Ship Status - SSHSA List of Transitions
SSHSA is highlighting the status of many ships currently in transition.... The following categories include:
Threatened/Endangered:
This includes ships whose future remains unknown or uncertain. These vessels require immediate action as change is on the horizon. Links to organizations dedicated to these vessels with contact information appears here....
Delta Queen
This iconic National Historic Landmark has been plying America's rivers and inland waterways since 1928. This is the last traditional steamboat carrying passengers overnight in the USA. October 2008 is the last planned voyage as owner/operator Majestic America Cruise Lines has been unable to obtain an exemption from the US Congress. www.save-the-delta-queen.org
Columbia
This is America's oldest surviving excursion steamer, having served hundreds of thousands of amusement park daytrippers from 1902 to 1991 on the Detroit River to and from Bob-Lo Island. A National Historic Landmark mothballed for 15 years, an effort is underway to bring this impressive vessel to New York City for restoration and resumed service on the Hudson River. www.sscolumbia.org
Ste. Claire
This partner ship to Columbia was also used to ferry passengers in the Great Lakes area to Bob-Lo Island Amusement Park from 1910 until 1991. This vessel continues to be towed to various locations in the Detroit area as money is raised through "haunted" fundraisers and voluteers as well as professional contractors make progress toward determining its ultimate fate. www.bobloboat.com
United States
America's greatest, and the world's fastest passenger carrying ocean liner, the SS United States remains afloat today, nearly 40 years after ceasing operation. Languishing in Philadelphia, The Big U is owned and maintained by NCL America (perhaps known best for Norweigen Cruise Lines). NCL has stated intentions of converting the SS United States into a modern cruise ship, however after five years of ownership by NCL the nation's flagship remains tied up with only hopes of a re-birth. Several organizations are involved in attempts to move efforts forward, and film documentaries have been produced to help tell the story. www.ssunitedstatesconservancy.org www.bigshipfilms.com www.ssunitedstates.org www.ssunitedstates-film.com
Saved/Adapted and/or Preserved:
This category will include great success stories of vessels which will continue to have a future role in today's society, although they may not be in service as originally intended.
Queen Mary
Located in Long Beach, California Queen Mary continues today to serve as America's best example of a classic, early 20th Century ocean liner experience. Permanently moored and adaptively used for close to 40 years now, Queen Mary continues to evolve as a hotel, conference center, museum, retail establishment, and major attraction on the west coast. www.queenmary.com
QE2
Autumn 2008 marks the final departure for Cunard Lines famous Ocean Liner Queen Elizabeth 2. The ship has been sold to an organization in Dubai and will undergo renovations to begin its new life as a hotel. www.Qe2.org.uk
Rotterdam
Under complete restoration, Rotterdam - SSHSA's 1996 "Ship of the Year" recipient will emerge later this year as a new adaptive use facility in The Netherlands. Known as traditional today, but very unconventional when launched in 1958, her loyal passenger continue to consider her the "Greatest Ship at Sea"! www.ssrotterdam.net
At the Breakers/Lost or Destroyed:
This refers to ships who have been towed to the breakers or have no hope of any future salvation.
Aquarama
Catalina
France/Norway
Independence