The SS United States, a storied ocean liner known for its historical significance, is on the brink of a new chapter as it undertakes its last journey. Plans are underway in a Florida county to transform this iconic vessel into the world’s largest artificial reef. On Monday, the ship completed the first leg of this final journey by reaching Mobile, Alabama. It embarked on this voyage almost two weeks ago, having set out from its previous location along the Delaware River in south Philadelphia.
Upon arrival in Mobile, the SS United States is slated to enter a repair facility. Here, a dedicated crew will spend approximately six months rigorously cleaning and prepping the vessel. The ambitious plan is to eventually submerge the liner off the Gulf Coast of Florida, where it will serve as an underwater attraction.
This 1,800-mile (2,897-kilometer) trek began on February 19. It follows a resolution to a protracted rent disagreement between the conservancy responsible for the ship and its landlord. Initially, the move was planned for last November, but it faced delays due to concerns from the U.S. Coast Guard over the vessel’s stability and ability to safely complete the journey.
Okaloosa County, located on Florida’s coastal Panhandle, is optimistic about the future of this project. The hope is that the SS United States will emerge as a spectacular feature within the county’s expansive collection of over 500 artificial reefs. Officials believe this unique attraction has the potential to substantially boost local tourism, fostering increased business for scuba diving operators, charter fishing expeditions, and hotels. It is estimated that acquiring the ship and executing these plans could exceed $10 million.
When it first set sail in 1952, the SS United States was a marvel of American engineering. The vessel not only broke the trans-Atlantic speed record on its maiden voyage, maintaining an average speed of 36 knots (or just over 41 mph, 66 kph), but it also had the dual capability of serving as a military transport, equipped to carry thousands of troops. It completed the trans-Atlantic journey in an impressive three days, 10 hours, and 40 minutes, surpassing the previous record held by the RMS Queen Mary by 10 hours. To date, the SS United States remains the speediest ocean liner to cross the Atlantic.
After its decommissioning as an active liner in 1969, the ship was relegated to reserve status and subsequently cycled through various private owners. Each owner had grand visions of redeveloping this historic vessel, but these plans were often thwarted by expense or poor timing. Consequently, the ship became a familiar fixture on the waterfront along south Philadelphia’s Delaware River, a dormant yet significant piece of maritime history.
