Dear SS United States Supporter:

The race against time for the SS United States continues to tick down, but with your help we are continuing to do everything possible to give our nation’s flagship a future where she can be experienced by future generations and preserve and celebrate her history through our growing curatorial collections and our future museum. We are reaching out to give you an update on our various efforts.

COURT HEARING

Earlier this week the Conservancy argued in U.S. District Court that the significant difficulties associated with moving the 990-foot-long vessel, including an unusually active Atlantic hurricane season, made the court’s September 12 deadline very challenging. While the court ruled that the original deadline stands, Judge Brody indicated that if the Conservancy enters into a contract to move the vessel to a new location by September 12, she expects that a good faith negotiation be undertaken to allow the ship’s safe and proper relocation at a later date. Judge Brody also indicated the parties will likely be called back to court in early September to discuss their progress. Unfortunately, Penn Warehousing continues to mischaracterize the Conservancy's stewardship of the vessel and our serious efforts to comply with the Court's order.  

We appreciate Judge Brody’s openness to the ship staying at her current pier beyond September 12 should we secure a contract to move the ship by that date. While the ruling is a partial win for the Conservancy, our Board of Directors is now legally obligated to advance alternative scenarios for the historic ocean liner's future if a new pier cannot be found in very short order, including converting the ship into an artificial reef or recycling the vessel. CLICK HERE to read the Conservancy's full statement regarding the court ruling.

PIER SEARCH UPDATE

Our search for a temporary or permanent pier location continues with even more urgency. In the wake of the recent article about the Conservancy's efforts on the front page of the New York Times and the full page advertisement in last Sunday's New York Times placed thanks to the generous backing of an individual donor, we've received dozens of new leads and suggestions for potential piers from across the country and from international sources. We have also welcomed many new supporters captivated by the story of America's Flagship.

At this time, we are preparing for a meeting with the highest levels of the U.S. Navy to further discuss potential temporary locations that could be available and suitable for the SS United States. The Conservancy also continues to conduct outreach to many private pier owners and has also held discussions at the highest levels in South Carolina, Massachusetts, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, Virginia, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, and others coastal states. While our deadline is rapidly approaching, we continue to explore all options to ensure no potential berth is overlooked.

FUNDRAISING UPDATE

Relocating a ship the size of the SS United States is complex and costly. It requires funds for insurance, tugs, surveys, and dock preparations to ensure the ship’s safe passage to a new home. Our campaign to pay for a potential move and other important expenses has now crossed the $250,000 mark. Thank you!

In addition, if we succeed in securing a new berth for the ship, two anonymous donors have committed additional pledges totaling well into the six figures. This combination of factors give us renewed hope and energy as we continue our work to find a new location for the ship, build our curatorial collection, and advance plans for a museum. 

ALTERNATIVE SCENARIOS

The Conservancy’s highest priority remains locating a safe temporary or permanent location for the ship and ultimately her redevelopment as a dynamic stationary, mixed-use destination. However, given the time constraints imposed by Penn Warehousing's eviction notice and subsequent court order, the Conservancy’s Board of Directors is now legally obligated to further advance alternative options for the SS United States, including reefing or recycling the historic oceanliner. 

We can confirm that we are negotiating with two counties in Florida interested in converting the ship into an artificial reef in the Gulf of Mexico. While converting the vessel into a reef is clearly not our first choice for the future of America's Flagship, it presents several advantages over scrapping the vessel, including the activation of her economic and tourism potential. Artificial reefs also enhance marine habitat and ecosystems. These plans also encompass the Conservancy's future museum that would feature our archival and curatorial collections and educate the public about the ship's historical importance. We are heartened by the parties’ appreciation of the historic nature of America's Flagship.

While we continue to work hard to save the iconic symbol of our nation, we have very little time at hand. We remain deeply grateful to you, our global community of supporters, for your steadfast commitment to the SS United States and her enduring and inspiring legacy.