Iconic Ocean Liner to Become World’s Largest Artificial Reef
In September, FMN reported on an ambitious plan to bring the SS United States to Florida as an artificial reef. At the time, the move seemed almost a certainty, and after one final legal challenge, it has become a reality. The SS United States, a symbol of maritime innovation and American excellence since its 1951 launch, is set to begin its final journey—not across the Atlantic, but toward an extraordinary new life beneath the waves. In a quiet ceremony on October 12, 2024, the SS United States Conservancy transferred ownership of the ship to Okaloosa County, Florida, marking the end of a long and contentious legal battle over the vessel’s future.
The Florida county plans to sink the nearly 1,000-foot-long liner off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach, creating the world’s largest artificial reef. The multi-million dollar project includes a complementary land-based museum that will celebrate the ship’s legacy, ensuring that the history of “America’s Flagship” will be preserved for future generations.
A Storied History at Sea
The SS United States holds the transatlantic speed record, having crossed from New York to Europe in just over three days. Built during the Cold War, the ship was designed not only as a luxurious passenger liner but also as a troop transport capable of carrying 14,000 troops across 10,000 miles without refueling. The liner transported celebrities, politicians, and immigrants alike, serving as a symbol of American industrial power and technological prowess.
However, by the late 1960s, jet travel eclipsed ocean liners, and the SS United States was retired from service. After changing hands several times, it was docked in Philadelphia in 1996, where it remained for nearly three decades under the care of the SS United States Conservancy.
A Legal Struggle to Preserve the Ship
For years, the Conservancy sought to save the liner by converting it into a mixed-use attraction, similar to the Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. In 2023, plans were in place to transform the SS United States into a 1,000-room hotel and museum at Pier 76 in New York City, but the proposal fell through due to insufficient political support and investment.
Meanwhile, tensions with Penn Warehousing, the pier operator in Philadelphia, escalated. The company doubled the berthing fees to $1,700 per day, leading to a legal dispute over unpaid rent. In mid-September 2024, Federal District Judge Anita Brody approved a settlement that allowed the ship’s sale to Okaloosa County. This decision, reached through court-supervised mediation, marked the end of the Conservancy’s efforts to restore the ship in its original form.
Susan Gibbs, President of the SS United States Conservancy and granddaughter of the ship’s designer, commented on the sale:
“We faced the painful choice between scrapping America’s Flagship or converting her into an artificial reef in tandem with a museum. We chose the latter as the most dignified path.”
Okaloosa County’s Vision: A Reefing and Museum Project
Okaloosa County has committed $10.1 million to acquire, clean, transport, and sink the ship as part of a plan to boost tourism and marine biodiversity. The ship will be relocated to Norfolk, Virginia, within weeks, where it will undergo environmental remediation to remove hazardous materials. Once complete, the vessel will be towed to the Gulf of Mexico and submerged in approximately 180 feet of water off Destin-Fort Walton Beach.
The county is not new to the concept. In 2006, aircraft carrier USS Oriskany was sunk off Pensacola Pass at a depth of 212 feet. U.S.S. Oriskany (CVA-34) nicknamed the Mighty O, is the first naval warship and largest artificial reef, until now, ever to be intentionally sunk in U.S. coastal waters.
The artificial reef, expected to become a magnet for divers and anglers, will also offer a unique opportunity for marine biologists to study the development of reef ecosystems on such a large structure. Research shows that artificial reefs create thriving habitats for marine life, providing a sustainable solution for biodiversity in the Gulf.
The Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission estimates a 13,800% return on investment from artificial reefs in the region, underlining the economic potential of the project. Okaloosa County Board Chairman Paul Mixon expressed pride in the endeavor, stating:
“This confirms our commitment to remain good stewards of the environment while enhancing our community’s status as a premier diving and fishing destination.”
Impact on Tourism, Marine Biology, and the Economy
The transformation of the SS United States into the world’s largest artificial reef promises to make the Florida Panhandle an international diving destination. Local officials expect the reef to attract divers of all skill levels, generating millions in tourism revenue.
Marine biologists anticipate that the massive structure will foster an ecosystem teeming with marine species, from fish to corals. The ship’s steel hull will provide a stable substrate for coral colonization, while interior spaces will serve as shelters for a wide range of aquatic life.
Beyond the reef itself, Okaloosa County will establish a museum and visitor center to honor the SS United States’ history. The museum, funded with an additional $1 million, will feature original artifacts, artwork, and at least one of the ship’s iconic funnels. Plans also include recreating parts of the ship’s interior with original materials and advanced technologies, offering visitors an immersive experience.
A New Chapter for the SS United States
Though the plan to sink the ship may seem unconventional, it offers a unique opportunity to preserve the vessel’s legacy while contributing to marine conservation and economic growth. For many, it marks the end of an era, but also the beginning of a new chapter.
Susan Gibbs summarized the bittersweet nature of the decision:
“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.”
Preparations to move the ship from Philadelphia to Norfolk will begin next week, with deployment into the Gulf of Mexico planned for mid-2025. Once submerged, the SS United States will rest beneath the waters of the Florida coast, becoming both a haven for marine life and a destination for those seeking to explore its storied past.
This project ensures that while the SS United States will no longer sail the seas, it will continue to inspire, educate, and serve as a symbol of American innovation for generations to come.
