The contentious legal battle between the SS United States Conservancy and Penn Warehousing that would decide the future of the iconic SS United States has reached a final verdict.
The Conservancy, responsible for safeguarding the historic ocean liner, found itself entangled in a fierce rental dispute with the Philadelphia-based shipping company when Penn Warehousing abruptly raised the berth rent from $850 to $1,700 (USD) in 2021, an unsustainable hike for the nonprofit organization.
In 2022, tensions heightened as Penn Warehousing terminated the lease agreement and took legal action against the Conservancy, alleging that the nonprofit owed over $700,000 in overdue rent after refusing to accept the rent escalation.
Although the Conservancy had hoped to retain the SS United States in Philadelphia, where it was originally designed by local naval architect William Francis Gibbs, the US District Court of Philadelphia has decreed otherwise.
Sr. Judge Anita B. Brody ordered the ship to vacate its current berth at Pier 82 by September 12, 2024, or face potential loss. The pier served as the vessel’s base for more than a decade.
“The judgment provides us with a narrow timeframe to locate a new berth for the SS United States and gather the necessary resources for its relocation to ensure its preservation. We must accomplish both tasks to prevent the unfortunate outcome that supporters worldwide have strived to avoid for over a decade,” expressed Conservancy President Susan Gibbs, the granddaughter of the notable ship designer.
The Conservancy has initiated a search for suitable pier locations along the East Coast capable of hosting the nearly 1,000-foot ocean liner, relying on public support to amass adequate funds for the nonprofit’s relocation expenses.
“Moving a vessel the size of the SS United States is intricate and expensive, necessitating funds for insurance, towing, inspections, and pier modifications to ensure its secure transit to a new location,” Gibbs elaborated.
The Conservancy is currently receiving donations as part of an imperative campaign on their website to safeguard this emblem of American innovation.
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Amidst the decision for the 1951 ocean liner to move, the SS United States Conservancy achieved a partial victory.
Judge Brody affirmed that Penn Warehousing unlawfully doubled docking fees without prior notice in an apparent attempt to coerce the national icon from Pier 82. Additionally, she found that the Conservancy has no back rent obligations.
This outcome comes as a relief to the organization, escaping potential debts amounting to hundreds of thousands of dollars if the court ruling had not sided with them.
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Despite this, the expense and complexity of relocating the aged, preserved ocean liner jeopardize its future.
“While the Conservancy prevailed in not having to pay a substantial sum in overdue rent to the SS United States’ pier operator, the ruling underscores the precarious situation facing this iconic symbol of American heritage,” stated Gibbs.
The verdict also casts doubts on the plans to transform the former speed queen of the seas into a multifunctional venue.
In November 2023, the Conservancy unveiled a collaboration with investment firm RXR and management company MCR Hotels to revamp the vessel into a versatile establishment that includes accommodations, a museum commemorating the ocean liner’s illustrious past, culinary offerings, and public green areas.
During its heyday, from 1952 to 1969, the 53,329-gross-ton ship could welcome up to 1,984 passengers.
