US may sink historic ship to create world's largest artificial reef

TPO - A historic ocean liner, once a symbol of American pride and luxury, could be sunk to the bottom of the Gulf of Mexico to become a diving tourist attraction, generating millions of dollars in tourism revenue.

Okaloosa County, Florida has signed a preliminary agreement to sink the SS United States and turn it into the world's largest artificial reef. The move comes after years of uncertainty about the ship's future and offers an opportunity to preserve its legacy in a new underwater form.

The deal approved by Okaloosa County officials is contingent on the resolution of a court-ordered settlement involving a long-running legal issue over unpaid rent and mooring fees.

The once-famous SS United States. Photo: SS United States Conservancy.

Glorious history and new life

Built in 1952, the SS United States was the largest passenger ship ever built in the United States. It set incredible speed records, including a transatlantic voyage on its maiden voyage, a record it still holds. The ship was more than 100 feet (about 30 meters) longer than the Titanic, capturing the imagination and inspiring people with its design and engineering.

The SS United States was designed by the famous naval architect William Francis Gibbs and built with the most advanced technology of the time. The US government heavily funded the construction of the ship with the intention of converting it into a military transport ship when needed.

The ship's remarkable speed and safety features were influenced by military ship design, and it was one of the safest and fastest passenger ships of its time. In fact, not a single piece of wood was used in the passenger area due to concerns about fire hazards. Despite its short service as a merchant ship, the SS United States holds an important place in American history.

The rise of air travel contributed to the ship's decline, leading to its decommissioning in 1969 after 17 years of service. Over the years, various owners attempted to turn the ship into a museum or tourist attraction, but were unsuccessful. As a result, the ship lay abandoned for decades.

The proposed solution is to actively sink the SS United States, turning it into a vibrant artificial reef off the coast of Florida. This new chapter for the ship is seen as an opportunity to preserve its legacy in a way that benefits the local environment and economy.

“Having the SS United States right off our shores is a legacy, an asset that will be passed down through the generations,” Okaloosa County Commissioner Mel Ponder told the AP . “I’m excited, not only for what it will bring to the diving community, but also to the fishing community and the community in general,” Ponder said.

Artificial coral reefs will attract many marine creatures to live and reproduce. Photo: Greeknewsagend.

Economic and environmental impact

The ship’s new role as a diving and fishing attraction could generate millions of dollars a year for the local tourism industry. Dive shops, boat rentals, hotels and other businesses are likely to see an increase in tourists wanting to explore the historic ship’s underwater location.

In addition to its economic potential, converting the ship into a reef will create a refuge and breeding ground for a wide range of marine species, increasing biodiversity and improving the overall health of marine ecosystems. Once submerged, the ship will add to the existing network of more than 500 artificial reefs in the region.

With its massive structure, the SS United States is expected to attract fish, corals and other marine life, turning it into a thriving underwater ecosystem.

Susan Gibbs, president of the SS United States Conservancy, expressed enthusiasm for the project. “The SS United States has inspired millions of people around the world as a symbol of American pride and excellence. If the ship is converted into an artificial reef, it will become a unique historical attraction both above and below the water,” said Gibbs.

The SS United States ship was severely degraded. Photo: Wikipedia.

Project challenges

While the project offers exciting prospects, there are still a number of challenges. The estimated cost of cleaning, transporting, and sinking the ship could exceed $10 million.

Additionally, the process of sinking the SS United States to turn it into a reusable reef is expected to take at least a year and a half, but if all goes well, the ship could become a reef sometime between 2025 and 2026.

This would be the first time a ship of this type has been deliberately sunk to create an artificial reef.

The SS United States in 2017. Photo: Wikipedia.

Thai An

According to Interesting Engineering, AP

Source: https://tienphong.vn/my-co-the-danh-chim-con-tau-lich-su-de-tao-ran-san-ho-nhan-tao-lon-nhat-the-gioi-post1678983.tpo