The SS United States Conservancy has filed an urgent motion in the U.S. District Court for Eastern Pennsylvania, accusing Penn Warehousing & Distribution, the pier operator and landlord of the historic SS United States, of misconduct and obstruction.
The motion alleges that Penn Warehousing engaged in various tactics to prevent the Conservancy from complying with a court order to relocate the iconic vessel from its current pier by a September 12 deadline.
The Conservancy claims that Penn Warehousing demanded $3 million from both the Conservancy and a potential purchaser, Florida’s Okaloosa County. Additionally, the organization alleges that Penn Warehousing attempted to negotiate the sale of the ship without authorization, despite not owning it.
“After decades of paying our pier rent in full and on time, pier operator Penn Warehousing has brought us to the brink of losing the SS United States, an inspiring expression of her namesake nation’s strength, unity, and pride,” said Susan Gibbs, Conservancy President and granddaughter of the ship’s designer.
The Conservancy further alleges that Penn Warehousing doubled the ship’s rent to force it off the pier, made unfounded claims of pier damage, and scuttled a purchase and sale agreement that would have fulfilled the court’s order.
The legal battle comes as the SS United States has faced an uncertain future amid the legal dispute with Penn Warehousing over increased rent. The U.S. District Court recently denied the Conservancy’s request for a three-month extension to relocate the ship. Among the options being considered is turning the ship into an artificial reef off Florida’s coast, though the Conservancy states this is not their preferred scenario.
As this legal dispute unfolds, the fate of “America’s Flagship” hangs in the balance, raising questions about the preservation of maritime history and the challenges faced by organizations dedicated to protecting cultural heritage.
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