SS United States relocation plans hit another snag
Philadelphia, PA – The highly anticipated final voyage of the SS United States has been delayed yet again, leaving enthusiasts and officials awaiting a new departure date.
The historic ocean liner was slated to begin its journey from Philadelphia to the Gulf of Mexico, where it will be sunk to become an artificial reef.
The initial leg of the voyage, a short move from Pier 82 to Pier 80 in Philadelphia, was first pushed back from Thursday morning to Thursday evening. However, Okaloosa County, Florida, the entity responsible for the ship's sinking and reef transformation, announced another postponement late Thursday.
In a statement, Okaloosa County cited "follow-up details requested by the U.S. Coast Guard to ensure a proper tow from Pier 82 to Pier 80" as the reason for the delay. The county acknowledged the disappointment and frustration of those who had made plans around the event and asked for patience.
The "Big U," renowned for setting the transatlantic speed record in 1952, was scheduled to travel for two weeks down the East Coast, around Florida, and finally to Mobile, Alabama. In Mobile, the ship would undergo final preparations before being sunk off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida. The vessel, nearly the size of the Chrysler Building, will become the "World's Largest Artificial Reef," providing a habitat for marine life and a destination for divers.
This latest setback is one of several delays the SS United States has faced. Last fall, bad weather in the Gulf of Mexico caused an initial postponement. A significant obstacle arose in the form of a "Captain of the Port Order" from the Coast Guard, which stated the ship's stability was questionable for the intended transit and posed a hazard. The order required Okaloosa County to restore the ship’s structural integrity before departure.
Last month, the Coast Guard reported "positive progress" on this issue, and on Wednesday, the county announced it had met all the necessary safety requirements from local, state, and federal agencies for the move. The SS United States Conservancy, the ship's previous owner, also confirmed the move on Wednesday, noting the county's "comprehensive due diligence" and "extensive testing."
Once the ship reaches Alabama, contractors will remove hazardous materials, including non-metal parts and fuel, to ensure a clean and environmentally safe deployment. Okaloosa County officials estimate this preparation process will take approximately 12 months.
The SS United States, a symbol of American maritime history, has captivated the public for over 70 years. Its beauty, its 1952 speed record, and its service carrying dignitaries, including US presidents and even Leonardo da Vinci's "Mona Lisa," have cemented its place in history. Withdrawn from service in 1969, the ship has remained a source of fascination. While some mourn the decision to sink the vessel, both the SS United States Conservancy and Okaloosa County have stated that it was the only viable option to prevent the ship from being scrapped after its eviction from its long-time Philadelphia pier.
