Okaloosa County officials announced today that the planned relocation of the SS United States from Philadelphia has been delayed due to additional requirements from the U.S. Coast Guard.
- The delay affects both the ship’s planned pier transition and its subsequent departure from Philadelphia, which was originally scheduled for February 8. Officials have not announced a new departure date.
The Coast Guard has requested follow-up details to ensure a proper tow between Philadelphia’s Pier 82 and Pier 80, according to county officials.
Despite the setback, Okaloosa County confirmed its commitment to the project, which aims to create the world’s largest artificial reef. The county continues to work with the SS United States Conservancy on plans for a land-based museum to preserve the vessel’s history.
The 990-foot former ocean liner has been docked in Philadelphia since 1996. When deployed as an artificial reef, it will surpass the 888-foot USS Oriskany off Pensacola as the world’s largest.