SS UNITED STATES Remediation Updates

The SS UNITED STATES has been fully remediated and is awaiting final re-authorization from the Army Corps of Engineers before scheduling deployment.
Preparing the SS UNITED STATES to become the world’s largest artificial reef has taken over a year of preparation, thousands of man hours, and thoughtful preservation. has The vessel has been fully remediated and meets or exceeds all regulatory guidelines for creating artificial reefs. The project is awaiting final re-authorization from the Army Corps of Engineers before scheduling deployment. Check out the remediation updates below

• All 128 fuel/lubricant tanks have been emptied and cleaned. All tanks have been inspected by a marine chemist and certified clean. Tanks have begun being filled with water to help with ballasting and in preparation for deployment
• All 12 decks are completely remediated and inspections and final reporting have been completed with no negative findings. This included the removal of ventilation system, exfoliating paint, and wiring
• In total, more than 200 samples have been collected of materials from around the vessel to ensure all regulated levels of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) are being fully remediated
• All exterior exfoliating paint has been removed and disposed of. If additional paint requires removal, it will be removed prior to deployment
• Both funnels, radar mast and propellor have been removed and stored for land base museum
• Hundreds of vessel artifacts have been removed and retained for the museum
• More than 400 portholes have been removed and are being retained
• 100% of green neotex exterior floor covering (high PCB concentration) has been removed and disposed of appropriately
• Five additional storm anchor/mooring chains installed for increased safety while in port
• Hundreds of law enforcement personnel from around the country have been engaged for safety and security during deployment. Being led by FWC, USCG and Okaloosa County Public Safety
• Deployment location has been selected. Multibeam sonar, Side scan sonar and visual bottom surveys were conducted to verify that there are no existing historical or natural resources that would be impacted by the deployment
• A digital twin or mapping of the entire vessel was completed to document the vessel in its pre-deployment state. The data collection and modeling were completed in coordination with Best Code and dozens of other parters. All data will be available to the public once it has been fully processed
• Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 required federal agencies to consider how the deployment of the SS UNITED STATES would affect that historic property. Review and consultation with numerous parties is complete with the execution of a Memorandum of Agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers and the Florida State Historic Preservation Officer on July 16, 2026
• Partnering with researchers from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Louisiana State University to conduct biological, physical and chemical monitoring of the vessel post deployment

Click here to view the SS UNITED STATES remediation status blueprint.