The SS United States Conservancy, owner of the historic ocean liner SS United States, filed an urgent motion in the U.S. District Court for Eastern Pennsylvania on September 12, accusing their landlord of misconduct and attempting to seize the ship for financial gain.

• The motion, filed hours before a court-imposed deadline to remove the ship from Pier 82 in Philadelphia, alleges that Penn Warehousing & Distribution demanded $3 million from the Conservancy and purchaser, Okaloosa County.

The Conservancy claims Penn Warehousing blocked a contract for the ship’s sale and tried to negotiate its own sale of the vessel without authorization.

“We’ve been dealing with the impacts of Penn Warehousing’s underhanded tactics for some time,” the Conservancy stated. “It is more proof that Penn Warehousing has engaged in a deliberate pattern of behavior intended to force the Conservancy’s default, and seize the SS United States, so that they can sell the historic ship for their own financial gain.”

According to the Conservancy, Penn Warehousing admitted at trial to doubling the ship’s rent to force it off the pier. The organization also alleges that the landlord made unfounded claims of pier damage, attempted punitive financial measures, and scuttled a purchase and sale agreement that would have fulfilled the court’s order.

• Susan Gibbs, Conservancy president and granddaughter of the ship’s designer, said, “After decades of paying our pier rent in full and on time, pier operator Penn Warehousing has brought us to the brink of losing the SS United States, an inspiring expression of her namesake nation’s strength, unity, and pride.”

The 990-foot SS United States, launched in 1952, holds the record for the fastest transatlantic crossing by an ocean liner. It faced legal challenges when a federal judge ruled on June 14, 2024, that it must vacate its Philadelphia location within 90 days.

Okaloosa County had previously signed an agreement to purchase the ship, intending to create the world’s largest artificial reef off the coast of Destin-Fort Walton Beach. The county allocated up to $9 million for the acquisition, remediation, transport, and deployment of the SS United States, including plans for a land-based museum.

The Conservancy stated it remains committed to finding a new home for the ship and preserving its legacy. The organization awaits the court’s decision on the latest motion.

“Since acquiring the SS United States over a decade ago, the Conservancy has worked tirelessly and against long odds to find a new home for America’s Flagship and to preserve and celebrate her extraordinary legacy,” added Gibbs. “As we navigate this latest challenge and try to resolve the current impasse, we remain profoundly grateful to the SS United States’ supporters from across the nation and around the world.”