Mediation Extension Granted to SS United States Conservancy: A Lifeline for Historic Preservation

The SS United States Conservancy has been allowed additional time to relocate the SS United States from its position at the Port of Philadelphia.

A recent update by the non-profit group mentioned that the timeline for this move has been paused due to a court-mandated confidential mediation.

Originally facing a deadline expired on Sept. 12, the Conservancy has found itself entangled in a legal dispute with Penn Warehousing, the manager of the pier where the historic vessel, constructed in 1952, has been berthed since the 1990s.

Last Friday, Sept. 20, it was reported, “This week, the SS United States Conservancy engaged in a court-ordered confidential mediation after we submitted a motion to postpone the deadline for transferring the vessel from Philadelphia’s Pier 82,” per a statement from the organization.

Significant progress was made on several issues during these talks, though additional discussions are needed to resolve the conflict amicably, the organization noted.

The group declared that Judge Anita Brody has put a temporary halt to the deadline for relocating the ship, with discussions among the parties still in progress.

“Our focus in the upcoming days will remain on seeking good faith negotiations and safeguarding the enduring legacy of America’s Flagship to inspire future generations,” the organization emphasized.

“We are dedicated to finding the best path forward for the SS United States, despite the restrictions this legal challenge imposes on us,” the statement concluded.

In late August, a preliminary agreement was reached with Okaloosa County in Florida by the Conservancy to transfer the ship for a reefing initiative.

The agreement includes submerging the ship off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach to create the world’s largest artificial reef, accompanied by a proposed land-based museum dedicated to the ship’s legacy.