SS United States Legal Dispute Settlement Finalized with Penn Warehousing
The SS United States Conservancy has reached a settlement with pier operator Penn Warehousing, bringing an end to a lengthy legal battle that has been ongoing for over two years.
The settlement follows a court-ordered mediation that resolves the litigation initiated by Penn Warehousing in early 2022.
SS United States Legal Dispute Settlement Finalized with Penn Warehousing
While details of the settlement remain confidential, the SS United States must vacate her current Philadelphia pier soon, as per the court’s original ruling.
A Long Search for a New Home
The Conservancy, which has been tirelessly working to preserve the historic ship, had been exploring relocation options well before the lawsuit began.
Despite reaching out to private pier owners, government agencies, and officials at multiple levels, they were unable to find a suitable location to move the ship within the court’s mandated timeline.
After years of searching and vetting potential buyers, none of the prospects were viable given the logistical constraints.
A New Plan for America’s Flagship
Faced with no alternatives to save the SS United States in her current state, the Conservancy was left with two difficult choices: scrapping the ship or transforming her into an artificial reef, accompanied by a land-based museum.
The Board of Directors opted for the latter, ensuring the ship’s legacy will live on in a unique way.
Though this decision may be emotional for supporters, it offers the most dignified solution.
Okaloosa County, Florida, has committed over $10 million to transform the ship into the world’s largest artificial reef while establishing a museum and visitor center to honor her story.
Tens of thousands of visitors from around the world will now have the opportunity to experience the SS United States both as a habitat for marine life and through a state-of-the-art museum.
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The Next Steps
The transfer of the SS United States to Okaloosa County will be formalized on October 12. Following the transfer, the ship will be moved from Philadelphia to Norfolk, where she will undergo extensive preparations before becoming an artificial reef.
Updates on her journey down the Delaware River and subsequent arrival in Norfolk will be shared with the public. Okaloosa County and the Conservancy are also exploring ways to celebrate the ship while she is in Norfolk.
Her anchor chains have been removed this week to get ready for her move.
The Future of the SS United States
The Conservancy remains committed to preserving the legacy of America’s Flagship. The upcoming museum will feature original artifacts, detailed recreations of the ship’s iconic spaces, and even one of her iconic funnels.
The public will have opportunities to contribute ideas for the museum’s exhibits, ensuring that the SS United States’ story continues to inspire future generations.
This marks a new chapter in the ship’s extraordinary history, one that will see her legacy endure both above and below the waterline.
The Wildwood Video Archive visited the ship last month and filmed a full tour video for you to enjoy. Watch it below and please subscribe as we try to hit 100,000 subscribers.