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Bob Driscoll
Associated Press: Historic ocean liner could ...

The conservancy that oversees a storied but aging ocean liner and its landlord have resolved a years-old rent dispute that will clear the way for a Florida county to turn the historic ship into the world’s largest artificial reef.

Associated Press: Historic ocean liner could soon become the world’s largest artificial reef

Statement from the SS United States Conservancy

“This week the SS United States Conservancy participated in a court-ordered confidential mediation following our motion to extend the deadline to move the ship from Philadelphia’s Pier 82. Progress toward addressing a range of issues was made, but it will require additional time and discussions to come to an amicable resolution to this dispute. 

“As a result, Judge Anita Brody issued an order temporarily suspending the deadline for the removal of the vessel pending additional negotiations between the parties. The Conservancy’s efforts in the days ahead will continue to center around conducting good faith negotiations and ensuring that the legacy of America’s Flagship endures and inspires for future generations. We will continue to work tirelessly to chart the best possible forward course for the SS United States given the constraints placed upon us by this litigation.”

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Statement from the SS United States Conservancy

“The SS United States Conservancy welcomes today's court-supervised mediation in its dispute with Penn Warehousing. We are grateful that the Judge's earlier order for the ship to be removed from Pier 82 was held in abeyance as we continue to work in good faith to resolve this dispute and relocate the vessel safely. We remain steadfast in our determination to ensure that the legacy of America’s Flagship endures and inspires future generations. While we were disappointed that Penn Warehousing continues to disparage and denigrate both the Conservancy and the historic symbol of our nation, we hope that Penn Warehousing will enter mediation in good faith.”

Owner's of America's Flagship File Motion Detailing Landlord's Efforts to Block Relocation of SS United States, Take Possession of the Historic Vessel for Its Own Financial Benefit

The national nonprofit organization that owns the historic SS United States filed an urgent motion in the U.S. District Court for Eastern Pennsylvania containing new evidence that the iconic vessel’s landlord, Penn Warehousing & Distribution engaged in a range of misconduct to block the Conservancy’s effort to comply with a court order regarding relocating the SS United States from her current pier and advanced a scheme to seize America’s Flagship for its own financial benefit.