Judge orders removal of 1,000ft rotting ocean liner from Philadelphia pier
A federal judge has ordered the SS United States to be removed by September 12, 2024, due to environmental concerns, while the conservancy seeks political support for its future.
Read original article
A federal judge has ordered the SS United States, a 1,000-foot retired ocean liner, to be removed from its dock at Pier 82 in Philadelphia by September 12, 2024. The ship, which has been moored there for three decades, is described by pier owners as a "toxic timebomb." The SS United States Conservancy, which oversees the vessel, has been embroiled in legal disputes regarding its future, with previous plans for redevelopment failing to materialize. The judge waived $730,000 in back rent but emphasized the need for the ship to be relocated sooner rather than later. Potential plans to convert the ship into a mixed-use destination or an event space have not progressed, and while some counties in Florida have expressed interest in sinking the ship to create an artificial reef, the costs involved could exceed $10 million. The conservancy has appealed to political leaders, including President Biden and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, for assistance in finding a new location for the ship, emphasizing its historical significance. However, they have yet to receive a response from the White House.
- A federal judge has mandated the removal of the SS United States by September 12, 2024.
- The ship has been docked for 30 years and is considered a potential environmental hazard.
- Previous redevelopment plans for the ship have failed to materialize.
- The conservancy is seeking political support to find a new home for the vessel.
- Sinking the ship to create an artificial reef has been proposed but is costly.
Related
Musk's SpaceX contracted to destroy retired space station
NASA awarded SpaceX a contract worth up to $843 million to de-orbit the ISS by the early 2030s. Options considered included disassembly or transfer to a commercial entity. After the last crew departs, SpaceX will guide the ISS into the Pacific Ocean at Point Nemo. NASA aims for private space stations post-ISS, focusing on the Gateway platform orbiting the Moon.
SpaceX building NASA craft to destroy the International Space Station
SpaceX secures an $843 million NASA contract to construct the "U.S. Deorbit Vehicle" for the intentional destruction of the ISS in 2030. NASA plans to replace the ISS with private space stations.
Shipwreck Full of Champagne Found in Baltic Sea
Polish divers discovered a 19th-century shipwreck in the Baltic Sea, containing Champagne, mineral water, and porcelain. The cargo may have been intended for royalty, with further explorations planned.
Deep sea mining opponents suffer major setback
A proposal for an international moratorium on deep sea mining failed at the ISA in Jamaica, with discussions postponed until July 2025, despite growing opposition and environmental concerns.
the US Navy's warship production is in its worst state in 25 years. Why
U.S. Navy warship production is at a 25-year low due to labor shortages, design changes, and evolving global threats, resulting in significant backlogs and delays in ship construction.
8 commentsIt was a great ship, the fastest ocean liner ever. 3 days, 10 hours and 40 minutes from New York to Southampton. But once aircraft could make the trip, that speed wasn't a good selling point.
The S.S. United States was built to military standards, with some government funding so it could be used as a troop ship. So it had more internal watertight compartments than most ships and the watertight bulkheads went to 40 feet above the water line. Thus, few big, open spaces. Four engine rooms, for redundancy in case of attack. Way too much power. It was for people who needed to cross the Atlantic in a hurry.
Today's cruise ships are barges with giant open spaces. Relaxing on deck at 44 MPH doesn't really work. Conversion to a cruise ship was considered, but never went anywhere.
The 35 or so knot wind over the deck discouraged passengers from sauntering about the exterior spaces.
One article highlighted that the only piece of wood was the butcher block. Everything else was metal. Given the military purpose, fireproofing was a priority.
The piston airliners at the time had limited capacity and range. Often trans Atlantic flights were stuck at Gander until the weather cleared up.
Before satellites, weather ships were stationed at intervals across the oceans. There was one controlled ditching of a PanAm Stratocruiser (aka Boeing trimotor) next to a weather ship. The ones I were in made it all the way across without incident, but my father would not let us sit next to the propellers.
On one cockpit visit we saw the navigator take a sun shot with a sextant through the astrodome.
All of which explains why many at the time choose liners.
> one of its most iconic symbols
Kind of wild spin from the owners, it's just a cruise ship. It can't be an "iconic symbol" if essentially nobody in the country has ever heard of it.
We can't live in the past.
Maybe the best thing to do is to take what monies are available, cut a part out, and put it somewhere its wanted. Otherwise, just accept that holding on to this ship is hoarding, and we need to dispose of it.
Article author has some thoughts and opinions on the matter, huh?
Related
Musk's SpaceX contracted to destroy retired space station
NASA awarded SpaceX a contract worth up to $843 million to de-orbit the ISS by the early 2030s. Options considered included disassembly or transfer to a commercial entity. After the last crew departs, SpaceX will guide the ISS into the Pacific Ocean at Point Nemo. NASA aims for private space stations post-ISS, focusing on the Gateway platform orbiting the Moon.
SpaceX building NASA craft to destroy the International Space Station
SpaceX secures an $843 million NASA contract to construct the "U.S. Deorbit Vehicle" for the intentional destruction of the ISS in 2030. NASA plans to replace the ISS with private space stations.
Shipwreck Full of Champagne Found in Baltic Sea
Polish divers discovered a 19th-century shipwreck in the Baltic Sea, containing Champagne, mineral water, and porcelain. The cargo may have been intended for royalty, with further explorations planned.
Deep sea mining opponents suffer major setback
A proposal for an international moratorium on deep sea mining failed at the ISA in Jamaica, with discussions postponed until July 2025, despite growing opposition and environmental concerns.
the US Navy's warship production is in its worst state in 25 years. Why
U.S. Navy warship production is at a 25-year low due to labor shortages, design changes, and evolving global threats, resulting in significant backlogs and delays in ship construction.