Page 12: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (February 2016)

CRUISE NOTES

S.S. United States Historic Ship may get a Second Lease on Life

BY ERIC HAUN (Photo: Eric Haun) “We are ready to save history, full speed ahead” said Susan Gibbs rystal Cruises has come to the propulsion plant capable of traveling (left). Gibbs and Edie Rodriguez, President and CEO of Crystal Cruises, an- rescue of the historic luxury liner nearly halfway around the world without nounced plans to save the SS United States at a press conference in New York.

SS United States, announcing refueling.

C plans for an exclusive purchase option Despite her celebrated innovation and retired U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral the ship’s hallmark,” Rodriguez said.

agreement to begin work on returning grandeur, the ship has spent years moth- Tim Sullivan to build and lead a team of When asked what the project’s larg-

America’s ? agship to seagoing service, balled at dock in Philadelphia in an esca- technical, legal and regulatory experts. est challenges might be, Rodriguez said, pending a technical feasibility study. lating state of disrepair, last sailing under Before it returns to sea, the SS United “First and foremost, EPA issues. Envi-

Launched in 1952 as the fastest, largest her own power more than 40 years ago. States will require an extensive rebuild ronmental issues are paramount, so from and safest passenger liner in the world, The SS United States has seen a num- to meet modern demands and be in full my perspective that is just about the only “Big U” was regarded as an American ber of developers attempt to answer her regulatory compliance. The total price thing that would break the deal.” symbol of elegance and technologi- SOS call since retiring from service in tag for the restoration is estimated at But as has been the case for the many cal prowess, capturing the transatlantic 1969. Now Crystal Cruises, together $700 million, according to Crystal presi- obstacles this ship has faced, determina- speed record on her maiden voyage and with the SS United States Conservancy dent and CEO, Edie Rodriguez, who said tion can go a long way, as evidenced by transporting more than one million pas- (the group that presently owns the ves- she believes the SS United States could executive director of the conservancy sengers over her lifetime, including four sel and has led the efforts for her pres- be ready to sail again as soon as 2018. A and granddaughter of the vessel’s de-

U.S. presidents, international royalty ervation) will work toward restoring the shipyard to perform the restoration work signer, Susan Gibbs, who has spent years and countless Hollywood celebrities. Big U’s former glory, aiming to bring has yet to be identi? ed as plans are in the working to preserve this piece of U.S.

Still the largest passenger ship ever the ship into compliance for a return to early stages. history.

built in America (and still the fastest oceangoing service. Crystal intends to transform the ship “Crystal’s ambitious vision for the SS cruise liner to cross the Atlantic), the The plan was announced at a press into a modern 800-guest vessel, featur- United States will ensure our nation’s ship is the brainchild of renowned naval conference at New York’s Manhattan ing 400 suites with dining, entertain- ? agship is once again a global ambassa- architect William Francis Gibbs, who Cruise Terminal on February 4, 2016, ment, spa and other luxury guest ame- dor for the highest standards of Ameri- designed the SS United States as part of where Crystal Cruises said it will also nities true to the ship’s history. Many can innovation, quality and design,” the U.S. government’s secret Cold War take over the ship’s maintenance bills features of the original design will be Gibbs said. “We are thrilled that the SS era program that called for a high-tech while undertaking a nine-month techni- retained, while new engines and mod- United States is now poised to make a passenger liner that could to double as cal feasibility study expected to wrap up ern marine technology will be installed. triumphant return to sea and that the a naval troopship in the event of war. by the end of 2016. The Conservancy “[Revitalizing the SS United States] will ship’s historical legacy will continue to

As designed it could carry, if needed, will continue to own the vessel through- be a very challenging undertaking, but intrigue and inspire a new generation.” 15,000 troops rapidly around the globe out the study. To facilitate the techni- we are determined to apply the dedica- “We are ready to save history,” Gibbs courtesy of a 240,000 shaft horsepower cal feasibility study, Crystal appointed tion and innovation that has always been said, “full speed ahead.”

Rendering of the restored SS United States by Crystal Cruises. SS United States sits out of commission in Philadelphia.

The July 1, 1952 edition of Maritime

Reporter heralds the arrival of SS

United States. (Image: Crystal Cruises) (Photo: SS United States Conservancy) 12 Maritime Reporter & Engineering News • FEBRUARY 2016

MR #2 (10-17).indd 12 2/8/2016 9:58:47 AM