Pensacola County plans to scuttle retired Ocean Liner

The SS United States in her heyday.

The SS United States, also known as the Big U, is an Ocean Liner that was built in 1952. After the rise of commercial air travel, Ocean liners became obsolete. As a result, the ship was laid up in 1969. As of 2024, the Big U is docked in Philidelphia harbor and has been for decades. A major issue of the SS United States is that the Philidelphia harbor hosting it is increasing rent, which will have to be paid, or the ship leaves. There is a conservancy effort in order to protect the ship and preferably turn it into a museum or hotel ship, but the costs for it cause a steep hurdle for the conservancy to overcome. Another sharp blow for the conservancy was Escambia County in Florida considering buying the SS United States in order to have her scuttled as an artificial reef. The idea was floated around as a way to increase tourism funds in the region. There are arguments on what is the best fate for the SS United States, but it is a fact that whatever option is chosen will be costly.

Today, the SS United States is docked in Philidelphia harbor, with the threat of eviction.