Historic Liner To Begin Final Journey Before Transforming Into World’s Largest Artificial Reef

Once the pride of America’s transatlantic voyages, the SS United States is now ready to set sail for a final journey from the Philadelphia waterfront to become the largest artificial reef in the world.

After nearly three decades of being docked at Pier 82, the liner will sail for the final time on November 14 to Florida’s Gulf Coast to be transformed into a massive reef attraction.

The ship, measuring about 1000 feet long, will be relocated in a well-planned and synchronized manner.

The plan involves six tugboats moving the SS United States away from the pier at high tide, around 11:45 a.m., before it temporarily docks at Pier 80.

The next morning, at low tide, preparations will begin to guide the vessel into the Delaware River and under three key bridges, the Commodore Barry, Delaware Memorial, and the Walt Whitman, which will require a temporary closure.

Once clear, two of the three tugs will escort the liner down the East Coast to Mobile, Alabama, for the first phase of its transformation.

Okaloosa Country acquired the liner from the SS United States Conservancy for $ 1 million on October 13, 2024.

The liner will undergo extensive preparations in Mobile, Alabama. According to county officials, this 12-month process will ensure that the ship is reef-ready by removing pollutants and non-metal components to meet environmental standards.

The vessel’s iconic red, white, and blue funnels and other important artefacts will be preserved and displayed in a future museum.

The historic transformation is the outcome of a settlement that mandated the ship to be removed from Philadelphia’s pier by December.

Initial plans considered Norfolk, Virginia, as the staging area, but Okaloosa officials came to the conclusion that Mobile was a more cost-effective and feasible option for the vessel’s preparation.

The SS United States Conservancy has announced plans to establish a museum and visitor center at Destin-Fort Walton Beach for those interested in the ship’s legacy.

The museum will showcase the ship’s artefacts and displays commemorating its speed and engineering achievements.

Onlookers, maritime enthusiasts, and long-time admirers are excited to gather along the Delaware River to witness this piece of history.

Reference: Get The Coast

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