Historic SS United States May Become World’s Largest Artificial Reef off Florida Coast

The SS United States ocean liner may soon be moved from Philadelphia to Florida to become the world’s largest artificial reef. Okaloosa County has struck a deal but must act swiftly due to a legal ruling. Officials will discuss funding next week, and the reef is expected to boost the local economy significantly.

The fate of historic ocean liner SS United States could be finalized within days.

Okaloosa County in Florida has agreed to a principal deal to transport the ship from its current home in Philadelphia. They will sink it off the Florida coast. The ship would then become the largest artificial reef in the world.

*The SS United States seen across from her Philadelphia pier (Photo courtesy of SS United States Conservancy)*

However, Okaloosa County officials need to act fast. The ocean liner must vacate its current Philadelphia berth within weeks. The SS United States Conservancy, which currently manages the ship, had been searching for a new port for several weeks. There was a legal dispute with the pier owner. A judge ruled in June that the ship must find a new home within 90 days.

Next week, the Okaloosa County Board of Commissioners will discuss whether to provide $9 million in funding. The funding will be used to transport and submerge the ship. It has earmarked a suitable offshore site between Destin and Fort Walton Beach.

Escambia County, Florida officials also proposed turning the ship into a scuba dive site. However, according to Escambia County Commissioner Jeff Bergosh, they didn’t act quickly enough. Bergosh suggests an artificial reef of this magnitude generate around $3-6 million annually.

The 53,000 gross ton SS United States measures nearly 1,000 feet long and was launched in 1952. Dubbed “America’s Flagship,” it was once briefly owned by Norwegian Cruise Lines. Crystal Cruises attempted to purchase it years before the line went bankrupt.