10/07/2026
With Tropical Storm Isaias forecast to strengthen into a hurricane as it approaches the northern Gulf Coast, and after dozens of messages expressing concern for the ship, we want to inform everyone about the comprehensive heavy-weather preparations that are underway to protect the SS United States at its berth in Mobile.
The vessel is being secured through a layered mooring system designed to provide substantial strength, redundancy and flexibility during high winds, storm surge and changing tidal conditions.
Preparations for severe weather at the SS United States actually began more than 16 months ago with the installation of five engineered storm anchors, each rated at a minimum of 100 tons, supported by reinforced 22-ton concrete anchors poured approximately 16 feet below grade and connected by 5-inch anchor chain. The vessel’s current mooring arrangement was developed using lessons learned from previous experiences and incorporates a primary and secondary system. The primary system currently consists of 21 soft mooring lines secured to shoreside bollards or anchor-chain connections leading to buried anchors, while the secondary system consists of the five heavy-duty storm anchors. The weight and catenary of the 5-inch chain provide a self-tensioning effect while still allowing movement associated with tidal surge. There are currently 11 anchor-chain connections to the vessel from the port side through the bow.
Additional storm preparations began Tuesday with the securing of side-shell hatches on B Deck to better seal the vessel for heavy weather. As an added precaution, two additional shoreside anchors are also being installed forward and aft, using 8-inch and 10-inch heavy nylon lines connected to sections of 3-inch anchor chain and 25,000-pound anchors set more than 70 feet into the yard.
These components were already available on site and are being incorporated as an additional layer of redundancy ahead of the approaching storm.
Coleen Marine Inc.
