PHILADELPHIA. The historic SS United States, once the pride of American ocean liners, departed from the Delaware River waterfront in South Philadelphia on Wednesday for the first leg of its final journey. The 1,000-foot vessel, which set the transatlantic speed record on its maiden voyage in 1952, is being transported to Mobile, Alabama, where it will undergo preparation before eventually being submerged off Florida’s Gulf Coast to become the world’s largest artificial reef.
The long-awaited move follows the resolution of a years-long rent dispute between the ship’s overseeing conservancy and its landlord. Originally scheduled for relocation in November 2024, the process was delayed due to U.S. Coast Guard concerns over the vessel’s structural stability.
Officials in Okaloosa County, Florida, envision the SS United States as a major underwater attraction. Once fully submerged, it will join the county’s extensive network of over 500 artificial reefs, supporting marine biodiversity and drawing divers from around the world. Officials estimate the project could inject millions of dollars annually into the local economy through tourism-related businesses such as scuba shops, charter fishing boats, and hotels.
The entire project—encompassing the purchase, transport, cleaning, and sinking of the ship—is expected to take at least 18 months, with an estimated total cost exceeding $10 million.
A Record-Breaking Legacy
Designed as a symbol of American engineering and innovation, the SS United States once doubled as a military vessel capable of carrying thousands of troops. It set the transatlantic speed record in both directions on its maiden voyage, maintaining an average speed of 36 knots (41 mph or 66 kph) and crossing the Atlantic in just three days, 10 hours, and 40 minutes—outpacing the RMS Queen Mary by 10 hours. The vessel still holds the record for the fastest transatlantic crossing by an ocean liner.
Susan Gibbs, president of the SS United States Conservancy and granddaughter of the ship’s designer, acknowledged the vessel’s historic significance, stating, “The ship will forever symbolize our nation’s strength, innovation, and resilience. We wish her ‘fair winds and following seas’ on her historic journey to her new home.”
From Glory to Abandonment
After being placed in reserve status in 1969, the SS United States changed hands multiple times as various private owners attempted to repurpose it. However, due to high costs and poor timing, redevelopment efforts failed, leaving the ship to deteriorate along Philadelphia’s waterfront for decades.
Now, as it embarks on its final voyage, the once-glorious ocean liner is set to serve a new purpose beneath the waves—preserving its legacy in an entirely new way as a thriving marine ecosystem and premier diving destination.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla#molongui-disabled-link
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla#molongui-disabled-link
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla#molongui-disabled-link
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla#molongui-disabled-link
