A judge has denied a motion filed by the SS United States Conservancy that requested more time to move the SS United States from its current pier in Philadelphia.
The federal judge ruled in favor of Penn Warehousing and rejected the Conservancy’s request on Monday.
In mid-June 2024, U.S. District Court Senior Judge Anita Brody settled a legal dispute over the pier’s rent by ordering the vessel to vacate its current berth, which is owned by Penn Warehousing. The Conservancy was given a 90-day notice.
The group sought to extend the deadline for moving the ship from September 12, 2024, to December 5, 2024.
According to CBS News Philadelphia, the original deadline remains firm, and Penn Warehousing is ready to impose a $3 million penalty if the ship is still there on September 13.
The SS United States Conservancy cited circumstances beyond its control as one reason for the deadline extension in its motion.
“Factors including this year’s intense Atlantic hurricane season forecast and the extensive technical preparations associated with the ship’s tow require some additional time to safely implement,” the not-for-profit organization said.
“Relocating a 990-foot-long ocean liner is complex and costly. We are simply asking for a reasonable extension to ensure the Conservancy can investigate all suitable and available locations and prepare the ship for a move before being compelled to reef or scrap the historic vessel,” the Conservancy added.
In a court filing, Penn Warehousing claimed that it is losing business, and the potential penalties would compensate for lost profits.
The pier’s owner also mentioned that a company has expressed interest in using the currently occupied berth for a cargo operation.
The Conservancy responded, alleging in a court filing, that Penn Warehousing aims to “bankrupt” the organization, which is in a “precarious financial situation,” and “seize the ship in the process.”
Originally constructed as an ocean liner in 1952, the SS United States has been docked at its current location in Philadelphia since the mid-1990s.
