Author Topic: Bad News for the SS United States  (Read 5155 times)

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Offline Oceanic

Bad News for the SS United States
« on: Apr 05, 2017, 04:31 PM »
Hello! New member here, and although I hate to be the bearer of bad news I thought you all may want to read this slightly worrying update from the SS US Conservancy.

http://us14.campaign-archive1.com/?u=13519ee32541511d304dd9e6f&id=d82e6d9a27

The mere words "initiated discussions with Artificial Reefs International" makes my blood run cold!
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Online Peter Mugridge

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Re: Bad News for the SS United States
« Reply #1 on: Apr 05, 2017, 06:44 PM »
Being sunk as an artificial reef would surely be - marginally - better than the last resort of scrapping?
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Offline Oceanic

Re: Bad News for the SS United States
« Reply #2 on: Apr 05, 2017, 06:57 PM »
Being sunk as an artificial reef would surely be - marginally - better than the last resort of scrapping?
Of course! But I hope she never Has to be beached or sunk, the fact that they are in talks shows that soon that may be the direction she's headed and not being preserved for future generations; Saying that, ANYTHING is better than Alang.
« Last Edit: Apr 05, 2017, 06:58 PM by Oceanic »
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Offline Hank Hargrove

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Re: Bad News for the SS United States
« Reply #3 on: Apr 11, 2017, 04:48 AM »
I of course would love a preservation role, but if they sink her in shallow enough water it would be a good reason to become a certified diver.
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Offline ChrisUK

Re: Bad News for the SS United States
« Reply #4 on: Apr 11, 2017, 01:29 PM »
I saw this update too. I think if it had to be between one option or the other (scrapping) I'd sooner her be an artificial reef, like Hank says, it would be a good reason to become a diver!

However, I have a gut feeling that if after 48 years, no one is able to repurpose the Big U - it may be her final voyage this year...

Personally, I'm just curious to see her being moved and actually see something HAPPENING with her.

Of course fingers crossed for a wonderful outcome, like being invested in and used for years to come.

Offline June Ingram

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Re: Bad News for the SS United States
« Reply #5 on: Apr 11, 2017, 02:31 PM »
I, too, agree that if the end is in sight for The Big U, a final resting place as an artificial reef would be much preferable to going to the breakers.  I hope it does not come to that, but things are not looking good right now.   :(
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Offline Oceanic

Re: Bad News for the SS United States
« Reply #6 on: Apr 17, 2017, 09:03 PM »
I, too, agree that if the end is in sight for The Big U, a final resting place as an artificial reef would be much preferable to going to the breakers.  I hope it does not come to that, but things are not looking good right now.   :(
After so many let-downs in recent years regarding "Big U" it seems the Conservancy is running out of options, I dearly hope she isn't scrapped, an Artificial Reef would atleast provide a dignified end for the worlds fastest Ocean Liner, but it is appalling she is even in this situation in the first place.   
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Offline Trevor Harris

Re: Bad News for the SS United States
« Reply #7 on: Apr 18, 2017, 06:46 PM »
After so many let-downs in recent years regarding "Big U" it seems the Conservancy is running out of options, I dearly hope she isn't scrapped, an Artificial Reef would atleast provide a dignified end for the worlds fastest Ocean Liner, but it is appalling she is even in this situation in the first place.

I'd rather her not end up like her sister America..
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Offline Oceanic

Re: Bad News for the SS United States
« Reply #8 on: Apr 20, 2017, 12:18 AM »
I'd rather her not end up like her sister America..
America's end was a slow and painful death, to add insult to injury she was on her way to becoming a Hotel! Bloody Atlantic thunderstorms!
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Offline ChrisUK

Re: Bad News for the SS United States
« Reply #9 on: Jul 25, 2017, 11:59 AM »
I have taken the following from the SSUS Conservancy website under the news section :

http://www.ssusc.org/major-donation-extends-campaign-to-save-the-ss-united-states/

Quote
On Eve of Final Decision on the Ship’s Future, Gift Allows More Time to Rally Around America’s Flagship
NEW YORK, July 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ — It was down to the wire again for America’s fabled flagship, the SS United States, but an eleventh-hour donation has given the vessel another short reprieve. A $150,000 contribution to the SS United States Conservancy’s “We are the United States” campaign on the eve of its conclusion, has prompted a decision to extend the national fundraising and outreach effort to save the iconic vessel.

The Conservancy, a national nonprofit organization, was just days away from deciding the fate of the world’s fastest ocean liner and only ship to bear the nation’s name. The donation by cruise industry executive Jim Pollin will extend the grassroots fundraising campaign through mid-September.

The Conservancy had set a goal of raising $500,000 to keep the ship afloat back in May. To date, the “We are the United States” campaign has raised nearly $200,000. The organization’s board of directors was scheduled to vote this week on whether to recycle or reef the historic ship.
“This donation gives us more time to raise additional resources for the ship’s expenses as we continue to negotiate with prospective developers and secure a permanent location for the vessel,” stated the Conservancy’s executive director, Susan Gibbs. “Jim Pollin’s passion for the SS United States is inspiring and extraordinary. He is a hero to all those who care about saving our nation’s heritage.”
The Conservancy, which saved the ship from certain destruction in 2011, is actively courting developers and investors to revitalize the vessel as a stationary, mixed-use, landmark destination. The organization is in a race against time to raise the funds to cover the ship’s ongoing monthly carrying costs at its current pier in Philadelphia. The Conservancy is also committed to the long-term effort of locating, preserving and showcasing thousands of original artifacts, as well as archival documentation, from America’s Flagship.
“There is no doubt in my mind that if the Conservancy can continue to keep the United States afloat that a viable option for her future will be presented,” said Pollin. “So much of who we are as a country is represented by this great ship. Americans need to step up now to help save her. The United States is as much a part of our nation as the ground on which we live and work. We cannot allow her to be destroyed. It would be a terrible loss for the nation.”


Am I the only one thinking pessimistically that the end is nigh for the Big U? After more than several 'this is it' campaigns and a big fundraising push this year - they have only managed to raise $200k of the $500k target. Which is still a phenomenal achievement, but show's that the interest in the ship is not as strong as it was compared to previous campaigns.

Personally, I would rather her become an artificial reef like the USS Oriskany back in 2006. Ten years on, the Oriskany has attracted so much more marine life to the area that I think that is a more fitting legacy for the SSUS to become a haven for nature and at least be preserved intact under the sea for the next x amount of decades, then be broken up for scrap.

Especially if no viable redevelopment plan can be achieved. Deep down I still want to believe that a company will come forward and redevelop her into an extraordinary waterfront hotel in New York. I think that would be fitting and add to the many unique attractions in the city as well as honouring New York's maritime heritage.

What do you think?

As we have done for the last few years, let's wait and see what's next. Who knows.
« Last Edit: Jul 25, 2017, 12:16 PM by Isabelle Prondzynski »

Offline Trevor Harris

Re: Bad News for the SS United States
« Reply #10 on: Jul 25, 2017, 05:02 PM »
I doubt she can be towed to alang. Lest let her go be with her sister.
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Online Peter Mugridge

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Re: Bad News for the SS United States
« Reply #11 on: Jul 25, 2017, 10:17 PM »
A question - it's not clear if that $200,000 includes this single donation of $150,000 or if it was the figure prior to the $150,000.

I suspect it includes it; am I right?
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Offline Oceanic

Re: Bad News for the SS United States
« Reply #12 on: Jul 26, 2017, 01:40 AM »
Despite my optimism earlier in the year when creating this thread it has sadly dawned on me that SS US is almost certainly done for, this campaign all but solidified that stance, the public is simply losing interest and with good reason, there have been far too many false starts over the last few years for the pubic, or rather more worryingly, companies to invest any serious time or money in her; The Conservancy can buy her a little more time but that's it, they missed their golden opportunity with Crystal and the only end to her lay up I can see is her being dragged off and sunk as an artificial reef, not ideal but certainly better than Alang.   
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Offline Trevor Harris

Re: Bad News for the SS United States
« Reply #13 on: Jul 26, 2017, 03:08 AM »
I'd rather see at least a funnel cut off and kept for display if it's sunk for a artificial reef.
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Offline Oceanic

Re: Bad News for the SS United States
« Reply #14 on: Jul 27, 2017, 02:38 AM »
I'd rather see at least a funnel cut off and kept for display if it's sunk for a artificial reef.
Having one of her funnels on display at New York Harbor would be a fitting tribute, however why do I find it slightly macabre?   
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Offline Trevor Harris

Re: Bad News for the SS United States
« Reply #15 on: Jul 27, 2017, 03:50 AM »
Having one of her funnels on display at New York Harbor would be a fitting tribute, however why do I find it slightly macabre?

I was thinking somewhere isolated.
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Offline Hank Hargrove

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Re: Bad News for the SS United States
« Reply #16 on: Jul 30, 2017, 07:08 PM »
The ship will likely be scrapped, though I hold out hope until the ship is actually scrapped and will continue to do what I can. There has been another donation:

The SS United States Conservancy is thrilled to announce that a second major lifeline has been tossed to America's Flagship: We have received a donation of $100,000 from Christie Peck of Long Beach, California.  You can read the full announcement of Christie's donation HERE.  We are now almost sixty percent of the way toward our We Are the United States Campaign's $500,000 goal.

We hope that Christie's generosity and passion for saving the SS United States inspire others from across the country and around the world to support our Campaign. Christie's support, combined with donations from so many others, are giving the nation's flagship a chance to survive and thrive. This gift follows an earlier generous donation of $150,000 from cruise industry executive Jim Pollin.

“It is beyond my comprehension that this iconic American treasure, a ship that embodies everything great about our country and our history, is still fighting for her life,” Christie told us. We couldn't agree more!

Christie's $100,000 gift also made her the top donor for the Conservancy's National Parks promotion. She (or two friends or family members) will be able to enjoy an amazing week-long luxury tour of some of the nation's most magnificent national parks by Globus Tours. The trip will showcase four parks in the Southwest United States: Grand Canyon, Monument Valley and Lake Powell, Bryce Canyon, and Zion.

We remain profoundly grateful to Christie and to all of our supporters, and we look forward to sharing more important updates about the SS United States in the weeks and months to come.

To contribute to the "We are the United States" campaign, please click HERE or visit the Conservancy's GoFundMe page HERE.
« Last Edit: Jul 30, 2017, 07:15 PM by Hank Hargrove »
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Offline Hank Hargrove

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Re: Bad News for the SS United States
« Reply #17 on: Jul 30, 2017, 07:16 PM »
And I am still glad the ship has lasted as long as it has because I would never have gotten to tour it if it had gone off for scrap in 2010 instead of the Conservancy buying it. I posted another of my favorite photos of that tour below.
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Offline Trevor Harris

Re: Bad News for the SS United States
« Reply #18 on: Jul 30, 2017, 08:38 PM »
I'm glad that SSUS has lasted as long as it could. Hopefully a better outcome could happen, I was thinking, Hotel?
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Online Peter Mugridge

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Re: Bad News for the SS United States
« Reply #19 on: Jul 30, 2017, 10:42 PM »
Now, if a certain politician was really serious about making his country great again, a full restoration of the SS United States would go a very long way towards that; it would certainly be much better PR than he usually gets!
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Offline Trevor Harris

Re: Bad News for the SS United States
« Reply #20 on: Jul 31, 2017, 02:59 AM »
if a certain politician

Hate to be like this but I'm pretty sure he couldn't due to his bad reputation and numerous bankruptcies
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Online Thomas Hypher

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Re: Bad News for the SS United States
« Reply #21 on: Jul 31, 2017, 05:55 AM »
One could argue that despite "name that shall not be spoken's" apparent multiple bankruptcies he is the founder and effectively still the CEO of a sprawling and successful international hotel business so has the financial means and reserves as well as enough of a reputation to step in and save the SS United States. Heck, he may just do that given his offer of help in an all be it different situation here in the UK but that still involved a fair bit of money. If he can be alerted to the SS United States desperate situation he may just do that yet.
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Online Peter Mugridge

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Re: Bad News for the SS United States
« Reply #22 on: Jul 31, 2017, 08:19 AM »
Hate to be like this but I'm pretty sure he couldn't due to his bad reputation and numerous bankruptcies

I was thinking more on the lines of him having the US Govt fund it on the grounds of "National interest" rather than use his own hotel chain...
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Online Thomas Hypher

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Re: Bad News for the SS United States
« Reply #23 on: Jul 31, 2017, 08:47 AM »
Not sure congress and/or the senate would be open to the US government funding her conservation etc because of the national debt and the repeated hitting of the debt ceiling and all that goes with that until it is raised again. Also would the US government care enough to step in? They haven't cared enough for the past 40 something years which I think would make them unlikely to start caring about her now. To them she would be considered an unnecessary expense unfortunately.
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Online Peter Mugridge

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Re: Bad News for the SS United States
« Reply #24 on: Jul 31, 2017, 09:57 PM »
I won't see it having his name all over it.

I'm not proposing or suggesting that he turns it into a gold painted SS Trump...!!
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Online Peter Mugridge

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Re: Bad News for the SS United States
« Reply #25 on: Jul 31, 2017, 09:59 PM »
Not sure congress and/or the senate would be open to the US government funding her conservation etc because of the national debt and the repeated hitting of the debt ceiling and all that goes with that until it is raised again. Also would the US government care enough to step in? They haven't cared enough for the past 40 something years which I think would make them unlikely to start caring about her now. To them she would be considered an unnecessary expense unfortunately.

The Government as such wouldn't, but then again until now it hasn't been run by an egomaniac who seemingly only wants to ensure his name is never forgotten* in years to come.




*It won't be, but I suspect not for the reasons he would want it to be!
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Re: Bad News for the SS United States
« Reply #26 on: Aug 01, 2017, 12:44 PM »
Fair point Peter. I just think it's a shame governments in a lot of countries don't seem to value their maritime heritage more unless it involves warships (think of the Mighty Mo and her sisters which are still retained by the US government in a condition where they could be reactivated at massive cost and effort - they have climate controlled interiors for example to prevent too much internal deterioration and the charities which nominally operate them have to meet extensive US government requirements - makes me think that the recent Pearl Harbor film where the Mighty Mo was reactivated by the film's cast isn't so far fetched after all).
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