SS United States
1951 ocean linerSS United States is a retired ocean liner built during 1950 and 1951 for United States Lines. She is the largest ocean liner constructed entirely in the United States and the fastest ocean liner to cross the Atlantic in either direction, retaining the Blue Riband for the highest average speed since her maiden voyage in 1952, a title she still holds.
The ship was designed by American naval architect William Francis Gibbs and could have been converted into a troopship if required by the Navy in time of war. The ship served as an icon for the nation, transporting numerous celebrities throughout her career between 1952 and 1969. Her design included innovations in steam propulsion, hull form, fire safety, and damage control.
Following a financial collapse of United States Lines, she was withdrawn from service in a surprise announcement. The ship has been sold several times since the 1970s, with each new owner trying unsuccessfully to make the liner profitable. Eventually, the ship's fittings were sold at auction, leaving her stripped by 1994. Two years later, she was towed to Philadelphia, where she has remained.
Since 2009, the 'SS United States Conservancy' has been raising funds to save the ship. The group purchased her in 2011 and has drawn up several unrealized plans to restore the ship, one of which included turning the ship into a multi-purpose waterfront complex. Donations have allowed the ship to avoid being scrapped as the ship awaits development while berthed in Philadelphia.
Due to a rent dispute, the ship has been ordered to leave her pier by federal court. As of September 2024, she is planned to be sunk as an artificial reef off Destin, Florida, although an ownership dispute has delayed her eviction. More from Wikipedia
update:
Plans Announced for the Last Voyage of Famed Ocean Liner SS United States
After nearly 30 years on the Philadelphia waterfront, a tentative timeline has been set for the final departure of the once famed ocean liner the ss...
maritime-executive.com
Scuttle the United States? Metaphor?