Red Alert: SS United States in Imminent Danger of Scrapping
All hands on deck: Legendary passenger ship SS United States in grave danger of being bought by ship scrappers, scrapping bids accepted this month
Conservancy launches national fundraising and awareness campaign: “Save Our Ship” at www.ssusplankowner.org
Walter Cronkite IV to join Conservancy Advisory Council
March 2, 2010 – The SS United States Conservancy has recently learned that America’s national flagship, the SS United States, is in imminent danger of being bought by scrappers. This great vessel, which still holds the trans-Atlantic speed record, may soon be destroyed. Bids for purchase of the ship by scrappers are being collected by NCL this month.
The current owners of the vessel, Genting Hong Kong (formerly Star Cruises Limited), through its subsidiary, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL), listed the vessel for sale in February 2009 but have not announced a purchaser to date. There has been acute interest in the ship by scrapping companies. While NCL graciously offered the Conservancy first right of refusal on a sale of the vessel in 2009, the Conservancy has not been in a financial position to purchase the ship outright. The organization has been working diligently to lay the groundwork for a public-private partnership that can save the ship and sustain her for generations to come.
The Conservancy understands that Genting and NCL are reluctant to continue covering the significant costs associated with maintaining the vessel in its current berth in Philadelphia and appreciates the good care the vessel has received since being purchased by NCL in 2003 with the stated intentions of returning the ship to seagoing service. The Conservancy has maintained a positive working relationship with NCL over the past seven years and looks forward to an ongoing collaboration during this critical period.
The Conservancy has begun discussions with NCL with the intent of covering some of the fees associated with maintaining the ship in Philadelphia as it finalizes plans for repurposing the ship as a stationary attraction on a large metropolitan waterfront. The Conservancy’s new national campaign is titled “Save Our Ship” (SOS) and offers a “Plank Owner” certificate for tax-deductible donations of at least $25 via its new donor website: www.ssusplankowner.org .
“The Save Our Ship campaign shows the groundswell of public support for the SS United States we’ve seen throughout the nation,” said Conservancy Board President Susan Gibbs, whose grandfather, William Francis Gibbs, designed the vessel. “We’re modeling this campaign on the public subscription which saved the USS Constitution back in the 1920s through contributions of Americans from all walks of life. There’s a reason why this ship is still with us. She absolutely must be saved for future generations.”
The SS United States was a powerful Cold War weapon disguised as a luxury ocean liner. She sailed from New York to Europe and other destinations from 1952-1969, transporting four American presidents, countless foreign heads of state, A-list celebrities, military and business leaders, artists, and diplomats, not to mention ordinary citizens and many immigrants to America during her mishap-free 400 voyages.
Conservancy Board Member Mark Perry produced an award-winning American Public Television documentary on the SS United States in 2008. This film, SS United States: Lady in Waiting, will be screened at the National Academy Museum (1083 Fifth Avenue, at 89th Street in Manhattan) on Thursday, March 11th, 7 p.m., followed by a reception and call to action. Registration is via the Conservancy website.
At the event, Walter Cronkite IV will join the Conservancy’s Advisory Council, on which his grandfather served as Honorary Chairman. Mr. Cronkite’s participation and support is emblematic of the Conservancy’s commitment to engaging a new generation of Americans about the importance of our national flagship.
All supporters are asked to visit the Conservancy’s site and register to receive updates about the Conservancy’s efforts to save the SS United States and to make a tax-deductible contribution to the SOS Campaign.
“This is both a patriotic and a practical effort,” said Conservancy Executive Director Dan McSweeney, whose father emigrated from Scotland to America to serve as a crewmember aboard the vessel. “We’re absolutely committed to saving one of the most important symbols of America in the 20th century, but we’re also talking about creating hundreds, if not thousands, of jobs when this ship is refurbished and becomes a stationary attraction in a large U.S. city. We must save this irreplaceable American icon and continue the process of establishing a public-private partnership to re-purpose her.”
About the SS United States Conservancy:
The SS United States Conservancy’s founding Board has compiled a long track record of accomplishments on behalf of the SS United States reaching back over twenty years. The Conservancy’s leadership has been interviewed by major media outlets, published books and articles on the SS United States, organized educational meetings on the ship’s history that have drawn hundreds of participants from across the country, produced award-winning websites, produced the award-winning documentary SS United States: Lady in Waiting, and engaged in ongoing outreach and advocacy on behalf of the ship’s preservation. The Conservancy emerged as an independent 501(c)3 organization from the SS United States Preservation Society, which was instrumental in placing the ship on the National Register of Historic Places.
For more information contact: Dan McSweeney, Executive Director media@ssunitedstatesconservancy.org Tel: 202. 486. 1522
Reader Comments
give it up
We cannot give up on this irreplaceable symbol of American “can do” spirit. Just as we would allow this to happen to the Statue of Liberty or the Liberty Bell, the SS United States must be saved.
Just a note: Star Cruises (now Genting Hong Kong Ltd) and NCL are no longer one and the same. NCL is 50% owned by Genting and 50% by Apollo Management, with Apollo holding the majority of seats on NCL’s board. So Star/Genting can’t take all the blame here, and NCL is not quite its subsidiary any more (it is, I guess, “one of” the owners of NCL).
Give it up is right. It’s like pulling off a bandage. Rip it off and get it over with. Same with this. No matter how long this is stretched out, the end result will be the same: A blow torch on a beach in India. The USS Constitution was a relic from the American Revolution and played a role in this country’s independence so that’s why so many people contributed to its restoration. Very few people around now can identify with the SSUS and even those who do would be passing it on to generations who would have no connection with it at all. The owners had it up for a sale for a year and if there are no buyers by this time, there aren’t going to be. Start going after some worthwhile causes. Everything dies; including old ships.
Please tell us how much each of ten million Americans would have to donate for you to buy this ship.
This may be a little bit of a stretch, but has anyone purposed using the S.S. United States as a storage facility? The ship has been almost completely gutted, and the chances of it restored as a liner are quite small. The interior space could easily be converted into storage rental space, even for large items such as cars (perhaps the government could store documents, etc. there).
In the mean time the exterior of the ship could be preserved for future generations. Anyway, just a thought.
Dan Engstrom
We should preserve it as a reminder of how incredibly arrogant and stupid we were during our petroleum binge (late 1800s – 2020s)
Future generations who have no oil, natural gas, coal, trees, clean water, or fresh air can use it as a symbol of their hated ancestors, the ones who managed to destroy an entire planet by being little babies who refused to take responsibility for the impact their activities had on the land, animals, and each other.
Just to give a sense of where we stand, since 1969 plans for the refurbishment and restoration of the S.S. United States have nearly all involved some kind of active service. This was true right up until NCL decided, like so many before it, to offload the vessel.
Now the Conservancy hopes merely to keep the vessel in stasis, pending the inevitable. Let us mark this moment: the SSUS is no longer a viable project, but a wreck.
Could that wreck be restored as a fixed attraction? Possibly, but there is neither the will nor the funds (especially the funds) for such a task. Even if it were accomplished, the market for it would be negligible at best.
The Conservancy, like many noble, misguided and lost causes, will fight this to the end. Then, when the ship is finally towed off and destroyed, its members will gather annually at some local Hilton and make mournful speeches about how they did the best they could.
I would not deny them this amusement, but nor do I feel the need to contribute to it. The ship is dead; not only dead, but decomposed. Its place in history is assured, and has been since 1954. If I could, I would render the body the same last rites granted to the Ile de France in 1959, when the vessel was “purified” at a Shinto ceremony.
I suggest we render this unlucky ship a last act of mercy, and let it pass into memory with a modicum of grace.
why cant one of americas billionaires help out to save what is the last true ocean liner afloat. I dont know of any others besides the queen mary. I was fishing in the Ambrose light area in the eary 60s a very foggy day and the big U came within 50ft or less fm the boat I was on it was scary yet beautiful sight. I have seen the Big U many times as a kid steaming up towards NY She has beautiful lines I hope she can be saved. If America doesnt save her it will be a great loss to all Americans young and old. Please dont give up the fight
This ship could be used a a floating college or high school in New Orleans. It could be refitted as a hospital ship and used for catastrophies like Hurricane Katrina, the Haiti quake or the Chile Quake. Or how about a troop and equipment transport for areas we need to get to in a hurry with as much equipment as possible. It took us weeks to get up to stength in Iraq because of transport limitations. Its in good shape and was designed as a troop transport conversion. It could be used for all these things at once. A massive standby ship with multiple purposes. Heck, were still using 1950’s aircraft in our military. And we don’t have troop transports that could transport a large number of soldiers into an area within a few days. What if N. Korea attacked S. Korea? What if we leave Iraq and Iran decides to attack jeopardizing the oil flow? Not every battle can be fought with bombers and drones. Boots on the ground in high numbers deployed ASAP are crucial. And this ship was designed for just that. And lets not forget that the Russians still have nuclear capability. No one wants to use Nukes so a ground war in Europe is still a possibility. This is a ship that could be deployed quickly and could bring in armament, supplies and troops around the world in a matter of days. Its not useful as a cruise ship. But it is still needed. I suggest the government purchase it for the bargain price of 1.5 million. Thats chump change for something that can still protect our interets and/or be used as a symbol of good will.
ett sådant stiligt skepp ska inte ligga och rosta upp skall vara ute till sjöss.
I want the United States to be saved, but please, please put aside the ridiculous notion that she is ever going to return to passenger service. She has been stagnating now for FORTY ONE YEARS!!! Please let that sink in ! FORTY ONE YEARS!!! She is a justifiable source of pride to all Americans, and she should be preserved as a MUSEUM SHIP.
Contrast her with the SS France. After the France ended her transatlantic career, she was converted to a cruise ship and lived a long and useful life as the Norway. Keep in mind, however, that the France was idle for only 6 years before she started her cruise career, not FOUR DECADES! The United States should have been converted to a museum 20 years ago!
Jay,
The USS Constitution was not involved in the American Revolution. She was commissioned in 1797 (14 years after the Revolution ended) and won notable victories over the British in the War of 1812. Please learn a little basic history before you spout off all over the place.
(Ir)rational Being,
What a good little leftie you are! All the dope you smoked back in the 60s hasn’t affected your mental clarity one bit! From the vitriolic nature of your rant, however, it’s pretty obvious that you’ve wet your diaper again. Please don’t wait to change it like you usually do!
An ignoble end… to be melted down and turned into Hondas and Toyotas
I guess we should have seen this coming as we all know what happened with SS France. NCL is really a terrible company and I wouldn’t believe a word they say. I wish the US government would step in but that’s pretty unlikely.
Warm up those blow torches and go at it. Put the old tub out of its misery.
American Revolution or War of 1812; what the hell difference does it make? The fact is the that the USS Constitution played a role in the freedom of this country and is historically significant. The SSUS was active for 17 years of and never fulfilled the role it was really designed for: a troopship for WWW III. Now it’s a rotting hulk and an eyesore. Any day now I expect to see an article about one of the bidders finalizing the contract for its purchase for the scrap yard. It’s inevitable. The longer this goes on the more energy is wasted on it by dreamers who could be putting their efforts into worthwhile projects and causes. I certainly don’t want any of my tax dollars going into preserving it.
YOU MEAN OUR GOVERNMENT WONT HELP WITH SOMETHING THAT IS IMPORTANT,(AND WOULD COST LESS)TO SOME OF IT,S OWN PEOPLE! WHO SUPPLY THE MONEY THAT OUR GOVERNMENT SPENDS ON EVERYTHING ELSE WE GET OUR NOSE IN AROUND THE GLOBE!GO FIGURE.TO BAD SS US IS NOT BERTHED IN HAITI PERHAPS OUR GOVERNMENT WOULD HELP THEN. THIS SHIP SHOULD BE SAVED IN WHAT EVER CAPACITY,LOOK AT THE QUEEN MARY,AND SHE’S NOT EVEN AN AMERICAN SHIP.SHAME,SHAME,SHAME.LOOK WHAT IS HAPPENING IN THIS COUNTRY,THINGS THAT ARE AMERICAN,AMERICAN MADE,AND AMERICAN CAUSES ARE NO LONGER IMPORTANT.AS FOR OUR FRIEND JAY,AND ANY OTHERS WHO FEEL THE WAY HE DOES,HOPE THEY ENJOY SPENDING THIER TAX DOLLERS ON INTERESTS OUTSIDE THE U.S.
As a little boy of ten-years, my family traveled to Germany on the SS United States. I vividly remember that during the voyage, there was an incident where we were in a horrible storm and how rough the ocean was. I also remember there were two other ocean liners behind us, one French, and one Italian. Both liners subtained heavy damage, but the SS United States got us to our destination in Germany safely. It is a beautiful ship and I have fond memories. I am sure there are many other Americans who, like me, have fond memories of this amazing ship. We should do whatever is necessesary to save it. Thank you.
I say sink it in the Gulf of Mexico as an artificial reef. Great for divers and sea life.
As a retired ariline Captain I was able to see the ship forlorn at her herthe when landing at PHL and saw the film “A Lady in Waiting” on PBS last night
I am osrry to say that the cynics may be right. Our “modern American Culture” doesn’t seem interested is Preserving important Americana. I guess we should feel grateful that our predisessors felt otherwise. Certainly our present government will do nothing as they are only concerned with preserving their jobs! If anything deserves an “earmark” this ship does!
I wish only the best ofluck in saving a great ship from an ignominious end.
The romatic notion that this ship can be resurected is very alluring but I must agree, unrealistic. No doubt there have been countless marketing studies to determine whether there is enough interest in sailing on the ship to support its operating costs and no doubt those studies have shown it is not economically viable. Consider the costs of restoring the ship coupled with the increased maintenance costs of this “one off” engineering marvel. Plus consider it would almost have to be flagged in the United States. The Passenger Service Act of 1886, requires the ship to be staffed with an American crew. However, paying American wages and complying with U.S. employment regulations is extremely expensive compared to using employees from developing countries, who will perform the same work for a fraction of the pay demanded by North Americans.
I’d like to see the ship given a dignified demise. I’d like to see a new SS United States built that carrys forward all the inspirational qualities and innovation of the original ship, one that would set a new transatlantic speed record and be unrivaled by its peers.
I have fond memories of my first shit, but I didn’t keep that around for forty years.
Doug Newman is correct. I would love to see the United States saved. Unfortunately it will most likely end up in India under the ownership of a scrapper named Sadja (sp?) Metha. This is the same guy who purchased the Norway and towed it to Alang. Because of the asbestoes and Mercury on board, he was ordered not to beach it nor touch it. Meanwhile, a group from the United Arab Emerites offered to purchase the vessel at a profit. What does Mr. Metha do? First he accepts it, then changed his mind and jacked up the price. They accepted the new price and he jacks it up again. So, they gave it up. He was ordered not to beach the ship. What does he do? He beached it! Then he would wedge it further onto the beach. Then there were saying that he ordered workers to sneak onto the ship to cut at strength beams in the keel and holes in the hull below the waterline so it would be guaranteed unseaworthy. In the end, he got his way. Now, most likely he has orders to his staff, that if the United States if offered to scrappers, to notify him, 24/7 so he could immediately wire the money. Then it’s guaranteed good bye to the United States. He is probably looking at the QE2 as well. If Knut Kloster was still head of NCL, the U.S. would be sailing now. He is sickened of what became of the cruise line he founded and more so of what the did the the Norway. However, age takes it’s toll on people.
As for Dan Egstrom, I would love to make a comment about your chicken little environmumumumumetal comments and what you can do with it. However, there are people of all ages who read these, so, I will have to refrain myself to suggest of what you can go do with yourself.
scrap the damned thing and get it over with. You know it’s the only outcome…………
have to get into a dry dock for preservation…maybe a donation from the old phil navy yard to store dry until it can be worked on or bought. maybe a stimulus project by the now generous government for trades training..???
I have an idea. Fill it with all the dirtbags from around the country who are on death row or have life w/o parole; take it out to mid ocean and sink it. Get rid of it all at the same time. Excellent solution to this problem as well as prison overcrowding.
Such a beautiful ship! I had the privilege of traveling to and from Le Harve France from New York in 1965 and 1968 on her. I remember the fabulous dining, the movie theater and indoor pool. We ate at the Captain’s table. I have many items still from the ship including a menu, ashtray, and program. I was in Philly a few years back and was shocked to see the ship at dock. I had no idea. I have since been keeping up with the news of her being sold for scrap. I hope we can save her as a wonderful symbol of our country !
I think that people need to start watching what they say around here, because to a lot of people the SSUS means something. As the United States flag ship and having been entirely built in the US, AND having held the fastest speed record here, I think Americans should be taking a bit more interest in this history. Preservation of American history is important and should be pressed to the publics attention. Its a real shame that some people cant have feelings for what other people prioritise as important, and for that I hope that saving the SSUS is successful.
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Anete Simpson
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