WHAT IS THE SS UNITED STATES?

The SS United States is an historic ocean liner, widely known “America’s Flagship.” She is the fastest passenger ship ever built and the largest ever made in the USA. The SS United States still holds the transatlantic speed record and is the last of America's great 20th century ocean liners. Since the vessel’s launch over 70 years ago, she has served as an enduring iconic symbol of American innovation and engineering might. She is the only ship that bears the name of her namesake nation.

WHY IS THE SS UNITED STATES SO IMPORTANT?

Like the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, and the Washington Monument — there’s only one SS United States. The ship was an ambassador of America’s post-war industrial power and a technological marvel. The soaring symbol of grace and grandeur touched the lives of over one million passengers, thousands of crew members, and countless others who were thrilled by her mere presence in New York or Europe flying the Stars and Stripes. Today, this ship remains one of the world’s last surviving examples from a glorious bygone era of seagoing travel. The vessel still holds the transatlantic speed record, achieved on her maiden voyage using only two-thirds of her power. She served as a Naval auxiliary and was packed with top-secret features. It is imperative that we save her for future generations.

HOW DOES THE SS UNITED STATES COMPARE TO THE RMS TITANIC?

The SS United States is the most famous ship that didn’t sink! At nearly 1,000 feet long, the SS United States is more than a hundred feet longer than the ill-fated RMS Titanic, has five more decks.. The SS United States is so large that if you stood her on end, she’d be nearly as tall as New York City’s Chrysler Building or the Comcast Center in Philadelphia. As the fastest ocean liner ever constructed, the SS United States could move almost faster in reverse than the RMS Titanic could travel forward.

HOW FAST WAS THE SS UNITED STATES?

The SS United States’ propellers, fireproof and lightweight materials, double hull, and sleek overall design were part of a top secret Pentagon program to create the world’s fastest and safest ship. The SS United States still holds the transatlantic speed record or “Blue Riband.” Her true performance figures were kept secret for many years, but we know now that on her sea trials she achieved an amazing speed of over 38 knots — about 44 miles per hour. Some maritime historians and former crew members maintain that she could have traveled even faster, so her true top speed may never be known. By comparison, today’s modern cruise ships travel at around 28 miles per hour. The SS United States smashed the transatlantic speed record on her maiden voyage in 1952 using only two-thirds of her power.

WHO BUILT THE SS UNITED STATES AND WHY?

For much of the 19th and 20th centuries, passenger travel across the Atlantic Ocean was dominated by a handful of European merchant shipping lines that competed for the honor of owning the biggest, fastest, and most luxurious ocean liner. The RMS Queen Mary and SS Normandie are two examples of famous liners that transported travelers between New York and the ports of Europe in comfort and style. After World War II, it was America’s turn to demonstrate its ability to compete and dominate the seas. This era brought with it new American prosperity and ingenuity as well as new security threats. The U.S. Government worked in conjunction with United States Lines to develop a “super ship” to be part Cold War weapon and part luxury ocean liner. The top-secret Pentagon project produced the fastest, safest, and most advanced vessel ever constructed — the SS United States. The ship could be quickly converted into a troop carrier able to transport 14,000 military service members for 10,000 miles without refueling, and she could do it faster than any other ship before or since.

WHO DESIGNED THE SS UNITED STATES?

The SS United States was designed by self-taught naval architect and marine engineer William Francis Gibbs. Born in 1886, Gibbs realized a life-long dream of designing the fastest ship in the world after the SS United States concluded her record-breaking maiden voyage in 1952. His firm designed over 60 percent of all of the nation’s heavy armored ships in World War II, some 5,000 vessels in total. Widely regarded as one of the nation’s foremost naval architects, he was deeply attached to his prized creation. Gibbs called the SS United States every day when she was at sea and rarely missed being on hand for the vessel’s docking at her pier in New York. Gibbs’s granddaughter, Susan Gibbs, serves as the SS United States Conservancy’s president.

DID ANY FAMOUS PASSENGERS TRAVEL ON THE SS UNITED STATES?

The SS United States was the ship on which to sail in the 1950s and 1960s, and she carried a very impressive complement of notable passengers on nearly every voyage. These luminaries included Marlon Brando, Coco Chanel, Sean Connery, Gary Cooper, Walter Cronkite, Salvador Dali, Walt Disney, Duke Ellington, Judy Garland, Cary Grant, Charlton Heston, Bob Hope, Marilyn Monroe, Prince Rainier and Grace Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, John Wayne, and the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. The ship also carried four US presidents — Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, and Clinton.

WHERE IS THE SS UNITED STATES LOCATED NOW?

The SS United States is docked at Pier 82 on Philadelphia’s Delaware River. She arrived in Philadelphia in 1996, transported there by a previous owner who had hoped to return her to service as a seagoing cruise ship.

CAN I VISIT THE SHIP?

Because the vessel is located at a working pier and is subject to Homeland Security regulations, access to the vessel’s pier is highly restricted. Members of the media can be escorted on board if arranged by the Conservancy. Financial supporters of the ship at certain levels can also schedule tours with the Conservancy. Please note that these special donor tours are available only to those ages 18 and above and are subject to certain conditions. The Conservancy will make every effort to accommodate donors' timing preferences in scheduling these ship visits. For more information about these special opportunities, please contact info@ssusc.org. Otherwise, an excellent view of the vessel for the general public can be seen from Columbus Boulevard or from the IKEA cafeteria in Columbus Commons across the street. To pinpoint directions to the vessel using GPS, the following address may be used: 2100 South Christopher Columbus Boulevard, Philadelphia PA 19148.

WHY ISN'T THE SS UNITED STATES OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?

The SS United States is presently docked at Pier 82 along the Philadelphia waterfront. This pier is an active, working cargo pier and part of a Foreign Trade Zone as designated by the U.S. government. Pier 82 is one of the only local piers that can accommodate the ship which is nearly 1000 feet long. The pier complex is closed to the public and all visitors must comply with security standards set by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This significantly limits access to the vessel. Additionally, visitation to the ship requires specialist crew members to be on board for safety and security reasons which come at considerable cost to the Conservancy.

ARE THE SS UNITED STATES’ INTERIORS STILL INTACT?

No. Unfortunately, the vessel’s fittings were all dismantled in the 1980s and 1990s by previous owners of the vessel for financial gain and to remove building materials popular in the 1950s that were later deemed hazardous. While the Conservancy has collected a large number of the vessel’s original fittings and artwork, many items remain in private collections. The Conservancy’s mission includes a restoration of several of the ship’s grand public rooms to their original configuration with both original and replica materials. The Conservancy continues to catalogue the location and ownership of the remaining fittings from the vessel including furniture, artwork, china, and other fixtures.

Is the SS United States still structurally sound?

As a singular engineering achievement designed and built for speed, safety and national security use, the SS United States still retains more than 90 percent of its hull integrity. The ship’s hull was designed similar to battleship specifications and was built to stand the test of time, surpassing today’s cruise ships. The vessel has undergone several structural reviews over the years by top-flight engineering and architectural firms and is in remarkable condition for its age. She is not “rusting away” as has been sometimes reported, but is structurally sound, capable of being moved if necessary, and is ready for redevelopment.

HOW DO I RESEARCH WHETHER ONE OF MY ANCESTORS TRAVELED ON THE SS UNITED STATES?

Over one million passengers traveled on the SS United States, and passenger lists from each voyage were maintained by United States Lines. These documents were scattered after the ship was withdrawn from service, but the Conservancy is currently compiling and digitizing these records for future use, including genealogical research.

WHAT IS THE SS UNITED STATES CONSERVANCY?

As the owners of the SS United States, America’s Flagship, the Conservancy leads the global effort to save this one-of-a-kind piece of American history from being lost forever. The Conservancy, a national nonprofit organization, raises awareness and financial resources for the maintenance, and ultimate reuse of this iconic vessel. The Conservancy's goal is not the restoration of the ship or her return to sea, but rather her redevelopment as a dynamic , stationary, mixed-use destination and museum that celebrates her historic design. The Conservancy’s staff, Board of Directors, and advisors work in tandem with volunteers from across the nation and around the world to ensure that the fastest ocean liner ever to cross the Atlantic endures and inspires for generations to come.

HOW CAN I HELP SAVE THE SS UNITED STATES?

If you would like to become a member of the SS United States Conservancy or support our efforts, please visit www.ssusc.org/donate.

HOW DO MY CONTRIBUTIONS HELP?

Without continued financial support from Conservancy members and donors, the SS United States will be lost forever. By becoming a member, you help the Conservancy continue its efforts to ensure that the SS United States inspires and endures for generations to come. Your donations will enable us to keep the ship safely afloat, expand our educational and outreach programs to inform the public, policymakers, and the media about the history and potential of America’s flagship, and help us launch exciting exhibitions and displays honoring and exploring the SS United States.

HOW CAN MY COMPANY OR ORGANIZATION HELP SAVE THE SS UNITED STATES?

Becoming a Corporate Sponsor of the SS United States Conservancy provides your company or organization with a unique opportunity to help champion the global effort to save the SS United States. Sponsor benefits include national media exposure, naming rights opportunities, special tours, and appreciation events. The cause of America’s Flagship reaches a wide range of audiences in a growing global community of supporters. Show them you care about saving our history and become a sponsor today. If you have any questions about our Corporate Sponsorship Program or would like to receive copies of our Corporate Sponsorship materials, please contact us at info@ssusc.org or call (888) 488-7787. You can also download our Corporate Sponsorship brochure here.

IS MY CONTRIBUTION TAX DEDUCTIBLE?

Yes! As a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, all contributions to save America’s Flagship are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law.

HOW DOES THE CONSERVANCY SPEND THE FUNDS IT HAS RAISED?

The Conservancy spends approximately 81 cents out of every dollar raised on direct costs related to the SS United States’ upkeep, including dockage, insurance, security, vessel maintenance, and caretaking expenses. The Conservancy’s overhead is very low, and the organization carries out its work with a very small team of part-time staff members and consultants, supported by a large network of volunteers and pro bono advisors. The Conservancy's most recent IRS 990 form can be viewed here.

ARE THE CONSERVANCY’S BOARD MEMBERS AND OFFICERS COMPENSATED?

No. The Conservancy’s management and board of directors receive no compensation for their work on behalf of the SS United States.

WHAT IS THE CONSERVANCY'S VISION FOR THE FUTURE OF THE SHIP AND WHAT IS THE STATUS OF REDEVELOPMENT?

While the Conservancy's first priority is to keep the ship safely afloat, its ultimate goal is seeing the SS United States brought to life as a stationary, mixed-use destination in a major port city that will include a shipboard museum and innovation center operated by the Conservancy. In November 2023 the Conservancy, in partnership with RXR Realty and MCR Hotels announced an exciting redevelopment project. Details are in the section that follows, “Completion of a Commercially Viable Transformative Plan.”

CAN THE CONSERVANCY PAINT THE SHIP OR ITS FUNNELS?

No. The Conservancy has explored painting the vessel and its iconic funnels over the years and has concluded that it is not possible at this time. First, the project is cost prohibitive. Estimates received for the stripping and painting of the exterior of the ship (which is the size of three city blocks) have ranged from $25 million to $40 million. Wrapping the funnels is considerably less expensive, but it is not feasible because it would require puncturing and damaging the funnels for the wrapping to adhere.

Second, is the ship’s current location. Major work cannot be performed on the SS United States because she is berthed at a working cargo pier. Because the vessel cannot be painted at her current location, she would need to be moved to another location, which is not financially feasible.

Third, state and federal environmental regulations would require the ship to be towed to an appropriate facility (likely a drydock) to ensure that the lead-based paint widely used during the ship’s service career would not contaminate the surrounding waterways during the blasting and stripping of the hull. Encapsulating the ship or its funnels to contain potentially harmful material during remediation may be technically possible, but it would be cost prohibitive.

DOES THE CONSERVANCY HAVE A MUSEUM THAT IS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC?

The Conservancy’s collections are not currently on display for public viewing. The Conservancy continues to expand its permanent collection of SS United States artifacts, historical documents, artwork, and ship fixtures. For more information, click here.

DOES THE CONSERVANCY OFFER EDUCATIONAL AND CURATORIAL PROGRAMS?

The SS United States Conservancy remains deeply committed to honoring the legacy of the SS United States through curatorial and educational programs. Since its founding, the Conservancy has developed and mounted major temporary exhibitions at the Forbes Galleries in New York City and the Independence Seaport Museum in Philadelphia. The Conservancy has also partnered with the Norman Rockwell Museum in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, to develop an exhibition featuring the SS United States artwork of renowned author-illustrator David Macaulay. We have also advised and supported displays at other institutions such as the Smithsonian Institution’s Museum of American History and the Peabody Essex Museum. We also produce regular digital exhibitions that explore the ship's cultural and historical significance. Our last two exhibitions were “Advertising the United States: Discovering America's Flagship Through Prints, Posters and Advertisements”; and “Transatlantic Trailblazers: The Women Behind the Art and Engineering of the SS United States”. In 2023 we will launch our new exhibition, “Food Tastes Better at Sea: Dining Aboard the SS United States.”

The Conservancy also maintains the world’s largest collection of SS United States documents, images, artifacts, and other historical materials. We have also conducted an exhaustive preservation inventory of the fixtures and shipboard components remaining aboard the vessel.

WHAT IS THE SS UNITED STATES CENTER FOR DESIGN & DISCOVERY?

In tandem with the SS United States’ redevelopment, the Conservancy is planning an exciting shipboard museum and innovation center as well as the restoration of some of the ship’s most iconic, historically significant features and spaces. The Conservancy’s future SS United States Center for Design and Discovery will explore the SS United States’ emergence as an iconic American achievement and examine broader themes of 20th century post-war society, maritime history, science and technology, and mid-century modern art and design. The Conservancy continues to expand its permanent collection of SS United States artifacts, historical documents, artwork, and ship fixtures. For more information, click here. In the event that the Conservancy is unable to advance the SS United States' redevelopment, we are committed to creating a land-based exhibition that will house the Conservancy's collections and serve as a permanent tribute to America's Flagship.

DOES THE CONSERVANCY RECEIVE ANY GOVERNMENT FUNDING?

No. The SS United States is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but she does not receive state or federal government financing. The Conservancy relies on the generosity of private citizens from across the nation and around the world who want to protect and preserve this unrivaled design and engineering achievement.

Overview

In November 2023 the Conservancy announced an exciting plan developed in conjunction with two prominent New York firms, RXR and MCR Hotels. The detailed plan would repurpose the SS United States as a unique, mixed-use destination, including a 1,000 key hotel, numerous food and beverage destinations, multiple event venues, acres of public green space, and a world-class museum. RXR and MCR developed full schematic design drawings, extensive engineering and construction feasibility diligence in consultation with U.S. shipyards, a financial analysis to demonstrate the project’s commercial viability, and an assessment of the permitting and regulatory requirements to advance the redevelopment program. The project diligence team included Gibbs & Cox, the vessel’s original design firm, Perkins Eastman and HLW architects, and local land use and regulatory counsel.

Why did the Conservancy partner with RXR Realty and MCR Hotels on this project?

The Conservancy has met with dozens of prospective developers and partners spanning over a decade. We have engaged in detailed planning and consultations with a number of ventures. RXR and MCR have the expertise, the track record, and the financial ability to support a project of this size and complexity. Their leadership has also understood the patriotic responsibility associated with protecting America’s Flagship.

Do the announced plans save the SS United States?

While this progress is immensely exciting, we also need to emphasize that this project can’t advance until we secure a permanent pier for the ship. That is the crucial next step, and it needs to happen fast. The SS United States remains in peril. The ship faces the threat of eviction from her current Philadelphia pier. Our landlord doubled the ship’s rent without notice during the coronavirus pandemic. We are now in litigation and facing intense financial pressure. We must find a new location for America’s Flagship, or she will likely be scrapped.

What exactly needs to happen for the proposed development to move forward?

We urgently need to secure a pier to serve as the permanent home for the ship. Finding a location has always been a daunting task. But now we have clear and convincing evidence that the ship can be a powerful economic development engine for her home city, create thousands of jobs, generate millions in revenues, provide acres of new open space, and become an instant destination. Piers are often owned, operated, and controlled by states and municipalities. Advancing this project now requires clear expressions of support from key officials to provide the ship with a home. That is our urgent priority. We cannot expect investors to allocate additional resources to this project unless there is a strong possibility of a permanent location.

Why did RXR/MCR use New York City’s Hudson River for the concept art?

For experienced New York-based developers RXR and MCR, conceptualizing the United States at Pier 76 on the west side of Manhattan was a natural way to address many factors found in other potential home ports, including New York, and confirm commercial viability. Supporters from around the globe also noted the proximity to the Big U’s original home Pier 86, which is only a few blocks north. One of the SS United States’ propellors is in fact displayed at the Pier 76 entrance.

Philadelphia and other cities would also see promise in locations close to transportation and in areas that would help ensure the level of access and foot traffic necessary for success. Many communities deserve green space and access to other amenities, and the ship’s placement would provide an economic magnet for Philadelphia in particular as the nation’s 250th birthday approaches.

Will the project require additional waterfront infrastructure in the host city?

Any location would require some shoreline, pier, and infrastructure improvements. There will also likely need to be some regulatory variances or modifications. The economic potential of the ship, including the significant job creation and tax revenue — along with the extensive green, public space envisaged and the climate-resilient development potential — would justify accommodations made for the vessel and provide substantial return on that investment. Red tape shouldn’t prevent the ship from being saved and finding a home.

Will the RXR/MCR plan result in changes to the structure or look of the ship?

The RXR/MCR plan respects the historic profile of the ship. No major structural modifications of the ship are contemplated that would adversely impact the ship’s design. In fact, RXR’s creative architectural design calls for hotel room “pods” placed along both sides of the ship to restore the historic structural lines once formed by the lifeboats.

Is the Conservancy in an exclusive option agreement with RXR and MCR?

The Conservancy’s option agreement with RXR and MCR has expired. The companies have invested substantial resources to date and now it is incumbent on all parties and supporters to advance the discussion about a pier location before more concrete development investments or additional support for the Conservancy can be contemplated. Demonstrating their ongoing support, RXR and MCR have offered to donate all their feasibility assessments and intellectual property to other potential partners committed to saving and repurposing the United States.

How much money have RXR and MCR invested in the project to date?

The two firms have invested over $6 million in the project to date.

What is the cost of the project?

The plan developed by RXR and MCR that has been unveiled redevelops the ship and the pier as a private sector funded project and minimal public funding. The ship’s complete redevelopment could be in the $450 million range excluding the cost of the pier infrastructure varying depending on the location. The SS United States’ complete redevelopment would include programing all 550,000 square feet of internal space, as well as exterior spaces and a pier-side activation. The ship is three city blocks long and the size of a skyscraper laying on its side.

Have multiple cities and locations considered home porting the SS United States? If so, what are they?

RXR has explored the feasibility of Philadelphia, Boston, Miami, Seattle, and New York as host cities for the vessel.
Why not simply give the ship a facelift and develop it as a tourist attraction somewhere?

She would still need a home. Even giving the ship a facelift and paint job would cost between $25 and $40 million.

Under the proposed development plan, where would the work on the ship itself be done?

RXR and MCR have conducted extensive due diligence on several potential shipyards and joiner firms in the U.S. with the technical ability to accommodate the vessel and carry out the renovation. It’s important to note that these assessments are not separate from the overall project plan, but an integral part of it.

What would be the cost of moving the ship to its new permanent location?

Moving the SS United States is a complex undertaking. The ship will likely need to be moved to a dry-dock before moving to its permanent location. Costs include insurance, inspections, onboard prepping of the vessel, tugs, and crew costs. Modifications necessary at the destination pier would be additional. Those costs would need to be re-evaluated in real time by a developer.

Will the SS United States be evicted from her pier in Philadelphia?

That is unknown at this time. The Conservancy is in litigation with our current pier operator in the U.S. District Court in Philadelphia. The outcome of the case could force the ship out within a matter of months.

We hope that Josh Shapiro, the Governor of Pennsylvania, and other city and state officials (including PhilaPort, the independent state agency managing port facilities along the Delaware River) will step in to explore alternative berths for the vessel. The ship’s redevelopment could generate thousands of jobs, millions in tax revenue, and acres of new open, green space along the Delaware River.

What will happen if the ship is evicted, and the Conservancy can't find a new home for the ship?

The Conservancy will be forced to scrap the SS United States. The vessel needs a home. Without that, there will be no other options. America’s Flagship will be lost forever.

What can we do to help?

Now that this inspired plan has been unveiled that demonstrates the SS United States’ commercial potential, it is vital that supporters and the public ask relevant officials in these major port cities to support providing the ship with a permanent location. This plan requires minimal public funding and will provide enormous economic benefits. It is crucial that leaders in these locations become involved in saving America’s Flagship. It’s not just about saving a unique and iconic symbol of the nation. It’s about creating thousands of jobs and a world-class destination that will be an economic engine for the host city’s waterfront.

In addition, you are welcome to become a member of the Conservancy and, through your membership, join thousands of fellow supporters worldwide.

WHY IS THERE A LEGAL DISPUTE BETWEEN THE SS UNITED STATES CONSERVANCY AND PENN WAREHOUSING?

In August of 2021, Penn Warehousing, the firm that leases Pier 82 from the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority (PhilaPort), notified the Conservancy that it was purporting to double the rent charged to keep the SS United States at Pier 82. This dispute is currently being litigated. The Conservancy and Penn Warehousing are exploring potential resolutions to this dispute, thus far without success. Should the Conservancy be forced to pay the purported increase in rent, it will threaten the solvency and sustainability of our nonprofit organization.

IS THE CONSERVANCY CONTINUING TO PAY RENT DURING THIS DISPUTE?

Yes. The Conservancy has always taken its financial obligations and responsibilities seriously and has continued to pay rent to Penn Warehousing at the agreed upon rate reflected in the berthing agreement for the ship. We will continue to do so while attempting to resolve the dispute.

WILL THE SHIP HAVE TO MOVE AND WHERE WOULD IT GO?

Given the current rent dispute and the future redevelopment of several piers along the waterfront including Pier 82, the SS United States will likely need to move. We continue to assess alternative berthing locations in consultation with maritime specialists. Unfortunately, there are very few local piers large enough to accommodate the ship, and many are already in use. Moving the ship even a short distance requires months of intensive assessments and preparations, multiple approvals, and considerable expense.

WHAT ARE THE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH MOVING THE SHIP?

The costs for the preparations and move logistics will be extensive. The Conservancy’s estimate of more than $250,000 would cover insurance, inspections, onboard prepping of the ship, tugs, crew costs and any modifications necessary at the destination pier. The Conservancy is actively exploring in-kind contribution of services in addition to the fundraising campaign.

ARE THERE ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH MOVING THE SHIP?

No. Should the ship move, the Conservancy will continue to be in full compliance with all applicable environmental regulations surrounding the maintenance of the vessel. Necessary expertise to maintain that compliance during the preparation and move process will be utilized.

ARE THERE PHYSICAL RISKS TO THE SHIP ASSOCIATED WITH A MOVE?

As a singular design and engineering achievement, the SS United States was built to stand the test of time – and she has. The Conservancy has prioritized dedicated stewardship of the vessel since acquiring title to the vessel in 2011. Thorough inspections of the ship have confirmed that America’s Flagship remains structurally sound and capable of being moved. Gibbs & Cox, the ship’s original design firm, will be retained to ensure that the move is expertly handled. Moving the vessel will be a significant logistical undertaking and while there are always risks associated with such a move would be conducted by top-flight personnel with decades of experience to manage those risks and ensure the safety of the vessel.