SS United States’ seagoing days behind her, feasibility study says

Following a six-month evaluation at a cost of over $1 million, a team of engineers and experts have found that while the SS United States is structurally sound, the challenges associated with returning the historic liner to service are insurmountable.

Back in February, Crystal Cruises and the SS United States Conservancy announced they had entered into an exclusive agreement with the goal of converting the iconic 1950’s-era vessel into a modern, luxury cruise ship.

The U.S Coast Guard, U.S Environmental Protection Agency, and multiple U.S. Congressional committees, among others weighed in on a “comprehensive feasibility study and professional evaluation,” a statement from Crystal Cruises said.

As a show of support for the vessel, Crystal  will be making a donation of $350,000 to aid in the Conservancy’s ongoing mission to save the ship.

“America’s Flagship continues to hold enormous potential as a stationary mixed-use development and museum in New York or another urban waterfront setting,” Susan Gibbs, Executive Director of the SS United States Conservancy said.  According to the statement, the Conservancy will restart its outreach to investors and developers to secure the ship’s future, while continuing its mission to educate the public about the legacy of the vessel and building its museum collection and archives.

A national reunion of former crewmembers and passengers is planned in Philadelphia on September 17.