In a remarkable twist for maritime history, the iconic SS United States is set to embark on a new chapter as it transforms into the world’s largest artificial reef. This grand endeavor is scheduled for early 2026 off Florida’s Gulf Coast, promising to allure divers and marine life alike.

Announced by Okaloosa County officials on Tuesday, the plan will see the storied ocean liner submerged approximately 22 nautical miles southwest of Destin and 32 nautical miles southeast of Pensacola. The decision comes after thorough deliberation and collaboration with key stakeholders in the region.

The SS United States, an engineering marvel from its time, first captured the world’s attention in 1952 when it shattered the trans-Atlantic speed record. Now, the nearly 1,000-foot (305-meter) vessel is poised for a new role after undergoing extensive preparations at the Port of Mobile in Alabama. This process involved meticulous cleaning to rid the ship of chemicals, wiring, plastic, and glass, ensuring it is ready to serve as a vibrant marine habitat.

Regional Partnership

The selection of the site is the outcome of a strategic agreement with Pensacola tourism officials, who are investing $1.5 million in the project, and Coastal Conservation Association Florida, contributing an additional $500,000. While other locations, including one closer to Panama City Beach, were considered, the chosen site emerged as the preferred option.

Paul Mixon, Chairman of the Okaloosa County Board, expressed optimism about the project, stating, “This collaboration will foster amazing adventures for generations of visitors and create a tourism economy that will benefit the state and the entire Northwest Florida region.” With this initiative, the SS United States will continue to make waves, this time beneath the ocean’s surface, as a beacon for tourism and marine conservation.

The contributions will be used to transform the SS United States into an artificial reef and finance a multiyear marketing campaign. The deal is part of Okaloosa County’s $10.1 million plan to purchase, move, clean and sink the ship, which includes $1 million toward a onshore museum to promote the ship’s history.

Once in place, the SS United States will sit at a depth of about 180 feet (55 meters), but the vessel is so tall that the top decks will be about 60 feet (18 meters) from the surface, making it attractive to both novice and experienced divers. The artificial reef will also be about 12 nautical miles (22 kilometers) away from the USS Oriskany, another popular dive destination that was sunk in 2006.

The SS United States is set to join Okaloosa County’s more than 500 artificial reefs, which include a dozen smaller ship wrecks.

“The transformation of the SS United States into the world’s largest artificial reef creates a rare opportunity to elevate our entire region on the global stage,” said Darien Schaefer, president and CEO of Visit Pensacola.

The new artificial reef will provide essential marine life habitat, which prompted Coastal Conservation Association Florida to make its largest donation in the organization’s 40-year history.

“It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to contribute to the creation of the world’s largest artificial reef,” CCA Florida Executive Director Brian Gorski said in a statement.

Long Journey

The SS United States arrived in Alabama at the beginning of March following a 12-day tow from Philadelphia’s Delaware River, where it has spent nearly three decades. Okaloosa County took ownership after a years-old rent dispute was resolved last October between the conservancy that oversees the ship and its landlord.

Various groups have attempted to restore the SS United States over the years, but all plans were eventually abandoned because of the steep cost. Recently, increased media attention has generated more calls to preserve the ship, and a group called the New York Coalition sued in Pensacola federal court asking a judge to halt sinking such a historically significant vessel.

But Okaloosa County officials have said that preventing the SS United States from becoming a reef would only send it to the scrapyard.

The vessel, which is more than 100 feet (30 meters) longer than the RMS Titanic, was once considered a beacon of American engineering, doubling as a military vessel that could carry thousands of troops. On its maiden voyage, the ship reached an average speed of 36 knots, or just over 41 mph (66 kph), The Associated Press reported from aboard.

The ship crossed the Atlantic Ocean in three days, 10 hours and 40 minutes, besting the RMS Queen Mary’s time by 10 hours. To this day, the SS United States holds the trans-Atlantic speed record for an ocean liner.