The SS United States, once a symbol of American innovation and maritime prowess, is now facing new delays in its final journey to become the world’s largest artificial reef. After being docked at Pier 82 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania for around 28 years, the historic ocean liner was just hours away from a pier transfer on February 6, 2025. This transfer was supposed to be the first step in her final voyage, but the US Coast Guard called for a delay to ensure a safe and proper tow1.
The original plan was for the SS United States to be moved laterally from Pier 82 to Pier 80 on February 6, ahead of being towed out of Philadelphia two days later. Tug boats were then supposed to maneuver the ship down the Delaware River during the low tide in the early morning hours of February 8. However, neither of these steps have taken place yet, and new dates have not been selected1.
This is actually the second time the 53,330-gross ton vessel’s final voyage has been delayed. She was originally supposed to begin her final oceangoing voyage on November 15, 2024, but this was postponed due to potential poor weather and more time needed to work out logistical details1.
Honoring the Legacy of SS United States
As one of the first great record-breaking ocean liners of the twentieth century, the SS United States became a symbol of American innovation, ingenuity, and the American Dream. Originally designed by naval architect William Francis Gibbs, “America’s Flagship” was once an important innovative achievement of American engineering. At 990 feet long and capable of speeds over 38 knots, the liner was once the fastest and largest passenger ship ever built in the US. To this day, the old ship still holds the record for the fastest transatlantic crossing by an ocean liner1.
A New Life as an Artificial Reef
The historic flagship will eventually be bound for Mobile, Alabama, where she will be prepared to take on a new life as the world’s largest artificial coral reef under the ownership of Okaloosa County, Florida, which purchased the ocean liner in October 2024. However, these plans will have to wait until the US Coast Guard can ensure a safe and proper tow for the 1952-launched vessel1.
The transformation of the SS United States into an artificial reef is a fitting tribute to her legacy. As an artificial reef, she will continue to serve a purpose, providing a habitat for marine life and contributing to the health of our oceans.
