The SS United States is Ousted from Her Berth after 30 Years
The SS United States, a legendary cruise ship that once rivaled the Titanic in opulence and luxury, now finds itself in a dire predicament. Having spent over three decades docked at Pier 82, this iconic vessel is being evicted. With a storied past and significant historical value, the ship’s eviction marks a somber chapter in its long history. In her heyday, the SS United States has hosted presidents and celebrities across the Atlantic. She achieved an astounding 38 knots on its maiden voyage, a record still unbroken. Yet, despite its illustrious past, the ship is now at risk of being scrapped if a new home isn’t found soon.
The Rise and Fall of the SS United States
An Illustrious Beginning
Constructed in the 1950s, the SS United States was more than just a marvel of maritime engineering; it was a symbol of Cold War-era innovation and luxury. Designed by William Francis Gibbs, an ambitious designer who had spent over three decades crafting his vision of the world’s fastest cruise ship, the SS United States was the product of a unique collaboration between the United States Navy and the commercial sector. The Pentagon sought a vessel that could be quickly converted into a troop carrier in the event of war, and the US government agreed to subsidize the ship’s construction and operational costs in exchange for the right to requisition it for military use.
Maritime Speed Record
Launched in 1952, the SS United States quickly made headlines by achieving an unprecedented speed of 36 knots on her maiden voyage – a record that still stands today. The ship’s speed, combined with her fire-proof design, made her the fastest and safest vessel of its time. Throughout its early years, the SS United States was a floating palace, welcoming celebrities such as Bob Hope, Duke Ellington, and Salvador Dali, who famously traveled with his pet ocelot. The ship even carried the Mona Lisa, adding to its storied legacy.
The Beginning of the Decline
However, the golden era of ocean voyages began to wane with the rise of commercial air travel in the 1960s. As more passengers opted for quicker and more convenient flights, the once-celebrated cruise ship faced declining ticket sales. By 1968, the SS United States was costing the United States Line $4 million annually in maintenance and operational expenses. Despite its illustrious past, the vessel’s financial strain became untenable, and in 1969, it was withdrawn from service.
Stuck in Limbo
The ship’s unique status as a reserve Navy vessel complicated its retirement. Rather than being decommissioned, the SS United States was hermetically sealed and laid up, awaiting a potential call to military service. This state of limbo persisted for a decade, during which the ship’s grandeur faded further. In 1978, the vessel was finally deemed irrelevant to military requirements and put up for sale.
A Series of Owners
Over the following decades, the SS United States changed hands multiple times. Various enterprises, including Cunard, attempted to revive the ship’s fortunes, but none succeeded. The vessel, now stripped of its interior fittings and with its propellers displayed at four different locations along the East Coast, had become a financial albatross. In 2003, Norwegian Cruise Line acquired the ship, hoping to refurbish it for their fleet. However, the 2008 financial crisis halted these plans, leaving the SS United States as a rusting hulk at the dock.
The SS United States Conservancy
The ship’s fate seemed sealed until 2011, when a concerted fundraising campaign led to the SS United States Conservancy purchasing the vessel for $3 million. The Conservancy aimed to preserve the historic ship, but the challenges were immense. The ship’s lack of propulsion and the high cost of maintenance continued to pose significant obstacles. The Conservancy entered an agreement with Penn Warehouses, the owners of Pier 82, to continue berthing the ship there until a permanent home could be found. However, this proved difficult and the SS United States appeared like it may remain at Pier 82 indefinitely.
Redevelopment Possibilities
In 2018, the Conservancy teamed up with RXR Realty to redevelop the SS United States to the tune of $450 million dollars. The plan was for her to become a permanently moored attraction and include a hotel, museum, event venue, public park, and restaurant. The only problem? Finding a city to host this attraction. RXR entered talks with several cities, but after 3 years, no agreement had been made.
The SS United States Eviction Saga
Abrupt Rent Hike
In August 2021, the situation for the SS United States took a dramatic turn when Penn Warehouse, the owner of Pier 82, imposed a significant increase in docking fees. The daily rate, which had previously been set at $850, was abruptly doubled to $1,700. This sudden hike was a blow to the SS United States Conservancy, the nonprofit organization tasked with preserving the historic ship. The Conservancy had been maintaining the vessel on a shoestring budget, relying heavily on fundraising efforts to cover the dockage costs and ensure the ship’s upkeep.
The Conservancy’s Response
The fee increase prompted an immediate response from the Conservancy. They argued that the sudden and substantial rise in fees violated their contract and threatened the financial stability of their preservation efforts. The organization contended that the hike was a maneuver by Penn Warehouse to force the ship off the pier to make way for more profitable tenants.
Eviction Notice
Penn Warehouses claimed that the SS United States was damaging the dock where it was located, and that the Conservancy had failed to uphold its part of the contract to repair the pier.
These counterclaims sparked a legal battle that would extend for nearly three years.
Final Ruling
The courtroom drama reached a critical point on June 14, 2024, when Judge Anita Brody delivered her ruling. While she dismissed Penn Warehouse’s claims for back rent, she sided with the request for the Conservancy to vacate the pier. Judge Brody’s decision was based on the understanding that the Berthing Agreement lacked a specific end date, and it was unreasonable to expect such contracts to last indefinitely. The ruling required the Conservancy to vacate Pier 82 by September 12, 2024, although the judge allowed that the deadline could be extended if the Conservancy had at least made arrangements to move the ship prior to that date.
Scramble to Find a New Home
This deadline presented an enormous challenge for the Conservancy. The SS United States, now a massive and aging vessel, can no longer move under its own power—its propellers have been removed, and its engines are inoperable. Relocating the ship involves intricate logistical planning and substantial financial resources, estimated at around $500,000. The task is further complicated by the ship’s considerable size, nearly 1,000 feet long, which limits available docking options.
The SS United States’ Final Resting Place
Finally, on August 30, the Conservancy announced an agreement with Oskaloosa County in Florida. The county board has agreed to turn the SS United States into the largest man-made reef. The full project is estimated to cost over $9 million, including the $1 million purchase of the ship. However, officials hope that the man-made reef will become a major tourist draw, generating revenue for the area.
