Track the SS United States on Her Historic Journey
After years docked at Philadelphia’s Pier 82, the iconic SS United States is about to embark on a monumental journey.
The 990-foot-long ocean liner, once the fastest passenger ship to cross the Atlantic, will soon set sail for her final resting place off the shores of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, Florida, where she will be transformed into a massive artificial reef.
Track the SS United States on Her Historic Journey
Before she is sunk in the fall of 2025, the SS United States will make a stop in Mobile, Alabama, for final preparations.
Here’s everything you need to know to witness this historic voyage and track the “Big U’s” journey in real-time.
The Journey Begins: November 14, 2024
The SS United States is scheduled to begin her journey on Thursday, November 14, 2024. The timing of each move will be dependent on tide levels, as the water needs to be high enough to move her from her current location yet low enough for her to clear the Walt Whitman Bridge.
- Thursday, November 14: At approximately 11:45 a.m., she will be towed from Pier 82 to Pier 80, where she will stay temporarily until the next low tide.
- Friday, November 15: Around 7:00 a.m., during low tide, the SS United States will pass under the Walt Whitman Bridge. This specific timing was chosen due to the height of her smokestacks; low tide should provide ample clearance for a safe journey down the Delaware River.
The East Coast Voyage
The SS United States’ journey to Mobile, Alabama, will take approximately 14 days. The towing route will hug the East Coast shoreline, minimizing the impact of ocean currents and reducing fuel consumption. This coastal path also offers enthusiasts a chance to catch a glimpse of the ship from land as she makes her final voyage.
Once she arrives in Alabama, preparations will begin for her transformation into an artificial reef. This includes the removal of her smokestacks and extensive cleaning of the interior to ensure an environmentally safe deployment.
Also See: Creepmas at Spirit Christmas – Store Tour
A New Chapter as an Artificial Reef
Once sunk, the SS United States will become the newest addition to Destin-Fort Walton Beach’s renowned reef program, joining one of the most active artificial reef collections in the United States. At nearly 1,000 feet long, the “Big U” will be one of the largest vessels ever used in a reef project. The ship’s immense structure will attract a diverse array of marine life, along with divers and anglers from around the world.
This transformation marks a new chapter for the historic liner, which has stood as a symbol of American innovation and maritime history for over seven decades.
Track Her Journey in Real-Time
For enthusiasts eager to follow this epic journey, an onboard GPS tracking device will allow you to monitor her progress online. The official tracking page will go live once the ship begins her tow from Philadelphia.
You can track the SS United States’ movements at www.destinfwb.com/explore/eco-tourism/ssus.
The Wildwood Video Archive will be there on Thursday and Friday to film the Big U moving. (weather pending)
The WVA did get on board the grand ship a few months back to film inside. You can watch that video below (please subscribe)