Preservationists Perched To Buy SS UNITED STATES

53 Responses to Preservationists Perched To Buy SS UNITED STATES

1. AJ

   July 1, 2010 at 1:51 am

   Great news that the money has been secured to save her, but now the really hard work begins. That of restoring her, maintaining her and preserving her for future generations. That will prove to the the biggest challenge of all and I wish them well with that.
2. Corey

   July 1, 2010 at 1:56 am

   Great news so far. The man donating is very generous. Ncl is very nice to not accept the 5.9 million offer for scrap and to take 3 million. I’m in so California and I want to see her in Philly . I know she is behind gates but is there a harbor tour that goes by her. I also want to see battleship Olympia . Are they some what close to each other? Iv been reading about united states for almost forty years and I want to see her in case she is scrapped. Just on queen Mary in long beach and she needs help bad
3. CubanToro

   July 1, 2010 at 5:45 am

   Finally… some good news! I guess the bad publicity and soap opera with the Norway and the Independence payed off. I hope this venture is successful and she will be restored to her former glory!
4. Dave

   July 1, 2010 at 5:58 am

   Good news indeed. But the purchase is barely a drop in the bucket compared to what is required after that. Kudos to NCL for taking the lower offer. Time then to put our money where our mouths are.

   Corey, I’ve taken the harbor tour past the ss United States a few times; it’ didn’t connect directly to the Olympia which is at the Philadelphia Maritime Museum but it is reasonably close, and from there you can also take the ferry across the river and visit the battleship New Jersey. Seeing both the New Jersey and the Olympia in the same day presents some very dramatic and fascinating contrasts. You should have a great day in the Phila area.
5. Rob Lightbody

   July 1, 2010 at 6:07 am

   FANTASTIC NEWS!!

   Well done indeed to everyone involved. And well done to NCL too.
6. JB

   July 1, 2010 at 7:41 am

   Corey, yes there are boat tours that pass the United States. The Spirit of Philadelphia tour ship has regularly scheduled Delaware River tours out of Penn’s Landing during the warmer months of the year. if you come, make sure you book a tour going south on the Delaware. The Olympia, docked at Penn’s Landing and United States are only about a mile or so from each other. Even though the United States is behind locked gates at it’s pier you can get a good look at her from several vantage points. There is a large retail development right across the street from the pier with a good view of the ship from the parking lot. This is the same parking lot where the ship lighting ceremony is taking place tonight.
7. Matthew

   July 1, 2010 at 7:53 am

   This is great news! I always had a feeling she would have a happy ending.
8. Pat

   July 1, 2010 at 8:03 am

   This is great news. And Corey, they’re not really all that close. At least not within realistic walking distance.

   Olympia (which I just took my kids to, as well as the submarine there) is at Penn’s Landing (near Ben Frank Bridge) and the SS United is closer to South Philly/Walt Whitman Bridge). I’m sure they could get some type of tour together though that includes all 2 or something.
9. Pat

   July 1, 2010 at 8:03 am

   Meant to say all 3. Oops.
10. edvard

    July 1, 2010 at 8:06 am

    Good news indeed. But what are the plans afterward? The cost of keeping her just berthed is prohibitive. The ship’s interior is gutted. The overall condition is poor. In other words it is in need of a huge overhaul. I want to see her returned to her former glory more than anything. But I have a hard time seeing just how this can happen given the extraordinary amount of work this ship needs.
11. John Cant

    July 1, 2010 at 8:12 am

    This is the best news so far. However, the berthing cost of $60,000 per month could be a big problem. Surely something could be worked out to reduce the cost,. Of course the next problem is the cost to restore her. Oh well, we will have to wait and see, and hope that the money is forthcoming. Glenn Paull, I was able to obtain Lady in Waiting through Amazon in Canada. after being directed by the Conservancy to Amazon in Canada as Amazon in the US would not ship it Canada!!!
12. Doug

    July 1, 2010 at 8:35 am

    Corey, the SSUS and the Olympia are quite close, but not a comfortable walking distance. GoogleMap them. Other ships are viewable in town: the WWII battleship USS New Jersey; the WWII submarine USS Becuna; the Portuguese fishing barque Gaziela Philadelphia; plenty of smaller stuff at the Maritime Museum. Try to cadge a personal tour of the Olympia and the Museum’s back-of-house collection of small boats.

    (I’ll be one of the fellows on stage at the SSUS event; singing the National Anthem.)
13. John from St Pete

    July 1, 2010 at 10:32 am

    Congrats on the efforts to keep her around. I hope that an economically viable means to keep her a part of history evolves. Sadly, it is my understanding that she is essentially a steel shell of her former self in that all her interiors were gutted and removed many years back in an asbestos abatement effort. So any development of her interior spaces is going to be costly.
14. Bob D

    July 1, 2010 at 10:32 am

    Well, miracles and hard work have paid-off. If the deal comes off and the numbers pencil-out, this is a cause I would be willing to sustain and support. I was aboard in the summer of 66 and I will never forget the experience. Whoo RAHH8S
15. Corey

    July 1, 2010 at 11:23 am

    Thank you everyone on your information on harbor tours and viewing the ships. I didn’t realize battleship new jersey was near there. Thank you everyone
16. Doug

    July 1, 2010 at 12:22 pm

    Actually a plus for ‘adaptive reuse’ to have her interiors and asbestos gone. Tons of stuff gone that one would have to pay to have carted away otherwise. I understand that her interior partitions, doors, etc., were steel panels over ‘Marinite’ – foamed concrete reinforced with asbestos fiber.
17. WorkerBee

    July 1, 2010 at 12:47 pm

    Fantastic news, this is a good first baby step……

    Interested to see the Conservancy develop a long term plan now that they’ll at least control the ship’s fate.

    This placates at least some of my dissatisfaction with NCL. I’ve long felt that by acquiring the Indy and SSUS that some level of stewardship came along with the purchase. I know, accountants and CFO’s don’t really think in those terms but both ships were already historic relics when they were acquired by NCL- and (in my opinion) they dropped the ball when it came to being socially responsible caretakers of said heritage.

    The Indy is gone but at least there’s a glimmer of hope for the SSUS, finally, perhaps somebody at NCL pulled their head out and realized they were shooting themselves in the foot PR-wise. Far better for them to pass the SSUS off to the Conservancy even at a bit of a financial loss than to be remembered as the line that neglected and scrapped the last of the big US built liners.
18. Will

    July 1, 2010 at 2:21 pm

    This is a big step forward, but there is still a marathon to walk.
19. David

    July 1, 2010 at 4:53 pm

    Lets hope we see her sail in the next 5 years. But has this not happened before a sale and still laid up. Keeping my fingers crossed !
20. Corey

    July 1, 2010 at 9:59 pm

    If i could wish she would cruise the oceans of the world. Disney could use her as a hotel in Florida . The ship is retro already and matches the retro American theme of their cruiseships. Disney has deep pockets and appreciates history. Wish someone could pitch idea. Donald trump making her profitable as hotel convention center in manhattan . I feel if she gets painted on outside someone will see her value . Park her on side intrepid aircraftcarrier . If she looks pristine on outside people will look to invest. Right now she is not being seen by right people behind ikea. Get her to place where they can make her floating casino. Noone wanted the America until someone bought her drydocked her showed she still was solid and when she was being towed to Thailand to be made into a hotel museum there were people trying to buy her. It’s like if you have a girlfriend everygirl wants to go out with you but if you are single noone wants you. S.s. United states has been single since 1969!
21. GrumpyOne

    July 2, 2010 at 5:10 am

    As one who has a keen interest in historical matters, I have followed the saga/plight of the SSUS for over a decade. My personal experience in shipbuilding also tells me that this attempt in preservation is a daunting task.

    First, this effort could cost as much as a billion dollars to complete the restoration including the machinery spaces, (Important because this is what made her special), as well as providing a modest endowment for continued operations/maintenance.

    My gut tells me that only one entity could pull this off and that is the Smithsonian. I believe that they have the means to mount an effective fundraising campaign that will, (yes, this hurts), garner political support as well. And, the Smithsonian is well reputed for excellent work regarding authenticity. On the other hand, political endorsements could spread the word about “plank ownership” as a public fundraising tool. While Mr Lenfest’s generosity is sincerely appreciated, the Conservancy needs to get the support of the mega rich such as Bill Gates, Steve Jobs and a host of other candidates.

    All this said, I too am pleased that this positive development has come about and have high hopes for the future.
22. Captain George Woodward USN (Retired)

    July 2, 2010 at 5:16 am

    Her interior stuff must be scattered all over. I recall some years ago seeing a bar/restaurant on the North Caroline outer banks that was pretty much completely furnished with bar stools, booths, chairs, etc. all from SSUS. Lots of pictures and other stuff too.
23. Trevor

    July 2, 2010 at 7:52 am

    I dont think it would be good to try to power her up again without the backing up an wealthy corporation but she would make a great museum maybe for one about transatlantic passenger ships and immigration Im glad to hear she has dodged a bullet for now.
24. max

    July 2, 2010 at 12:07 pm

    If only this momentum is carried over to the USS Olympia which needs it badly.
25. Don M, Saint Pete

    July 3, 2010 at 7:15 am

    Great News!!!!! can somebody find a more inexpensive dock ????
26. Nigel Robinson

    July 3, 2010 at 10:43 am

    Great news but we have been here before and it as failed hence no life boats, to be realistic she will cost to much to fix and at the end of the day is mostly an empty shell. She looks very sad as she sits waiting her fate.Hope I am wrong will keep fingers crossed.
27. Fred

    July 3, 2010 at 3:43 pm

    Bring her to Buffalo harbor for an inexpensive dock.
28. Tk

    July 4, 2010 at 12:27 pm

    Kudos to that wonderful man that has saved this lady, the SSUS. I am wondering why they keep saying they don’t know how much it will cost to rebuild her…….. She is basically a hulk, there is nothing but the old boilers and turbines in her. The rebuild will be very much like creating the insides for a new ship. All the insides have been taken already. This is where the conservancy will have to get to work for supporters and sponsers in order to get money to make her a profitable entity. One concern I see already, and that is, where do they think they can dock her permanently??? If they have 20 months, they better not rest on their back sides, they have much too much to do and way to little time to do it.

    Good luck SSUS conservancy, now you have some real work todo.

    By TK
29. Hank

    July 4, 2010 at 3:17 pm

    Shouldn’t they buy a dock Mr. Knego? So they won’t have to pay rent? Oh and What about the SS Augustus? Will it be preserved?
30. Anthony Ward

    July 4, 2010 at 3:42 pm

    Steele Point in Bridgeport, CT (my home town) would be a fantastic place for her. They want to turn that area into a local attraction featuring hotels and restaurants and also to develop the beach back into what it was years ago. The SS United States moored in Bridgeport as the key attraction/hotel would be fabulous.

    It’s a deep water harbor, which hosts many large freighters already, so draught shoule be no problem.

    Bridgeport is also not far at all from New York. Man i hope someone sees/thinks of/manages this !

    Anthony Ward/CT
31. adeline rockko

    July 4, 2010 at 9:02 pm

    My husband was Chief Bos’un on this ship that was staffed by the National Maritime Union. One of his last requests was to revisit this beautiful vessel. Altho he was not allowed to go “on board” he was able to lay a hand on the ship’s skin……..it was still alive!
32. Marc Forestier

    July 5, 2010 at 7:02 am

    Of course that’s very good news but I fully agree with Grumpyone, now that ship will need the help from mega rich. The Smithsonian could be a useful fundraiser, but I’ve always thought on a SS United States support fund with the participation of the most powerful U.S firms like Coca Cola, General Electric, Ford, G.M, Boeing, Microsoft, Apple, Google, IBM etc. A big concert organized at her side with Rock’n Roll and Rythm’n Blues legends could be a fantastic show to help this wonderful cause, just imagine Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis Little Richard, BB King singing at her side! That could be a symbolic event, SSUNITEDSTATESAID! Don’t let her fall again in oblivion, remember the sad end of the SS FRANCE/NORWAY, INDEPENDANCE, CANBERRA for instance. See the perilous situation for our beloved QE2…
33. Glenn Paull

    July 5, 2010 at 8:04 am

    Due to the hard hard and non-stop efforts of Susan Gibbs Pres. Dan McSweeney Exec Director, Mark Perry and the rest of the board of S.S.U.S. Conservancy it looks like the late Walter Cronkite was right, if its going to happen, the only option is with the Conservancy. It’s my understanding that Mr. Lenfest has donated up to 5.8 Million to purchase the ship from N.C.L /Genting Hong Kong (Norwegian Genting) and to maintain her in her currant berth for up to 20 mos. while redevelopment & refurbishment plans are solidified. If we all did even a small part we can help bring the end results to fruition. Congratulations to the Board. Well done,
34. Mark

    July 5, 2010 at 8:47 am

    Great news! I would volunteer to help clean her up and give her a good paint job. I think the conservancy has done a great job. They have already announced a preliminary plan to expand the publicity effort, and appeal to those with deep pockets. This is the only way we will raise the huge amounts needed to restore this wonderful piece of American history. Good Luck to the SSUS!
35. John Rivers-Vaughan

    July 5, 2010 at 1:14 pm

    Greetings to all from the UK. I have been following this saga since 1969 when the SSUS suddenly disappeared from the sailing schedules at Southampton. Prior to that I saw her on numerous occasions off the Isle of Wight and always thought her the finest of the four great liners (the others being the QM, QE and France).

    Firstly, well done to the Conservancy and to their wealthy patron; also to NCL. I agree with Grumpyone that activity now is essential, and with Marc on his admirable fund-raising ideas. Buying the SSUS is/was the only option.

    The Conservancy firstly needs to make the ship ‘secure’ by which I mean eliminating leaks and preventing further deterioration. I am sure companies approached properly, with something in return by way of publicity or other, would be happy to donate materials, while an appeal for volunteer painters would surely be met with enthusiasm. The large expanses of open deck need particular attention, but what would make a real impact and show the World that the ship is not dead would be to paint those tatty funnels and have them and the radar mast floodlit every night.

    If she was in the UK, the government would make special provision for her to have a free dock. Could the US Government, or the local harbour authority, be pursuaded to do the same?

    Everyone there seems very interested in the other ships on the Delaware River, such as the mighty USS New Jersey – perhaps all the ships could be moored in the same area and a new National Maritime Museum be created. We have a wonderful one in the UK at Portsmouth which is fascinating and visited by many people every year.

    Also in the UK, we have an enormous Victorian hotel at St Pancras Station
    which was almost empty for as long as the SSUS has been laid up. This is about to re-open as a hotel, with many of the upper rooms already sold as apartments. Perhaps the Conservancy could raise a lot of money by selling or letting suites of state rooms on the SSUS – mind you, it would be ironic if enough money was raised for her to sail again.

    Good luck to the SSUS Conservancy in all their endeavours – they deserve to succeed and the good ship deserves to be saved.
36. Bruce

    July 5, 2010 at 2:24 pm

    Great news. The only economically viable rebuilding would be to treat her like a building and build her out as such. She will never be a 3-class ocean liner w/re-created cabins but instead could be a luxurious mid-century inspired hotel/restaurant and convention center. Re-creating her bland original interiors would not appeal to most people but creating some really elegant mid-century inspired interiors-w/a nod to her past would be very popular. Her engine spaces are apparently basically intact and could be partly restored for tours.
37. Tom in Long Beach

    July 5, 2010 at 3:28 pm

    It will all be about economically realistic viable second use. They will need to create spaces that provides an income stream. Banquet and convention space. Also cool liner themed hotel rooms would be great.
    Weddings on the bow and stern. Keep her original as possible on the outside, But it might really pay to add a pool and lido area for hotel guest.
38. max

    July 8, 2010 at 12:47 am

    Tom,
    I don’t think that an outdoor pool is needed. Especially if the ship is to remain in either Phily or NYC. The ship already has an indoor pool, which is fine. If they decided to have an outdoor pool, it wouldn’t be used as much because of the cold climate. Just look at the SS Rotterdam’s outdoor pool, which was deactivated when she was converted to a hotel. That outdoor pool was not needed either. Thus, the lack of an outdoor pool would not hurt the Big U’s potential income stream.
39. max

    July 8, 2010 at 12:57 am

    Bruce,
    I like your idea about the engine rooms being partially restored. They makeup the heart and soul of the ship. It would be a very stupid idea for anyone to remove them, like Long Beach did to the Queen Mary. That would certainly become a huge waste of time and money that destroyed the Queen Mary’s huge potential because it compromised the ship. Another thing that I want to see is the restoration of the ship’s Library to house all of the document relating to the Big U and the history of US Lines. This is a feature that neither the Queen Mary or the SS Rotterdam has.
40. J Scheil

    July 8, 2010 at 7:38 pm

    This ship is simply the most advanced passenger ship ever built, and deserves preservation on a Smithsonian type of level, however her sheer size makes this a very daunting prospect. Cheers to the preservationists that have the vision and guts to see this through until a time when it becomes a national priority.
41. Jeff Roe

    July 9, 2010 at 7:41 pm

    The FIRST thing to do with the United States for the time being would be to move her to someplace that it costs less to keep her. Such as Freeport!
42. Jeff Roe

    July 9, 2010 at 7:43 pm

    Also the best thing to do with The United States is find someone willing to partner up and turn her into a Hotel and the biggest Maritime Museum afloat.
43. F. Miller

    July 16, 2010 at 1:43 pm

    With the right financial backing, which we have seen can be found, the ship should be restored to working order. The poor QM is a gutted and rearranged hulk. Her heart and soul ripped out to make room for conference halls and frivolus garbage. The SS United States is our nation’s flagship. She is the fastest passenger liner ever built. Her machinery is a naval powerplant that was originally designed for battleships. This ship is an irreplaceable piece of maritime history and should be treated as such. Not just some empty shell for someone to come along and stuff full of junk that has no business being aboard her. If your going to do something with her then do the right thing and breathe life into her interiors, restore her propulsion, fire her boilers and build steam! She’s a ship, shes not a “building” as they call the QM. Will someone please tell me they feel the same way? Preferably a billionaire with a penchant for old steamships.
44. Hank

    July 21, 2010 at 6:07 am

    Alright guys. Aren’t we forgetting something? The QM is safe! Even if it has it’s interiors partially rearranged. I’m not trying to sound mean. I hate the fact she is rearranged inside too, but she is safe. Not only that, but she has tons of money behind her. Thanks to long beach. Lets continue to support the QM and also focus on the United States. Oh and yes F. Miller. I agree. The QM is a ship not a building.
45. F. Miller

    July 22, 2010 at 8:27 pm

    Hank, While the QM is safe at the moment and still with us she has had her heart unceremonially torn from her. She will never sail again and in my eyes thats an ignominious death for such a grand lady. I have been on board her and while I applaud Long Beach for saving her I also lament the removal of her propulsion. Far too many of these wonderful ships are gone. Victims of the jet age and the heartless floating abominations they call cruise ships. One idiot actually called the QM2 an ocean liner! That ship is a box-on-a-hull shapeless disaster thats a disgrace to all true ocean liners that have come before her. Pardon me for being a real purist when it comes to ocean liners. I simply dont understand why its so difficult for people in place of power to do any real, bona fide good for these ships. Look at the poor USS Olympia. The oldest steel warship still afloat. The ship that established the US Navy as a true naval power. Desperately in need of drydock work and restoration. She is still with us. Complete with her interiors and machinery/weaponry. The last of her kind and for lack of money there is talk of her being towed out to sea and SCUTTLED as a damn artificial reef. Are people in this world really that damn stupid that they would sooner see a National Historic Landmark and National Engineering Landmark “disposed of” instead of raising some money to save her? Is this what the world has come to? Ships like these will never be made again. The few we have are all we have. Thanks for listening to my rant.
46. CubanToro

    July 27, 2010 at 9:17 am

    Just found a great large color photo of the Big U… I believe when she was sailing off Lisbon? Here’s the link… and hope to see her restored again to her former glory!~

    http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_f1OZb7DL07k/SxBeOWXLLJI/AAAAAAAAMtM/jQoumOhKk20/s1600/img412.jpg
47. David Walker

    January 7, 2011 at 7:16 am

    The historic SS American Racer of United States Lines transitted the Miraflores Locks of the Panama Canal this morning January 7, 2011 enroute Brownsville TX for dismantling

    http://www.travelserver.net/travelpage/ubb-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=005168
48. David Walker

    January 8, 2011 at 7:46 am

    UPDATED the above link with more webcam grabs as the AMERICAN RACER completes her Panama Canal transit through the Gatun Locks today Jan 8 2010, a full day after she entered the Miraflores Locks on the Pacific side.
49. Peter Knego

    January 8, 2011 at 10:27 am

    Those are amazing, David. Thank you. I saw her from the decks of the POPE last spring and am sorry to have missed her transition. I thought MARAD was taking a short break from the Suisuin purge, so I wonder what is next on the list to go…
50. David Walker

    January 8, 2011 at 1:13 pm

    Hi Peter. THANKS for the kind words. I know the tug AKEXANDRA has been doing loops and zig zags for five full days now (going on 6 days) outside the Pacific side of the Panama Canal with the AMERICAN RELIANCE in tow awaiting clearance to transit. I cannot imagine what the hold up is.

    Here is an article I found dated Dec 28th that answers you question for ships being pulled in January:

    http://beniciaherald.wordpress.com/2010/12/28/3-more-ships-leaving-bay/

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