The organization responsible for overseeing the SS United States, an aging ocean liner docked on the Delaware River in Philadelphia, and its landlord are set for mediation to resolve a rent dispute that threatens the ship’s current berth. A federal judge had previously given the conservancy until a recent deadline to present relocation plans for the historic vessel but extended the deadline following a lawsuit filed by the conservancy accusing Penn Warehousing of hindering its attempts to sell the ship.
After a hearing, U.S. District Judge Anita B. Brody agreed to the mediation suggestion put forth by a lawyer for Penn Warehousing, ultimately suspending the relocation plan deadline. The conservancy expressed support for the mediation process, emphasizing its commitment to resolving the dispute and ensuring the safe relocation of the vessel. Talks had been underway with a Florida county interested in acquiring the ship for repurposing it as the world’s largest artificial reef, but negotiations were stalled by Penn Warehousing requesting a $3 million payment from Okaloosa County to extend the deadline.
The rent disagreement originated from Penn Warehousing doubling the SS United States’ daily dockage fee in 2021, a rate increase the conservancy rejected. Penn Warehousing sought to reclaim access to the berth to replace the ship with a commercial entity that could bring economic benefits to the city. Despite legal back and forth, Judge Brody recommended settlement discussions between the two parties instead of a court ruling.
The SS United States, a renowned ocean liner launched in 1952, previously held the transatlantic speed record and played multifaceted roles including serving as a military transport. Over the years, different private owners have attempted but struggled to redevelop the ship due to financial constraints or untimely plans. The vessel, a significant part of Philadelphia’s waterfront, continues to stand tall but faces an uncertain future pending the resolution of the ongoing rent dispute.
