The historic ocean liner destined to become the world’s largest artificial reef has completed a significant phase of its final journey.
The SS United States, a remarkable 1,000-foot vessel that set the trans-Atlantic speed record during its inaugural voyage in 1952, arrived in Mobile, Alabama, early Monday, roughly two weeks after departing from Philadelphia’s Delaware River.
The ship is scheduled to reach a repair facility in Mobile later today, where crews will spend approximately six months cleaning and preparing it for its eventual sinking off the Gulf Coast of Florida.
This monumental journey of 1,800 miles began on February 19, after a lengthy dispute regarding the ship’s leasing was resolved. Initial plans to move the vessel the previous November were postponed due to concerns from regulatory authorities regarding its stability for the journey.
Okaloosa County officials envision the ship becoming a captivating attraction among over 500 artificial reefs in the region, potentially boosting local tourism significantly. This initiative could provide millions in annual revenue for nearby scuba shops, charter fishing operators, and hotels.
The deal to acquire the SS United States may exceed $10 million. Once hailed as a pinnacle of American engineering, the ship served dual purposes as both a luxury liner and a military transport capable of carrying thousands of troops. During its historic maiden voyage, it set the trans-Atlantic speed record in both directions, averaging 36 knots or over 41 mph, completing the journey in just three days, 10 hours, and 40 minutes—outpacing the RMS Queen Mary by a considerable margin. The SS United States holds the record for the fastest trans-Atlantic crossing by an ocean liner to this day.
After being designated a reserve ship in 1969, the SS United States changed hands several times as various private owners sought to redevelop it, only to find their plans unfeasible, leaving the iconic vessel idle on the Delaware River waterfront for years.
