SS United States to Become World's Largest Artificial Reef

Published: October 14, 2024 at 4:51 PM EDT

Updated: October 30, 2025 at 5:20 PM EDT

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SS United States ocean liner docked at pier, set to become world's largest artificial reef

Determining what to do with the SS United States continues to be a bit of a debate. A group wants to save it, and where it’s currently docked wants it gone. Florida wants it for a project, and despite a judge saying it had to be moved, the ship remains. Still, if the SS United States makes its way down to the Sunshine State, efforts are still ongoing to help provide marine life with a massive new home—the largest artificial reef in the world.

Location and Status of SS United States Ship

Despite being told to move by a judge, you can find the SS United States still docked at Pier 82, Philadelphia, PA 19148. However, that may not be the case for long. Built between 1950 and 1951, the SS United States is the largest American-made ocean liner ever. It earned the transatlantic speed record. Designed by renowned naval architect William Francis Gibbs, the ship was created for commercial use. It also maintains the ability to help the war effort. This is because it is convertible into a Navy vessel to bring troops across oceans. The SS United States was a ship that proved to be a great symbol of American pride, transporting celebrities and dignitaries while maintaining our nation’s excellent engineering abilities. While the SS United States interior was once filled with an air of luxury, its operating company folded. It was withdrawn from service, sold multiple times, and eventually was towed to Philadelphia in 1996.

Judge Orders the Oceanliner to Leave Philadelphia Berth

A federal judge denied a deadline extension for the SS United States to vacate the Port of Philadelphia berth. This meant that the ship needed to leave by September 12, 2024; however, this has not been the case. With the historic SS United States threatened with eviction from Philadelphia, the SS United States Conservancy, who owns the ship, has been searching for a new home to no avail. Since a ruling in June stated the removal of the ship was necessary, both Okaloosa and Escambia Counties in Florida have expressed interest in purchasing the ocean liner to sink as an artificial reef. The conservancy wanted to extend the deadline to December 5, 2024. This was as hurricane season was reaching what turned out to be a devastating climax. However, this was denied by U.S. District Court Judge Anita B. Brody. Part of the reason for this denial was the lack of planning during the hearing from the conservancy to prove just how it would facilitate a move. The hope now is that a quick solution will prevail as the landlord, Penn Warehousing, could sell the ship if it’s not moved. Remember, it has already missed its court-mandated deadline.