Historic Ocean Liner, Ss United States, To Become The World’s Largest Artificial Reef

SS United States docked at Pier 82 in Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia. Credit: Brian W. Schaller / CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

A historic ocean liner is on its final voyage, destined to become the world’s largest artificial reef. The SS United States, once a symbol of American engineering, departed from the Delaware River waterfront in south Philadelphia on Wednesday.

It is being towed to Mobile, Alabama, where workers will prepare it before it is sunk off Florida’s Gulf Coast. Officials in Okaloosa County, Florida, hope the ship will become a top diving attraction and a centerpiece among the county’s 500 artificial reefs.

Once settled on the ocean floor, it could draw divers from around the world and generate millions of dollars annually for local businesses, including scuba shops, fishing charters, and hotels. The project is expected to take at least a year and a half.

The total cost of purchasing, cleaning, transporting, and sinking the vessel could exceed $10 million, according to county officials.

A legendary ship with a historic past

Built in the early 1950s, the SS United States was once a marvel of speed and innovation. The 1,000-foot ocean liner shattered the transatlantic speed record on its maiden voyage in 1952, crossing the Atlantic in just three days, 10 hours, and 40 minutes.

The ship averaged a speed of 36 knots (41 mph or 66 kph), beating the previous record held by the RMS Queen Mary by 10 hours. No ocean liner has surpassed that speed to this day.

#US — The largest passenger ship ever built in America set sail from Philadelphia on Wednesday for the last time, bound to be sunk off the Gulf Coast and turned into the world’s largest artificial reef. #SSUnitedStates
The New York Times pic.twitter.com/vg5npGfaCv

— Wars and news (@EUFreeCitizen) February 20, 2025

Designed for both luxury and military use, the vessel was capable of carrying thousands of troops. However, by 1969, it was retired to reserve status and later passed through multiple private owners, all of whom struggled to redevelop it due to high costs and poor timing.

For decades, the massive ship remained docked along the Delaware River, an iconic but aging structure that once represented the height of American engineering.

Years of uncertainty before final decision

The move to relocate to the SS United States comes after years of financial and legal struggles. The ship was overseen by the SS United States Conservancy, a group dedicated to its preservation. A long-running rent dispute with its landlord threatened its future, but the issue was resolved four months ago.

Officials originally planned to move the vessel in November 2024, but concerns from the U.S. Coast Guard delayed the process. The agency determined the ship was not stable enough for transport, pushing back its departure until now.

After months of delays, the historic SS United States is expected to leave South Philadelphia today to begin its journey of transformation into the world’s largest artificial reef! We’ll be following the journey all day today @CBSPhiladelphia! pic.twitter.com/sP7C9dcI82

— Brandon Goldner (@GoldnerTV) February 19, 2025

Susan Gibbs, president of the SS United States Conservancy and granddaughter of the ship’s designer, called the vessel a lasting symbol of American strength, resilience, and innovation.

“The ship will forever symbolize our nation’s strength, innovation, and resilience,” Gibbs said. “We wish her ‘fair winds and following seas’ on her historic journey to her new home.”

As the ship embarks on its final chapter before becoming world’s largest artificial reef, officials believe it will not only preserve a piece of history but also create new opportunities for marine life, divers, and the local economy.