The SS United States, a symbol of the golden age of transatlantic liners, is embarking on a spectacular final voyage. After spending nearly 30 years docked in Philadelphia, this maritime giant is heading to Florida, where it will be transformed into the world’s largest artificial reef.
A Final Journey to Florida
On February 19, 2025, the SS United States departed from its berth on the Delaware River in Philadelphia, towed toward Mobile, Alabama, for final preparations before its planned submersion, reports Associated Press. This departure marks the end of a long-standing financial dispute over docking fees and increasing concerns from the U.S. Coast Guard regarding the ship’s deteriorating condition.
Once the necessary work is completed, the ship will be moved to Okaloosa County, Florida, where it will be deliberately sunk to become a major part of the region’s artificial reef program. The entire process—including cleaning, transport, and controlled sinking—is expected to take around 18 months.
A Treasure for Divers and a Boost to the Local Economy
Okaloosa County has invested at least $10 million to acquire the SS United States and transform it into a one-of-a-kind underwater attraction. Once submerged, it will join a network of over 500 artificial reefs, designed to support marine biodiversity while attracting divers and fishing enthusiasts from around the world.
Local officials anticipate that this initiative will generate millions of dollars annually by boosting tourism, particularly benefiting dive shops, fishing charters, and hotels near the site.
A Legendary Ship with an Unmatched Record
Commissioned in 1952, the SS United States is not only known for its impressive size (273 meters long, 30 meters), longer than the Titanic, but also for its record-breaking speed. During its maiden voyage, it set an unbeaten record for the fastest transatlantic crossing, completing the journey in three days, ten hours, and forty minutes at an average speed of 36 knots (66 km/h).
Its storied history includes hosting world leaders and celebrities. Among its distinguished passengers were Presidents Harry Truman, Dwight Eisenhower, and John Kennedy, as well as cultural icons like Coco Chanel, Marilyn Monroe, and Walt Disney. Designed by naval architect William Francis Gibbs, the ship was a pinnacle of American engineering and maritime power at a time when ocean liners still dominated transatlantic travel.
From Demolition Threat to Underwater Rebirth
After being retired in 1969, the SS United States went through multiple attempts at repurposing, including proposals to turn it into a floating hotel or museum, but none came to fruition. The ship’s deteriorating condition led to financial and legal battles, culminating in a federal judge’s order to remove it from its Philadelphia berth.
Faced with the possibility of demolition, the nonprofit group SS United States Conservancy, which had worked for years to preserve the ship, ultimately accepted Okaloosa County’s proposal. Rather than being scrapped, the historic liner will be repurposed as an underwater sanctuary and a one-of-a-kind tourist attraction.
