Leading Rotterdam Ship Repair & Conversion Firm Welcomed by Conservancy
The SS United States Conservancy was honored to recently welcome a delegation from Rotterdam's Damen Ship Repair & Conversion to Philadelphia and New York for a compelling discussion about the future of the SS United States.
Damen, part of the Damen Shipyards group, operates a network of sixteen repair and conversion yards worldwide. With a total of forty-five dry docks, the firm offers a range of services in the maintenance, repair, conversion and refit of various vessels and offshore structures.
Conservancy Executive Director Susan Gibbs and Conservancy Advisory Council member Casper van Hooren, with Jeroen Heesters and Paul Ippel of Damen Ship Repair & Conversion.
At the meeting pictured above, Jeroen Heesters and Paul Ippel of Damen Ship Repair & Conversion joined Conservancy Executive Director Susan Gibbs and Conservancy Advisory Council member Casper van Hooren, former owner and developer of the SS Rotterdam, now a thriving hotel and mixed-use development.
The Conservancy was thrilled to have the opportunity to hear from Damen's experts as we continue to advance plans for the SS United States' own restoration and redevelopment. As Damen's website reads: "Every ship ages. However, we believe a ship can live more than one lifetime."
The Redevelopment of the SS United States:
A Historic Opportunity to Create a New Landmark Destination
With over 12 decks and more than 500,000 square feet of internal space, the SS United States offers an unprecedented commercial redevelopment and historic preservation opportunity. Despite being withdrawn from service in 1969, the ship remains structurally sound and ready for a brilliant second act. The Conservancy is working to secure a permanent, commercially viable location and program of use to ensure the ship is protected for generations to come.
While the SS United States offers a wide range of potential uses and combined sources of revenue generation, as a public charity charged with protecting the vessel and highlighting her legacy, the Conservancy also requires that the ship’s historic profile and exterior design be preserved, and that approximately 25,000 square feet be reserved for a publicly-accessible ship-board museum.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the exciting redevelopment potential of America's historic flagship, and to find the answers to frequently asked questions regarding the vessel's future restoration.
There is only one SS United States. Together, we can ensure a bright future for this global ambassador and all-American record-breaker. Make your donation today, and join the fight to save the fastest and greatest ocean liner the world has ever known.
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