The iconic ocean liner, which is destined to become the largest artificial reef in the world, set sail from the Delaware River waterfront in South Philadelphia on Wednesday, starting its final journey.
The SS United States, stretching 1,000 feet in length and once a record-holder for transatlantic speed during its inaugural voyage in 1952, is currently being towed to Mobile, Alabama. Here, preparations will take place before the vessel is ultimately submerged off the coast of Florida.
This significant movement comes about four months after a settlement was reached regarding a long-standing rent issue between the conservancy overseeing the ship and its operating landlord. Initial plans to relocate the ship were set for last November, but those plans were postponed when the U.S. Coast Guard raised concerns about the ship’s stability.
In Okaloosa County, located in Florida’s Gulf Coast region, officials envision the ship as an eye-catching addition to the county’s existing collection of over 500 artificial reefs. They expect it to transform into a prime spot for divers, potentially bringing in millions of dollars annually in tourism, which would benefit local businesses like scuba shops, hotels, and charter fishing services.
The acquisition of the SS United States is projected to exceed $10 million once all expenses are accounted for. The entire process of cleaning, transporting, and sinking the vessel is anticipated to last at least a year and a half.
Once hailed as a pinnacle of American ingenuity, the SS United States also served as a naval troop transport ship, capable of ferrying a large number of military personnel. During its record-breaking initial passage across the Atlantic, it averaged an impressive speed of 36 knots—over 41 mph (66 kph)—completing the journey in just three days, 10 hours, and 40 minutes. This extraordinary feat surpassed the RMS Queen Mary’s record by a significant ten hours, allowing the SS United States to retain the title of fastest ocean liner across the Atlantic.
“The ship will always represent our nation’s strength, innovation, and resilience,” remarked Susan Gibbs, president of the SS United States Conservancy and granddaughter of the ship’s designer. “We wish her ‘fair winds and following seas’ as she embarks on this meaningful journey to her new home.”
The SS United States transitioned into reserve status in 1969 and changed hands multiple times as various owners sought to renovate it. However, all attempts ultimately fell through due to prohibitive costs or misaligned timing, which left the ship in limbo for many years at its Philadelphia berth.
