SS United States Faces Uncertain Future As Concerns Are Raised
Plans to move the iconic SS United States from its Philadelphia berth to a new home in Florida are facing additional challenges.
Concerns about the vessel’s condition and logistical hurdles, including the potential risk of striking one of the Delaware River’s bridges, have emerged as key obstacles in the process says the latest report from CBS News Philadelphia.
SS United States Faces Uncertain Future As Concerns Are Raised
The SS United States, once the fastest ocean liner in the world, has been docked in Philadelphia for over 25 years. Its new owner, Okaloosa County in Florida, purchased the historic ship in October for over $10 million.
The county plans to transform the vessel into the world’s largest artificial reef, sinking it off the coast of Destin to create a unique diving attraction and bolster local tourism.
Before that can happen, the ship must travel south to Alabama for preparation. However, new concerns have arisen over the ship’s ability to make the journey safely.
The U.S. Coast Guard is now closely examining the ship’s structural integrity to ensure it can safely withstand the voyage.
Questions over its stability and seaworthiness have reportedly “set off alarms,” highlighting the complexity of moving a vessel of this size and age.
They want to ensure that the ship won’t spring a leak or have another event that could have her become a reef earlier than expected.
The Coast Guard has stated they are awaiting further documentation from Okaloosa County. Until these concerns are addressed, the ship’s departure remains uncertain.
In addition to the ship’s condition, logistical challenges have raised concerns with the Delaware River Port Authority (DRPA), which oversees the region’s major bridges.
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While no changes to the previously established clearances have been reported, the DRPA acknowledged the need to monitor the ship’s movement to avoid any risk of a bridge strike during its transit.
However, it needs to be said that those challenges had also been an issue when the Battleship New Jersey made her way up and down the river for her dry-dock restoration.
You can watch the Battleship New Jersey make her way down the Delaware and under the Walt Whitman in the video at the bottom of this article.
Adding to the urgency, Okaloosa County faces financial penalties if the ship isn’t moved by December 13.
The operator of Pier 82, where the ship is currently docked, has imposed a $100,000 penalty for each day the vessel remains after this date.
Despite these challenges, Okaloosa County officials have yet to announce a revised timeline for moving the SS United States.
The planned transformation of the SS United States into an artificial reef is an unprecedented project that balances historical preservation with environmental innovation.
However, the challenges of moving such a massive and aging ship underscore the complexity of ensuring this storied vessel’s next chapter is carried out safely and successfully.
For now, the SS United States remains in Philadelphia, standing as a silent reminder of America’s maritime history as it awaits its next voyage.