Exploring Inside the SS United States – Video Tour
The SS United States is one of the most majestic ships ever built in America. Known for its sleek design and record-breaking speed, it became a symbol of mid-20th-century innovation and luxury in transatlantic travel. But now, we are at risk of losing this iconic vessel.
With the ship’s future uncertain, I felt compelled to get on board to document parts of it for future generations to appreciate.
This is the first of three videos we filmed, with the others including a drone video (courtesy of our “seagull”) and a 360-degree video.
Exploring Inside the SS United States
Just a day before our visit, the Conservancy, which has cared for the SS United States all these years, announced that a judge had denied their request for a 90-day extension past the September 12 deadline to keep the ship at its current location. In an online statement, the Conservancy said:
“While our three-month extension to handle logistical, safety, environmental, and regulatory challenges associated with moving the vessel was not granted, we appreciate Judge Brody’s openness to the ship staying at her current pier beyond September 12 should we secure a contract to remove the vessel by that time. We also appreciated her expectation that a good faith negotiation between the Conservancy and Penn Warehousing, the pier operator, for a reasonable extension be undertaken, should that scenario come to pass.”
With only a few weeks until the deadline, both parties are expected to return to court to discuss the progress of these plans.
Currently, the Conservancy is in extensive negotiations with two counties in Florida to potentially convert the ship into an artificial underwater reef, paired with a land-based museum.
A third option involves relocating the ship to Newport News, Virginia, where it was originally built. However, despite financial support from that area, there is no slip large enough to accommodate the ship.
“It is unfortunate Penn Warehousing continues to mischaracterize the Conservancy’s stewardship of the vessel and its serious efforts to comply with the Court’s order,” a Conservancy spokesperson said. “Since the Court’s ruling in June, the Conservancy’s search for a temporary or permanent pier has expanded and accelerated in pursuit of an agreement.”
If an agreement can be reached by that date, the ship may be able to remain in place until December.
Also See: Battleship New Jersey Dry Dock Tour – 4K Video
However, finding a suitable location for a ship of this size is no easy task. At 990 feet long, the SS United States requires a slip that is at least 1,000 feet in length.
Additionally, the slip must not only be available but also have the infrastructure necessary to keep the ship safe.
Most slips of this size are currently being used by commercial vessels, and while some operators have expressed interest, they cannot offer an unused slip, which is far from ideal.
So, if you have a 1,000-foot slip available, in good condition, and not currently in use, we have a ship for you!
The Conservancy has raised funds to cover current expenses and potential towing costs and continues to work tirelessly to ensure that America’s Flagship is not lost to history.
To support these efforts, the United States Conservancy has launched an urgent campaign to raise $500,000 to help cover the costs of the ship’s potential relocation and other critical expenses.
If you would like to contribute, please visit ssusc.org.
The SS United States has a fascinating history, but let’s focus on why the ship is now just a shell instead of being filled with its original interior as you will see in the video at the bottom of the page.
The iconic SS United States, once the pride of America’s maritime fleet, has faced a rocky path since being deemed unnecessary by the US Navy in 1978. Over the years, the ship has changed hands multiple times, with each owner having grand visions for its future.
Richard Hadley from Seattle was the first to try his luck, purchasing the ship with plans to convert it into seagoing time-share condominiums. However, when financing fell apart, he auctioned off the ship’s interior fittings in 1984, leaving the SS United States empty and abandoned.
In 1992, Fred Mayer stepped in with hopes of making the vessel a companion to the QE2. He moved the ship to Turkey and Ukraine for hazardous material removal and then back to Philadelphia in 1996, where it has remained ever since.
Edward Cantor bought the ship with dreams of returning it to the seas, but following his death in 2002, the ship was once again put up for sale. This time, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) took over in 2003, with plans to incorporate the ship into its American-flagged cruise service. Unfortunately, the global economic downturn led to these plans being abandoned, and the ship was listed for sale in 2009.
As NCL prepared to scrap the vessel, the SS United States Conservancy launched the “Save Our Ship” campaign to rally public support. In 2010, a grant from philanthropist H.F. “Gerry” Lenfest allowed the Conservancy to purchase the ship and cover its upkeep for 20 months.
The SS United States Conservancy had been trying to work with many different developers to try to find a new home for the ship. This ranged from keeping her in Philly to bringing her up to Brooklyn. All of those plans unfortunately fell through.Sadly, if no contract is signed by the deadline of September 12, the ship could face scrapping.
In the video below we will explore the SS United States engine room, pool, main decks, bow, stern, ballrooms and so much more.
A BIG thank you to the SS United States Conservancy for allowing me to document this beautiful ship.
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