According to The Guardian, a federal judge has ordered the removal of the SS United States, a historic 1,000-foot ocean liner, from its long-standing berth in Philadelphia.
The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Anita Brody, requires the caretakers of the 70-year-old vessel to relocate it by September 12 or risk losing possession. This decision marks a significant development in the ongoing dispute over the fate of the once-celebrated "Queen of the Seas."
The SS United States Conservancy, the organization responsible for the ship's care, now faces the challenging task of finding a new home for the massive vessel. The ship, which has been docked at its current location for three decades, cannot move under its own power and poses significant logistical and financial challenges for relocation.
The court order comes after a protracted legal battle between the conservancy and the pier owners, Penn Warehousing. Judge Brody's decision waives $730,000 in back rent but insists on a swift removal of the ship. The daily dockage fees have been a point of contention, with the current rate set at $1,700, while the conservancy has continued to pay a previous rate of $850.
The financial burden of maintaining the SS United States has been substantial. Various plans to repurpose the ship, including proposals for condominiums, a hotel, and an event space, have failed to materialize. RXR Realty's most recent proposal to convert the ship into an event venue in the Hudson River also fell through.
The conservancy's struggle to find a viable future for the ship reflects the challenges of preserving large-scale historical artifacts. Despite its historical significance, the practical and economic realities of maintaining such a massive vessel have proven daunting.
Due to its size and condition, moving the SS United States presents numerous challenges. The ship weighs 47,000 tons and requires Coast Guard approval for relocation. Assessing its stability and navigating potential weather hazards like hurricanes are additional concerns that must be addressed.
Judge Brody stated during the hearing: "You're not entitled to be at the pier forever. It's not realistic. We all have to live in realism."
The conservancy has explored various options for relocating the ship, including potential homes in Philadelphia, Virginia, Maryland, North and South Carolina, and Georgia. However, these leads have not resulted in viable solutions. Two counties in Florida have expressed interest in sinking the ship to create an artificial reef for tourist wreck-diving, but this option comes with its own challenges and a potential cost of over $10 million.
The SS United States Conservancy, led by Susan Gibbs, whose grandfather designed the ship, has been actively seeking solutions to preserve the vessel. They have appealed to high-level government officials, including President Joe Biden and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, for support in saving the ship from "the imminent threat of eviction and destruction."
In their appeal, the conservancy stated:
Indeed, it would be a global embarrassment if the nation's flagship were to face destruction during this time of grave geopolitical uncertainty abroad. Our cause is bigger than party politics. It's about demonstrating to the world that our great nation can still unite behind saving one of its most iconic symbols. We're not looking for a bailout or big check. We need a location for the ship as we advance a viable private sector redevelopment plan.
This plea emphasizes the historical and symbolic importance of the SS United States while acknowledging the need for a practical solution that doesn't rely solely on government funding.
In conclusion, the federal court order to remove the SS United States from its Philadelphia pier by September 12 has brought the ship's future to a critical juncture. The SS United States Conservancy must now find a new location for the 1,000-foot vessel, which cannot move under its own power. Various options, including repurposing and sinking the ship, have been considered, but financial and logistical challenges persist.
