The iconic SS United States ocean liner, known for being one of the fastest ships in history, prepares to set sail from Pier 82 in South Philadelphia. Bound for Mobile, Alabama, the voyage marks the start of a marine conservation project, led by Okaloosa County, Florida, that will turn the ship into the world’s largest artificial reef.
The transfer of the great ocean liner SS United States
Scheduled to begin on November 14 and 15, the towing operation will involve the collaboration of multiple authorities. Tugboats will secure the ship during high tide at 11:45 a.m. on November 14, moving it to Pier 80.
The next day, the liner is expected to begin its journey downriver before dawn, coinciding with low tide at around 6:59 a.m. Authorities have announced the temporary closure of the Walt Whitman , Commodore Barry and Delaware Memorial bridges to facilitate the logistics and movement of the ship.
A large-scale ecological project
Okaloosa County acquired the SS United States in a $10 million deal, with plans to scuttle it in the Gulf of Mexico. The exact location has not yet been confirmed, but the ship is expected to be deployed about 20 miles south of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. This project seeks to preserve the history of the ocean liner, and create essential habitat for marine life.
Preparation for the sinking will take approximately 12 months in Mobile, where technical adjustments will be made to ensure the ship meets environmental standards. According to county officials, efforts to minimize the ecological impact include cleaning up polluting materials and optimizing the hull to promote coral growth .
For maritime history and environmental conservation enthusiasts, Okaloosa County has enabled an online tracking system that will allow interested parties to monitor the voyage of the SS United States in real time. This tracking will be available from the start of the towing operation, offering a unique opportunity to witness the final voyage of this legendary vessel.
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will manage road closures and ensure safety during the movement of the vessel. Maritime operations and project coordination continue to be a collaborative effort, demonstrating the commitment to the protection and ecological use of marine resources.
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Source : SS United States
Photo: Shutterstock
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