Dutchman Johan Huibers is planning to tow a ‘life-sized’ replica of Noah’s Ark to Israel, according to a report in the Jewish Telegraphic Agency.

The plan, which has generated international headlines, would involve towing his multi-million euro floating wooden vessel with the help of tugboats.

A building constructor, carpenter and Christian, he completed the five-year project in 2013, and the 390-ft long ark is currently resting in the Maas river.

It was fitted out as a museum but is reportedly currently closed to visitors due to disagreements between Huibers and local officials, reported British paper The Sun. A virtual reality tour is available online.

Huibers told the Jewish Telegraphic Agency that he believes every word of the Hebrew Bible and used it as inspiration for the ship. ‘This is a copy of God’s ship. It only makes sense to take it to God’s land,’ he is reported as saying.

The ship has no motor so he will have to use tugboats to pull it on its journey. His original plans to take it to Brazil were apparently jettisoned.

It is not known whether he plans to fill the ark with occupants inspired by the Biblical account, for its modern journey.

DutchNews.nl has contacted the Ark of Noah Foundation to confirm the reports and ask for a comment.