Conservancy Still Hunting for Pier, Options for Historic Ship – Cruise Industry News

With less than one month left to try to save the 1952-built ocean liner, the SS United States Conservancy shared an update about the future of the SS United States.

After seeing the U.S. District Court denying its request for additional time to move the vessel from its current berth in Philadelphia, the not-for-profit organization said that a search for a new pier location is still ongoing.

“The race against time for the SS United States continues to tick down,” the group said in a social media update, while adding that it continues to do everything possible to give the ship a future where it can be experienced by future generations.

Following a long legal battle with Penn Warehousing, which owns the pier where the vessel is currently docked, the Conservancy received an eviction order in mid-June.

At the time, Senior Judge Anita Brody gave the group a 90-day notice to move the SS United States, which expires on Sep. 12, 2024.

“While the court ruled that the original deadline stands, Judge Brody indicated that if the Conservancy enters into a contract to move the vessel to a new location by Sep. 12, she expects that a good faith negotiation be undertaken to allow the ship’s safe and proper relocation at a later date,” the organization said, adding that the parties will likely be called back to court in early September to discuss their progress.

The group also said that it is preparing for a meeting with “the highest levels of the U.S. Navy” to further discuss potential temporary locations that could be available and suitable for the SS United States.

The Conservancy noted that it continues to discuss options with many private pier owners and has held discussions for locations in South Carolina, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, Florida and Alabama.

According to the update, the court also ruled that the Conservancy is legally obligated to further advance alternative options for the SS United States if a new pier cannot be found in short order.

Options include converting the ship into an artificial reef or recycling it, the group added, confirming that it’s discussing the first option with two counties in Florida.

As reported by Cruise Industry News earlier this month, the Escambia’s County Board recently examined the acquisition of the ship for a reefing project.

“(Reefing) presents several advantages over scrapping the vessel, including the activation of her economic and tourism potential. Artificial reefs also enhance marine habitat and ecosystems,” the Conservancy said.

The group also shared an update about its fundraising campaign, saying it has now received over $250,000 to pay for a potential move and other important expenses.

“In addition, if we succeed in securing a new berth for the ship, two anonymous donors have committed additional pledges totaling well into the six figures,” the Conservancy added.