World’s largest artificial reef: Historic ocean liner embarks on final voyage to bottom of the sea

A county in Florida is planning to turn this ageing ocean liner into the world's largest artificial reef.

The historic vessel departed from south Philadelphia’s Delaware River waterfront on Wednesday, marking the opening segment of its final voyage.

The SS United States, a 305-metre vessel that shattered the transatlantic speed record on its maiden voyage in 1952, is being towed to Mobile, Alabama, for planned prep work before officials eventually sink it off Florida’s Gulf Coast.

The ocean liner will join the USS Oriskany aircraft carrier - currently the world's largest artificial reef - which was sunk off the Florida city of Pensacola in 2006.

The move comes about four months after the conservancy that oversees the ship and its landlord resolved a years-old rent dispute.

Officials initially planned to move the vessel last November, but that was delayed due to concerns from the US Coast Guard that the ship wasn't stable enough to make the trip.

Officials in Okaloosa County on Florida’s coastal Panhandle hope the SS United States will become a barnacle-encrusted standout among the county’s more than 500 artificial reefs.

“Modifications will also be made to ensure that when the vessel is deployed, it will land upright underwater. The preparation process will take about 12 months,” a press release from country officials reads.

They say the SS United States will "become home to countless marine species that will thrive from the presence of her structure".

"Due to the size and the depth, she will be home to a wide variety of marine life from iconic reef fish such as red snapper to pelagic species of fish like wahoo," the press release says.

The county wants the vessel to become a signature diving attraction that could generate