Facing Imminent Eviction in Philadelphia, Historic Vessel Needs New Pier

(WASHINGTON, DC) – As part of its urgent campaign to save America’s Flagship – the SS United States – and transform the historic vessel into a dynamic, commercially viable destination, the SS United States Conservancy has reached out to President Joe Biden and key members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives. These leaders and other federal and state officials could help save the endangered ocean liner by supporting efforts to secure alternative dockage as redevelopment plans for the ship advance. 

The SS United States is in peril. Without notice, the vessel’s landlord, which leases the pier from the Port of Philadelphia, doubled the ship’s docking fee during the coronavirus pandemic and subsequently issued an eviction notice. The Conservancy is presently in litigation on the matter. 

Conservancy President Susan Gibbs said, “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. Since the Conservancy took title to the vessel over a decade ago, we have never sought federal assistance. Instead, our efforts have been backed by generous supporters from across the nation and around the globe.”

The Conservancy is actively pursuing Federal assistance in securing a temporary or permanent pier location for the ship. The Conservancy has also reached out to State officials, including New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, about locating the ship on state-owned piers. The Conservancy and its thousands of worldwide supporters are awaiting a response. 

Designed and funded in partnership with the U.S. Navy, the SS United States was built as part of a public-private partnership with the federal government to build the fastest ship in history during the Cold War. Between 1940 and 1946, the ship’s designer, William Francis Gibbs, created the plans for 70 percent of America’s naval and merchant vessels. The SS United States was a crowning achievement, the only vessel that bears the name of our nation.

A copy of the letter that was sent to President Biden, political leaders in both parties, and other federal officials can be found HERE.

The Conservancy recently unveiled an economic development plan created with two prominent New York firms, RXR and MCR Hotels. The legendary ocean liner would be repurposed as a unique, mixed-use hotel and event space, and a world-class museum. The climate-resilient development would also create acres of public green space, thousands of jobs, and millions in tax revenue. However, without a new home for the ship, these transformative plans cannot advance.   

"If we are to save America's Flagship for future generations", Gibbs continued, "we need to act now. We need immediate support from our nation’s political leaders to help us secure an alternative pier. Otherwise, the SS United States will be lost to history.”

###