The SS United States will go forward to Florida to become the world’s largest artificial reef, after terms between the nonprofit overseeing the ship and Penn Warehousing and Distribution, the operators of the Philadelphia pier where the ship has been docked since 1996, have reached a settlement.
The two organizations were ordered to participate in court-ordered mediation after a motion was filed by the nonprofit against Penn Warehousing, accusing the landlord of trying to sell the ship, despite not owning it. It was also found that Penn Warehousing was not entitled to collect double the rent if the ship did not leave the pier.
The settlement will set in motion the contract between the nonprofit and Oskaloosa County, Florida, who will turn the ship into the promised artificial reef.