IT IS a name that will launch a thousand memories, for no other ship in the history of the port of Southampton is thought of with such affection and high regard.

Now another Queen Mary is to set sail across the world's oceans proudly carrying the name of Southampton on her massive hull as the traditional Red Ensign flies from her mast.

The former Cunarder Queen Mary, now retired among the sun and palm trees of California, is perhaps the city's best loved liner and so when the shipping line announced it was to name its new 150,000ton megaliner after the legendary vessel it was met with widespread approval in the port.

Today, when the £500 million contract to build the ship is officially signed, is another important milestone along the way to the time, at the end of 2003, when the ship sails into Southampton Docks for the first time.

Even to get to this early stage has already been a long voyage for Cunard's two top executives, president Larry Pimentel and Pam Conover, the chief operating officer, who have been the driving forces behind the ambitious project together with Micky Arison, chairman of Carnival Corporation, Cunard's Florida based parent company.

In the past months all three have been crisscrossing the Atlantic between Miami, London and Saint Nazaire in France, home for the Chantiers de l'Atlantique shipyard which will build QM2.

It's been a time for tough talking as a deal was hammered out, specifications and designs analysed and a work schedule and delivery date agreed.

In March a letter of intent was signed between the two parties and now, eight months later, agreements have been finalised and names officially put to a contract.

Work will start almost immediately on what is without doubt the most complex and challenging passenger vessel for decades.

QM2 will be a true ocean going passenger liner which has to be designed and constructed totally differently from today's new generation of cruise ships.

The Cunarder will have to withstand the tough conditions of the North Atlantic, be able to constantly power her way through the waves at around 30 knots to keep to her timetable.

And she will also need to have the range to take her passengers on line voyages and global journeys.

It will be a vessel that will surely test the French shipbuilders" skills to the limits as Cunard insists on the highest levels of workmanship for this prestigious vessel.

Although negotiations have taken far longer than was first anticipated, Cunard still hopes that QM2 will make her first dramatic entry into Southampton Water sometime towards the end of 2003.

"Over the past months, our vision of the first true ocean liner to be built in a generation has evolved from a dream to a detailed plan on paper", said Mr Arison.

"We are satisfied that the shipyard that created famed liners such as Normandie, SS France, and other legendary ships, has the capability to make that dream a reality."

published 6th Nov 2000