SS United States Move DELAYED Again
Due to a Gale Warning and excessive wind gusts forecasted for the greater Philadelphia area, the ship’s departure has been rescheduled, again
The first phase of the historic ship’s move was completed on Friday, February 14, 2025. The initial operation involved relocating the vessel laterally from Pier 82 to the adjacent Pier 80.
SS United States Move DELAYED Again
This move took several hours and was suppose to start at 11am on Friday. Since it was the first time this ship had been moved in decades, tugs had to really push hard to get her in place.
This move was only possible because the U.S. Coast Guard required additional due diligence, including further testing and safety protocols. All of this is done which is why the SS United will be able to move from Pier 80 in South Philadelphia to a temporary docking area in Mobile, Alabama.
While still subject to last-minute changes due to weather or other unforeseen factors, the journey down the Delaware River will now happen on Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at low tide beginning at 12:03 PM.
A Complex and Carefully Coordinated Move
Moving the SS United States is a highly coordinated effort requiring multiple phases:
- COMPLETED Friday, February 14, 2025: Move from Pier 82 to Pier 80.
- Tuesday, February 18, 2025: Tugboats will guide the SS United States into the Delaware River channel at low tide, around 12:03 PM. As she makes her way downriver, she will pass under key bridges, including the Walt Whitman Bridge (I-76), the Commodore Barry Bridge (U.S. 322), and the Delaware Memorial Bridge (I-295). The Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA) will coordinate bridge closures to accommodate the move.
During the two-week journey along the eastern seaboard, Okaloosa’s contractors will use real-time route planning, adjusting the course every six hours based on weather and ocean currents to ensure a safe voyage.
Upon arrival in Mobile, the SS United States will undergo extensive preparations for her transformation into the world’s largest artificial reef.
This process, which is expected to take approximately 12 months, will include the removal of hazardous materials, non-metal components, and fuel to ensure an environmentally safe deployment.
Additionally, modifications will be made to ensure the ship lands upright when submerged.
The exact location of her final resting place has not been determined, but it is expected to be about 20 nautical miles south of the Destin-Fort Walton Beach area along the Gulf Coast.
Once deployed, the SS United States will become a thriving underwater ecosystem, attracting marine life ranging from red snapper to pelagic species like wahoo.
The artificial reef is expected to be a major attraction for divers from around the world, as well as a boon for local and charter fishing industries.
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Beyond her role in marine conservation, Okaloosa County will continue its partnership with the SS United States Conservancy to develop a land-based museum in Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
This museum will feature iconic pieces of the ship, such as the funnels and radar mast, alongside archival collections that preserve her storied past.
This means that the funnels and mask will be removed from the super structure of the ship in the shipyard in Alabama.
The Wildwood Video Archive will be heading down the Alabama this summer to check in on the progress of the sinking.
The WVA visited the SS United States this past summer and was able to take a ton of videos inside and out. You can watch that video at the bottom of this article.
For those eager to track her final journey, GPS updates will be available at www.destinfwb.com/explore/eco-tourism/ssus.
The WVA will be there on Tuesday for drone footage from many different angles. Be sure to subscribe to our Youtube Channel for updates.