SS United States one step closer to becoming world's largest artifical reef

SS United States docked in Philadelphia in 2017 (Photo: Brian W Schaller/Wikimedia Commons)

Following reports in the media that the onetime American flagship, SS United States, could be sunk as an artificial reef – making it the largest artificial reef in the world – the conservancy overseeing the ship’s upkeep has announced the project has moved one step closer towards becoming reality.

On 1 October, the SS United States Conservancy announced that the Okaloosa, Florida, County Board of County Commissioners has approved a contingent contract to see the historic ocean liner converted into the world’s largest artificial reef.

Part of the deal would also include funding from the county to support the Conservancy’s establishment of an innovative land-based museum that will provide divers, local residents and visitors an opportunity to learn about the legacy of America’s Flagship.

United States was originally designed to be a top-secret, convertible troop carrier capable of carrying 14,000 troops 10,000 miles without refuelling, and with an overall length of 302m (990ft), remains the largest liner ever to be constructed entirely in the US.

Launched in 1951, she took the Blue Riband award for the fastest transatlantic crossing by a passenger vessel on her maiden voyage, beating the previous 14-year record holder – the British RMS Queen Mary – by nearly ten hours. There has been no faster passenger vessel crossing since.

The SS United States in port in Philadelphia (Photo: Chuck Homler d/b/a FocusOnWildlife)

She served most of her career as a cruise liner and became something of a celebrity vessel, but – like many ocean liners – was sidelined by the rapid rise of international air travel and eventually retired from service in 1969.

Despite a lot of interest in converting her into a cruise liner, she remained laid up in Norfolk, Virginia and later in Philadephia until being acquired in 2010 by the SS United States Conservancy, a group of philanthropic business owners who have paid for her maintenance and port fees ever since.

The Conservancy had hoped the ship might be refitted as a waterfront attraction, but legal wranglings over her docking fees ended up with her eviction from her mooring.

Okaloosa County officials announced in August that they were in negotiations to acquire the SS United States and sink her off Destin-Fort Walton Beach, where she would join the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany, sunk by Okaloosa County as an artificial reef in May 2006.

‘Having the title of the World’s Largest Artificial Reef continues to elevate Destin-Fort Walton Beach as a premier destination to visit for scuba diving and fishing,’ said Jennifer Adams, Okaloosa County Tourism Director. ‘The SS United States will be an exciting addition to the many artificial reefs and wrecks available in Destin-Fort Walton Beach for divers to explore while providing essential habitat for the fishery that our fleet is so dependent on.

The Conservancy has said that the deal to acquire the vessel could be completed in the coming weeks, contingent upon the conclusion of mediation by the US District Court. A budget of up to $10.1 million has been estimated for the purchase, preparation, towing from Philadelphia and sinking of the ship, a portion of which will be granted to help establish the Conservancy’s land-based museum.

‘The SS United States has inspired millions the world over as a symbol of American pride and excellence,’ said Conservancy President Susan Gibbs. ‘Should the ship be converted into an artificial reef, she will become a unique historic attraction above and below the waterline.

‘A land-based museum and immersive experience utilizing the latest technology will showcase her unique story and proud history. Converting the world’s fastest ship into the world’s largest artificial reef will write a new chapter for the SS United States as a world-class destination.’

Cleaning and environmental preparation of the SS United States is expected to take more than a year, and a further six months to prepare her for sinking. The exact position of her final resting place off Destin-Fort Walton Beach has not yet been determined, but it expected to be sunk at a depth suitable for all levels of diver.

Click here for more on Destin-Fort Walton Beach’s artificial reef programme, including coordinates and 3-D mapping, and head to the SS United States Conservancy page for more about the history of America’s Flagship and highlights of its museum collection.