The Save the Classic Liners Campaign

	THE "SAVE THE CLASSIC LINERS" CAMPAIGN
	~ Securing the Future of the Last Classic Ocean Liners ~

RETURN TO THE FOUNDATION THE OCEAN LINERS FOUNDATION RETURN TO THE LOBBY THE OCEAN LINER VIRTUAL MUSEUM
Now in the early 21st century the last true ocean liners are in their twilight years and before long there may be none left. The new SOLAS 2010 regulations that come into force in 2010 and increasing oil prices will have significant implications for the future of these classic ocean liners. These factors may lead to many of these veterans being withdrawn from ocean going service in the next few years. Therefore for some of them to survive they will need to find new roles. We feel that static preservation as hotel ships and tourist attractions could play a significant role in their future. However not all remaining classic liners may be suitable for this role depending on their size, marketability and commercial viability. However some will be suitable. Therefore this campaign will concentrate on promoting those ships we feel to have a realistic chance of being successful in this new role as static hotel ships and tourist attractions. However we are aware that there are limited resources and we cannot hope to save all the remaining classic ocean liners and sadly it is inevitable that some will be lost unfortunately. Heritage and nostalgia alone cannot save these fine ships, resources, available locations and commercial viability also have to be taken into account to ensure realistic proposals are drawn up. This "Save the Classic Liners Campaign" aims to promote particular ocean liners that may be suitable for this future role and highlight their potential. Then we can bring interested parties, opportunities and ideas together and hopefully by working in partnership a successful conclusion can be arrived at. Even if we are unsuccessful in saving these ocean liners from being scrapped, then the least we can do is promote them and raise their profile in their final years so as to make sure that they are not forgotten and can go out with a bang and with dignity! The "Save the Classic Liners" Campaign is now under new management. This is the new home of the campaign from 2008 and we endeavour to continue the sterling work of Reuben Goossens. Due to limited resources we see the campaign in future being more of a virtual network to help put people and ideas in touch as appropriate and build support for saving some of the last remaining ocean liners. Therefore we aim to mainly promote the potential of certain remaining classic ocean liners. So we welcome people's suggestions and ideas about the potential of these classic ocean liners. Are you a wealthy business person who can help fund such ventures? Do you know of suitable locations where some of these ships could be berthed as hotel ships? So all ideas are welcome. Then we can put people in touch as appropriate and enable networking. That way hopefully some of the remaining classic ocean liners can be saved as hotel ships and tourist attractions and continue to delight and inspire present and future generations. However we need your contacts, ideas and support to enable this to happen. The "Save the Classic Liners" Campaign is divided into several regional coordinating teams based in different regions of the world. The European Team focusses on promoting the Empress of Britain, Oceanic, Olympia and Augustus and their potential. While the North American Team focusses on promoting the United States and Independence and their potential. However these regional coordinating teams while independent do operate under the banner of the Save the Classic Liners Campaign and there is exchange of ideas between them as opportunities and ideas come forward which may be relevant. So we look forward to your ideas, contacts and support. Although at the moment we are only concentrating on promoting the ocean liners highlighted on the "Save the Classic Liners" Campaign main page, we also are looking to the future and have a list of other ocean liners on which we are keeping an eye on so that we can consider helping them perhaps in the future. You might say that this is a "Watching Brief List" or "Reserve List". Click Here to view our "Watching Brief List" or "Reserve List" of other surviving ocean liners to keep an eye on. Our Philosophy: The "Save the Classic Liners" Campaign is a passionate advocate of saving, reviving and reinventing classic ocean liners as hotel ships where appropriate in suitable locations. However essential to the approach to the "hotel ship concept" with these classic ocean liners is authenticity. The ship must be preserved or brought back to the styling of its original era but with the sympathetic insertion of the comfort and amenties (e.g. ensuite bathrooms, wireless, digital TV etc) expected in the present day. Where external alterations to the ship are retained it must be proven that they are advantageous and not detrimental for the ship in its new role. Other sympathetic adaptions to the interiors may be made to cater for the requirements of their new role as appropriate. Commercial companies showing interest in the ship will be turned down if their ideas do not fit into the concept and its respect for the heritage and authenticity of the ship. The success of the concept has a lot to do with recapturing the emotions, the pride for the ship and creating an authentic experience for the future customers and visitors. As a result the ship must be as authentic as possible externally and internally. External alterations must be sympathetic as on the Southern Cross, Olympia and Empress of Britain. They must still be recognisable as the original ship. Ships with such sympathetic alterations are still suitable for the "hotel ship concept" and comply with the philosophy of the "Save the Classic Liners" Campaign. We will consider including such ships as part of the "Save the Classic Liners" Campaign in the future and promoting their potential as hotel ships. Examples include: S.S. Empress of Britain (1956) S.S. Oceanic (1963) S.S. Olympia (1953) M.S. Augustus (1952) S.S. United States (1952) S.S. Independence (1950) M.S. Kungsholm (1966) M.S. Hamburg (1969) S.S. Ausonia (1956) M.S. San Giorgio (1956) M.S. Jean Mermoz (1957) M.S. Anna Nery (1962) M.S. Princessa Isabel (1962) S.S. Funchal (1961) M.S. Alexandr Pushkin (1965) S.S. Jugoslavija (1956) M.S. Istra (1965) M.S. Dalmacija (1965) N.S. Savannah (1959) M.S. Sagafjord (1965) M.S. Vistafjord (1973) RMS St Helena (1990) Unsympathetic alterations like those to the Stockholm or Santa Rosa are too much and a step too far. They are basically new ships with some old "themed" interiors, in fact they might as well be a brand new cruise ship like the Carnival Destiny. As a result such ships so extensively and unsympathetically rebuilt that they resemble new ships externally with "retro" interiors inserted for theme purposes do not fit with the philosophy of the "hotel ship concept" promoted by the "Save the Classic Liners" Campaign. As a result we will never consider such ships as part of the "Save the Classic Liners" Campaign as they no longer resemble the original ship in any way and have lost their authenticity, instead we will only consider authentic "classic ocean liners". Examples include: M.S. Doulos (1914) - former S.S. Medina M.S. Princess Daphne (1956) - former M.S. Port Sydney M.S. Princessa Danae (1956) - former M.S. Port Melbourne S.S. Emerald (1958) - former S.S. Santa Rosa M.S. Athena (1948) - former M.S. Stockholm. Our Contact Details: If you wish to contact us with opportunities, ideas or contacts etc then our contact details are as follows: We also have a "Save the Classic Liners" Campaign web forum: http://boratnavy.12.forumer.com/index.php This is designed to enable exchange of ideas etc so register and let us have your ideas. Many thanks to Will Gant in our North American team for setting this up. EUROPEAN COORDINATING TEAM Alex Naughton E-mail: ajnaughton@hotmail.com Other members of the team include: Martin Hill, John Pyper Morrison, Darren Clinton, Klaas Krijnen and Rob Hagens. Website: www.oceanlinermuseum.co.uk/foundation.html NORTH AMERICAN COORDINATING TEAM Corey Abelove E-mail: our_flagship@yahoo.com Other members of the team include: Erik James and Will Gant. Website: CHIEF ADVISOR Reuben Goossens E-mail: info@ssmaritime.com Website: www.ssmaritime.com News Update: 22nd May 2008 We are saddened to have to report with much regret that Reuben Goossens (founder of the "Save the Classic Liners" Campaign and until now Special Chief Advisor to us) has had to permanently retire from the campaign due to ill health. We thank Reuben for everything he has done over the years in founding this campaign and raising the profile of classic ocean liners. We are truly grateful. We thank him for trusting us with continuing his fine campaign. We will endeavour to do our best and hopefully keep up his great work as best we can. It has been a honour to count him among our friends and he has been a true inspiration. We and the classic ocean liners will forever be in his debt. We are truly grateful. Thank you, Reuben, for everything and all your hard work. We wish you well in your well earned retirement and hope you have a speedy recovery. All the best.

	THE EUROPEAN COORDINATING TEAM THE OCEAN LINERS

	The S.S. Empress of Britain was built in 1956 in Govan, Glasgow by Fairfield Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd. She was built for Canadian Pacific and their liner service from Liverpool and Glasgow to Canada. She is the last remaining ship from the three postwar White Empresses. In 1964 she was sold to Greek Line and became the Queen Anna Maria. In 1975 she was sold to Carnival Corporation and became the Carnivale. With her former fleetmate Mardi Gras (former Empress of Canada) she helped found the cruise empire that is now Carnival Corporation & PLC. After a series of operators she now sails on charter for Japanese Peaceboat as Topaz and is owned by Topaz International. She celebrated her 50th Anniversary in 2006 so has had a remarkably long career. Today she is one of the last remaining British ocean liners, but it is rumoured that she may be replaced in her role with Peaceboat by another ship possibly sometime in 2008. So her future is now in doubt. Other factors include increasing oil prices and the new SOLAS 2010 regulations coming into force in 2010. However she is still active and is in remarkably good condition. We feel that she has significant potential for preservation in the UK as a hotel ship in either Glasgow or London and as a reminder of Britain's maritime traditions and liner heritage.	S.S. EMPRESS OF BRITAIN (1956) ~ The Last White Empress ~




S.S. EMPRESS OF BRITAIN NEWS UPDATE 3rd July 2008: The Topaz has now been patched up in Singapore following her mishap. She is now returned to seaworthy condition and is fully operational. She has now departed Singapore under her own steam and is bound for Alang. However that said we are still working on an interim solution to acquire the ship on behalf of Glasgow and options are being explored. So it is not over just yet. 10th June 2008: The Topaz while anchored in Singapore's Eastern Approaches was hit by a Russian freighter causing damage the Topaz's bow. As a result the ship is no longer seaworthy and had to undergo repairs in Singapore. 18th May 2008: Today the Topaz is anchored in Singapore's Eastern Approaches. She has been there since the 16th or 17th May 2008. Apparently her owner has taken her off the market after the deals with various ship breakers fell through. As a result they seem to be looking to keep her for a further charter. So she may have a last minute reprieve. Currently she is anchored off Singapore awaiting further news on the possible charter opportunities that the owner seems to be exploring. However it is thought that the Topaz may move to the Singapore cruise terminal on the 21st May 2008 and she is listed (currently) for a departure on the 22nd May 2008 bound (apparently) for Newcastle upon Tyne. But like all these things this may just be a provisional booking and can easily be cancelled at the last moment. Also the Newcastle upon Tyne reference may just be a ploy to try and distract us. But all this helps delay things and bide time, which is good for any preservation bid. However let's just remember that there are a lot of rumours circulating so we shouldn't rush to judgement without verification of the facts. So we have to be wary for now, while we get further facts and verification on the likely movements and plans for the Topaz. But there is hope yet. 17th May 2008: It turns out that the references to the Topaz going to Newcastle upon Tyne were incorrect. Also the references later on the Singapore Cruise Terminal schedule are also incorrect for the 23rd/24th May 2008 as these bookings in fact relate to Peaceboat and Topaz's replacement. As regards Topaz she is currently in Singapore laid up and her owner is said to be investigating several opportunities for further charters and maybe even preservation of the ship. He deems scrapping to be a last resort and is said to be reluctant to consider Alang and other South Asia or Chinese ship breakers. Instead he may consider proper environmentally sound ship recycling at a certified facility in America or Europe. However scrapping is a last resort and they are investigating further opportunities for charters or preservation of the ship first. 7th May 2008: We have now confirmed news that "The Topaz" has come off charter from Peaceboat after arrival in Yokohama, Japan. As a result she is now in the capable hands of Kyma Ship Management and her registered owner Topaz International Shipping. Sadly the plans with the Far East consortium fell through. However the Glasgow consortium remain interested. Meanwhile she departed Yokohama on the 29th April 2008 bound for Singapore. She is due to arrive at berth CC02 at the Singapore Cruise Terminal on the 10th May 2008 at 0700. The Singapore Cruise Terminal and the Singapore Port Authority state that the ship is due to depart on the 11th May 2008 at 0700 bound for Newcastle upon Tyne, England, UK. http://www.singaporecruise.com/cruiseschedule.aspx This news came as a great surprise to us and we do not know the reasoning behind her impending move to Newcastle upon Tyne. But at least she will be closer to home in the UK and maybe this will prove advantageous for the British bid and possible preservation in Glasgow. However this then conflicts with an item further on in the Singapore cruise schedule which states that the ship is due to arrive at Singapore Cruise Terminal at berth CC01 on the 23rd May 2008 at 1200 inbound from Da Nang and then depart on the 24th May 2008 at 0200 bound for Salalah (Oman). So a confusing picture to say the least! We will keep you informed if any more developments come to light. But she is not being scrapped yet it seems! 11th April 2008: Good progress is being made with the project to save the Empress of Britain for Glasgow. Business case and feasibility work are now underway. However the current Greek American owner of the ship is threatening to sell the ship to ship breakers. But we have arranged a deal with a Far East consortium who are willing to buy the ship for a reasonable price as an interim solution and keep her sailing for a further 1 1/2 years before she is sold to the British consortium for her retirement. We strongly urge the current Greek American owner to accept this offer from the Far East consortium and allow the ship to have a secure and sustainable future. If not then we will unleash the environmental lobby on him and highlight the fact that he is threatening to sell the ship to ship breakers despite a very reasonable deal being offered to him. Doesn't he realise that if he sells the ship to ship breakers he will be damaging the environment and threatening the health and well being of the workers at the shipyard due to the environmental hazards associated with shipbreaking. We urge him to reconsider and accept this fair offer and sell the ship to this Far East consortium as an interim solution before she moves to her permanent retirement home in the UK. 25th February 2008: We have heard that there may be considerable interest in Glasgow to try to save the Empress of Britain as a hotel ship etc in the city. We understand that organisations in the city are in the process of evaluating the options before forming a consortium to save the ship. So this sounds like a positive development and we will keep you informed as we hear any further developments. But sounds promising at this early stage. If you can help in any way then please contact me, Alex Naughton, European Coordinator of the Save the Classic Liners Campaign. We would be especially in anyone connected with the history of the Empress of Britain as we are considering building an archive for the ship. So did you help build her, were you part of her crew, were you a passenger? Any memories welcome, especially from her Canadian Pacific era.

	S.S. OLYMPIA (1953) ~ The Pride of Greece ~	The Olympia was built in 1953 by Alexander Stephens & Sons on the River Clyde in Glasgow. She was the first major passenger ship ordered by any Greek shipping company. Indeed she was the only purpose built ship ordered for Greek Line. She served on the transatlantic service for Greek Line and also on cruises. In 1974 she was sold by Greek Line and continued in service with a variety of owners before finally becoming the Regal Empress for Imperial Majesty Cruise Lines. She is likely to be retired in 2010 when the new SOLAS 2010 regulations come into force. However she is still active and is in remarkably good condition. We feel that she has significant potential for preservation in Greece as a hotel ship and tourist attraction or potentially in London as a hotel ship. After all her name is Olympia (birthplace of the Olympic Games) and London is hosting the 2012 Olympic Games so what could be more appropriate as a location! Indeed she could be a floating ambassador for the Olympic Games and promote cultural relations between the countries of the world!

	The Oceanic was built in 1963 by Cantieri Riuniti dell' Adriatico, Monfalcone, Trieste for Home Lines. She was Home Lines first purpose built ship and was designed to operate in summer on their transatlantic service from Cuxhaven, Le Havre and Southampton to Canada. But by the time she entered service Home Lines had ceased transatlantic services and had become a full time cruise company. As a result she cruised from New York to the Caribbean instead. Today she is a cruise ship for Pullmantur. But in 2006 Pullmantur was acquired by Royal Caribbean International. We fear this may spark a series of new buildings that may mean the retirement of their older cruise ships like the Oceanic. She is one of the last survivors of the stylish Italian liners. However the Oceanic is still active and is in remarkably good condition. We feel that there is potential to explore the possibility of her continuing cruising beyond 2010. But if this is not possible then we feel that she has significant potential for preservation as a hotel ship at an appropriate location.	S.S. OCEANIC (1963) ~ The Italian Beauty ~

	M.S. AUGUSTUS (1952) (NOW KNOWN AS M.S. PHILIPPINES) ~ The Last of Italia Line ~	The M.S. Augustus was built in 1952 by Cantieri Riuniti dell' Adriatico, Monfalcone, Trieste for Italia Line and their service from Italy to South America. She also deputised on the transatlantic service to New York at times. She and her sister ship Giulio Cesare were very stylish and elegant liners. Their successful design went on to influence the entire postwar generation of Italian liners including Cristoforo Colombo, Andrea Doria, Leonardo di Vinci, and the incomparable Michelangelo and Raffaello. The postwar generation of Italian liners were perhaps the most stylish and elegant liners sailing the oceans of the world at that time. In January 1976 Italia Line retired the Augustus from service. She was sold to Hong Kong interests and from then on led a rather obscure and mysterious existance in the Far East. Eventually in 1999 she was acquired by the Manila Hotel and has a dedicated berth behind the Manila Hotel. She remains there today as M.S. Philippines and until recently was used as a restaurant ship and conference centre. However her future is in doubt and she is rumoured to be for sale. The ship survives in magnificent condition and we feel that she has significant potential for preservation as a hotel ship at an appropriate location, ideally in Italy or even possibly South America. The Augustus is the last survivor of the incorparably stylish and elegant liners of Italia Line and deserves to be saved for present and future generations.

	THE NORTH AMERICAN COORDINATING TEAM THE OCEAN LINERS

	S.S. UNITED STATES (1952) ~ The Fastest Ocean Liner in the World ~ ~ An American Icon ~	The United States was built at Newport News Shipbuilding & Drydock Company, Newport News, Virginia, USA in 1952. She was the first passenger liner to be floated out of a dry dock. She was the flagship of the United States Lines and designed for the transatlantic service from New York to Europe. During her maiden voyage in 1952 she gained the Blue Riband from Britain's Queen Mary in breathtaking style and her record has never been surpassed since. The United States is truly one of the most iconic ocean liners ever built and is a maritime icon and a masterpiece of naval engineering and American ingenuity. She is a true American icon and transatlantic legend. Sadly she was abruptly withdrawn from service in 1970 due to increasing competition from air travel and the withdrawal of the Government subsidy to United States Lines. Since then she has been laid up in a variety of locations with an uncertain future. In 1992 she was taken to Turkey where she had all her asbestos removed and she returned to the USA in 1996. However the removal of her asbestos means that today she is an empty hulk. Today she lingers in lay up at Philadelphia Naval Yard. We feel that her heritage and prestige as an American Icon, despite her deteriorating condition, means that she deserves to be saved somehow and given a rebirth. However as the ship is basically derelict and without her interiors, any rebirth will be very expensive and need huge resources. But it is not impossible if the will and resources is there. Hopefully the United States can be given rebirth and reinvented as a floating hotel ship, museum, restaurant and entertainment complex in New York perhaps. She could house a maritime museum on board showcasing her illustrious history and that of United States Lines. She could also be a floating ambassador promoting the very best that the United States as to offer and celebrating the positive aspects of American culture. That would be a truly great role for this famous ship in light of the tarnished reputation of the USA currently in light of the troubling conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq in recent years. But she is a true American icon and deserves a rebirth. Alternatively if the Americans really don't care or show interest in the United States then we may have to consider the Gulf States of the Middle East as a possible future for this ship.

S.S. UNITED STATES NEWS UPDATE: 25th April 2008: As you may be aware on the 3rd May 2008, the S.S. United States Conservancy is holding the first public premiere of their documentary film "S.S. United States: Lady in Waiting" about the S.S. United States in a special event on board the RMS Queen Mary historic ship attraction in Long Beach, California, USA. However the ship is currently owned by Maritime Industries Inc. (a sham company of NCL Corporation) and remains laid up in Philadelphia awaiting her fate. Let it be made clear, NCL Corporation cannot be trusted with the secure future of the United States judging by their recent actions regarding the SS Norway and the SS Independence. As time drifts on it gets increasingly likely that she will end up being scrapped. But we feel that she has potential (although at significant cost) to be revived in a contemporary, modern and innovative way, but inspired by her history and original interiors, as a static floating hotel, maritime museum, restaurant and entertainment complex berthed in New York City or another appropriate location. We feel that New York City offers the best possible opportunity for saving this historic ship due to that city's significant connections with the ship, United States Lines, transatlantic travel and ocean liner heritage. They would be bringing home a symbol of America and part of their city's ocean liner and maritime history. She could become a wonderful "one of a kind" attraction in the city and contribute to the local economy, jobs, training, regeneration and tourism. We feel that this is a rare and unrivalled opportunity. We have noted the less than postive or favourable comments from the S.S. United States Foundation of the "rival" S.S. United States Conservancy and their efforts. We commend both organisations for their efforts to promote the United States but this bickering between the Conservancy and Foundation we feel is undermining the campaign and making both those organisations a laughing stock. They are just shooting themselves in the foot and causing derision and laughter. If they carry on like this they are more than likely to lose the ship and that will result in her being scrapped. The Foundation and Conservancy just bicker too much and are too inward looking. As a result they are losing sight of what should be the fundamental goal, enabling a consortium of appropriate agencies to save and revive the Big U in a static role. We note the suggestion from the Foundation to get the ship listed as a National Historic Landmark. However we disagree with this approach at this stage as it may place unnecessary restrictions on her potential and undermine the scope to revive her. We would prefer to get her saved and revived in her new role in New York or elsewhere first. Then once she is up and running and successful, only get her listed as a National Historic Landmark at this later stage. We feel that calling for this now is too early and may cause difficulties with her rescue and maybe even jeopardise this. Anyway this move is unlikely to be successful currently due to opposition from NCL Corporation. We were thinking about trying to form a united heritage alliance between the "Save the Classic Liners" Campaign, the S.S. United States Foundation and the S.S. United States Conservancy. But sadly we feel that the feud and bickering between the Foundation and Conservancy may make this difficult or nearly impossible. Therefore we may have to consider a different tack. Therefore we feel that the best approach is to take a different tack and enable and encourage a consortium of businesses and appropriate agencies in New York City (or another appropriate location) to be formed to take on the revival campaign. We as the "Save the Classic Liners" Campaign would then work in partnership with the consortium as the heritage advisor / lobby to assist the consortium in the project and advise on her potential and help safeguard her heritage aspects. But a united front must be presented to put forward a sound and realistic case for saving and reviving her in such a static role as a floating hotel, maritime museum, restaurant and entertainment complex. We are delighted to hear from William Gant, one of our North American team, that he and his young friends are mobilising students from schools, and they plan on writing to the US Congress in Washington D.C. regarding the situation of the ship and to put the case for her preservation and revival in a static role in New York City. We are absolutely delighted at this initiative from the young people of America and greatly applaud this. Maybe it could be extended via technologies and networking sites such as Bebo, Myspace, Facebook and You Tube to more young people until we have a "Youth Alliance"! Anyway this just goes to show that the S.S. United States is so important and historically significant to the USA and the world that interest in her transcends the generations. Even America's young people want this ship saved! If anyone wishes to help the "Save the Classic Liners" Campaign to encourage the rescue and revival of the S.S. United States in a static role or if you have any suggestions or contacts then please contact one of the campaign team.

	The Independence and her sister ship Constitution were synonymous with modern passenger ship designs and the post Second World War heyday of transatlantic travel. Ushering in the 1950s, they became a symbol of American passenger shipping dashing along the “Sunny Southern Route” between New York and Genoa, Italy. The Independence was built by Bethlehem Steel at their Quincy shipyard in Massachusets, USA in 1950. She was built for American Export Lines. The ship and her interiors were designed by the famous Henry Dreyfuss. After the arrival of the jet airliner age, the Independence and her sister successfully adapted and became well loved cruise ships. In 1970 American Export Lines sold the Independence and she passed through a variety of operators in her later years and found much success cruising from San Francisco to Hawaii for a period for American Hawaii Cruises. However in 2001 that company went bankrupt and the Independence was laid up facing an uncertain future. In 2003 she was acquired by NCL with the intention of her returning to operation. However this turned out just to be a ploy to get round the US Government and set up NCL America and she has remained laid up in San Francisco. There are also rumours that she may have been sold to scrap merchants in recent years. It is also rumoured that she may head to Alang for scrapping soon. But this is not confirmed as yet. So if we are to save her we must act quickly. Hopefully the Independence can be given rebirth and reinvented as a floating hotel ship, museum, restaurant and entertainment complex at a suitable location in the USA. Maybe San Francisco or somewhere in Hawaii perhaps? We feel that the Independence, despite being laid up for several years in deteriorating condition, has potential to be preserved and revived as a hotel ship and tourist attraction in the USA at an appropriate location.	S.S. INDEPENDENCE (1950) ~ The Pride of America ~

	S.S. INDEPENDENCE NEWS UPDATE: 3rd July 2008: It is reported that the Independence is still laid up in Dubai, apparently for sale. The owner (Global Marine) claims to be in discussions with several parties in Dubai, Macau and the USA that are looking to acquire her for conversion into a hotel, museum, restaurant and entertainment complex. However if the discussions fall through then it is likely that the ship will go to Alang for scrapping. 17th May 2008: We have now discovered that the former Independence is in fact laid up in Dubai for sale. She arrived there on about the 10th May 2008. The tug Pacific Hickory has now left the ship and is returning home. Anil Sharma the owner of the Indy apparently is stated as saying he is looking to sell her for ongoing use as a hotel ship either in Greece or elsewhere. Apparently he is trying to interest Dubai in the ship but has had little success. We also gather there may be interest from America in the ship. So it is not over quite yet. Indy is in Dubai! It is a long shot but she could be saved yet! 5th May 2008: The last information we have is that the ship under tow by the tug Pacific Hickory arrived in Singapore on April 10. There the tug refueled then reportedly picked up the tow again and headed out the same day at an expected 5 knots speed for Dubai. Strong rumors then suggested a few weeks later that it had already been beached at the yard of GMS (cashbuyer for ship) Anil Sharma's brother -- Komal Sharma. However after some time, this has not been confirmed and latest word is that it is NOT in Alang. Meanwhile it was reported in the Cumberland Times-News that Mr. Anil Sharma was sending it to Singapore or Dubai and there was interest in the ship from a Greek buyer. If it was heading for Dubai, from Singapore it would be expected in between May 5 and 7. However we urge extreme vigilance in case she goes to Dubai or indeed to shipbreakers in Alang, Pakistan or Turkey. The U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) also reports that there has been no request to reflag the ship. Therefore she remains American flagged. If anyone has any information then please let us know. 27th April 2008: We have news that the Oceanic (former S.S. Independence) is likely to have arrived at Alang in India on the 25th April 2008. She is not beached yet and rumours say that a contract has not yet been signed with the shipbreaker. Although it is very close to the end for this fine ship. Sadly it is nearing the end for the former Independence and therefore we will conclude our campaign to save her shortly. Farewell S.S. Independence. 25th April 2008: We have just heard that the former Independence (now Oceanic) reached Singapore on the 10th April 2008. There are rumours that the ship may already be landed at Alang, although these are unconfirmed. So it seems her days are numbered. She is in her twilight it seems. 22nd April 2008: More details have been found out about Global Shipping & Marketing Systems Inc. the current owner of the former S.S. Independence. The company is owned by Anil Sharma and was set up in 1992 initially to acquire redundant US naval ships for selling to the scrapyards in India, Pakistan or Bangaldesh. The company is based in Cumberland, Maryland, USA. Today it is a well known "cashbuy" company that acquires ships from all over the world for scrapping in India, Pakistan or Bangladesh on these notorious shipbreaking beaches such as Alang. Meanwhile the former S.S. Independence and her tug continue on their way to the ship breakers, it is thought that they have now passed Hawaii, Guam and Saipan without refueling. Sadly it is perhaps only a matter of time before this fine ocean liner ends up at Alang. Website: http://www.gmsinc.net/gms/ (Global Shipping & Marketing Systems Inc.) 26th March 2008: The S.S. Oceanic (former Independence) is reported to be near Guam and is in violation of USA and international law. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has issued a federal complaint against Global Shipping and Global Marketing Systems, Inc. (owners of the ship) for distribution in commerce and export of PCB-containing materials on the S.S. Oceanic, formerly the SS Independence, a ship being sent by Global to be scrapped overseas probably at Alang in India. The EPA was not informed by Global of their intention to export the ship for disposal. The previous owners, Norwegian Cruise Lines, bought the ship through a wholly owned subsidiary with the intent to put it into service in the United States. The paperwork showing that Norwegian Cruise Lines had sold the vessel to Global was not submitted to the U.S. Maritime Administration until the ship had already departed. Export of PCB materials from the United States is a violation of EPA’s Toxic Substances Control Act. Vessels such as the MV Oceanic, which was built in the early 1950s, were commonly constructed with PCB-containing materials including cables, electrical equipment such as capacitors and transformers, watertight seal material, and painted surfaces. Also as the ship is registered and flies the US flag, under US law, if the ship was sold to a foreign entity, as is suspected, this exchange is illegal as the Maritime Administration did not approve the sale as is required. Therefore the sale of the ship by California Manufacturing Corporation (A sham subsidiary company linked with NCL Corporation) to the foreign company, Global Shipping, is illegal and required approval by the U.S. Maritime Administration. Further, importation of a toxic ship from the United States (a non-Party), for full or partial dismantling by a country that is a Party to the Basel Convention is a violation of the terms of the Basel Convention treaty. Therefore if she enters Singapore or Indian waters with the express intention of eventual scrapping then those countries will be breaking international law and the Basel Convention by accepting her. However the Basel Action Network (BAN) and the "Save the Classic Liners" Campaign are watching out for the ship and will endeavour to keep the authorities informed if any information comes to light. But we must stress most strongly that the the S.S. Oceanic (formerly known as the S.S. Independence) DOES NOT pose a toxic threat currently to Guam or other places, or the marine environment, but is a "toxic time bomb" for the labourers on the infamous shipbreaking beaches of Bangladesh, India or Pakistan where the ship is thought to be heading. Especially if she is headed for the infamous beaches of Alang as is suspected. There the shipbreaking operations endanger workers and the immediate environment by failing to manage asbestos, PCBs, toxic paints, and residual fuels. However she is not a health risk to the general public in anyway she only becomes a hazard during the shipbreaking process on the beaches of Alang. At this present moment in time the ship and her tug are international fugitives on the world's oceans as the US Environmental Protection Agency is known to be seeking to conduct an enforcement action on the vessel or its tug, the Pacific Hickory. They wish to stop the SS Oceanic in order to conduct sampling and analysis as it is expected that the ship contains significant amounts of PCBs. Therefore all mariners on the high seas are requested to look out for the ship and, if they sight her, to immediately report her to the U.S. Coast Guard and the relevant authorities so that she can be brought in for chemical testing and if required returned to the USA for ship recycling at a properly certified and controlled facility in compliance with US and international laws. Alternatively she could be saved for use as a hotel ship. We have also been getting significant interest in this story recently, as awareness builds internationally, from the Indian media including India TV News (www.indiatvnews.com) and Indo-Asian News Service (www.ians.in). It is said that the arrival of the S.S. Oceanic (former S.S.Independence) in Indian waters for probable ship breaking at Alang will trigger major controversy in India. This may potentially lead to public protest in India and internationally on a scale larger than that witnessed with the S.S. Norway debarcle recently. So we will keep you informed as things develop. But remember if you sight the ship report her whereabouts immediately. 11th February 2008: We have now been told that the S.S. Independence departed under tow from San Francisco with the tug Pacific Hickory. The tug has a Indian captain! A maritime company that helped with her departure also heard that her destination was said to be either China or India! Also ominously the destination of the ship now has changed from Singapore (cover story: for refurbishment as a casino ship) to Dubai (cover story: for repairs). The question is why go to the trouble of repairing the ship in Dubai when you are passing Singapore with perfectly good ship repair facilities! Also look at a map and see where you pass when en route from Singapore to Dubai - it is somewhere called Alang, India! Now do you understand what the real underlying intention for the Independence is? Yes, you've guessed it, scrapping at Alang, India. So our worst fears are now 98% confirmed. NCL / Star Cruises are actively and deviously trying a S.S. Norway saga round two. They are currently illegally exporting hazardous waste from the USA to Alang, India via Singapore in contravention of the Basel Convention and international law. Don't be fooled, they must be stopped this time if at all possible. However the tug will have to stop to refuel at least once possible twice and maybe the ship can still be stopped in one of those refueling locations before it is too late. If you can help in any way then please contact Corey, our North American Coordinator. 8th February 2008: We can confirm the the S.S. Independence has now departed Pier 70 in San Francisco under tow and is now bound for Singapore. We still feel that their underlying intention is to take her to Singapore and then to Alang, India. However there is still time to change things while she is en route to Singpore and once she reaches Singapore. So if you can do anything to help please contact Corey, our North American Coordinator. 7th February 2008: We have now heard that the S.S. Independence is to depart Pier 70 in San Francisco on Friday the 8th February 2008 bound for Singapore. What the plans are in place for her there we don't know. It is still possible that this is a diversionary tactic by NCL / Star Cruises etc to mislead people. So she may still end up being on the way to Alang, India. So beware of their old tricks. We still risk having a SS Norway saga number 2! But once she leaves it will be very hard to save her for the USA. So if you can do anything to help please contact Corey, our North American Coordinator. 4th February 2008: It has come to our attention that the S.S. Independence was transferred by NCL / Star Cruises to the ownership of their "California Manufacturing Corporation" subsidiary in October 2005. Since then she has been sold to a company representing the Indian shipbreakers. It is now confirmed that she is to depart Pier 70 in San Francisco on the 7th February 2008 as Oceanic. So if she is to be saved, she must be prevented from leaving. Remember NCL / Star Cruises are likely to be up to their tricks once again so let's not repeat the S.S. Norway saga. It is likely that she will be bound unofficially for India via the NCL / Star Cruises usual web of deceit. So do not believe their cover stories. If she does leave San Francisco and US waters on the 7th February 2008, judging by NCL / Star Cruises and their associates' past record with the S.S. Norway, it is more than likely that she will be bound for India. If that happens then she will be in contravention of the Basel Convention and US and International law as she has not been fully decontaminated and does have asbestos and other contaminants on board still. However if the US Government, MARAD and the US Coast Guard can be urged to take action now then this can be prevented. Please understand that the plight of the S.S. Independence is now VERY URGENT INDEED and everyone's support and assistance is needed to save her. So if you can do anything to help please contact Corey, our North American Coordinator. The S.S. Independence must be prevented from leaving San Francisco and US waters on the 7th February 2008 as if she does leave she will almost certainly be in contravention of the Basel Convention if she goes on to end up in Alang, India. Also if she can be delayed that will give us the chance to put forward the alternative option of saving her for revival and reinvention as a hotel ship in the USA. 1st February 2008: It is rumoured that the Independence is to depart her lay up berth in San Francisco, California, USA on the 7th February 2008 illegally bound for Alang, India. It seems that NCL / Star Cruises are up to their old tricks again and have set up a false company "California Manufacturing Corporation" which will sell her secretly in order to get round USA and international regulations including the Basel Convention. The Basel Convention states that it is illegal to export a vessel containing hazardous materials such as asbestos and PCBs to a third world country without first decontaminating the ship prior to departure. Their cover story is that the Independence is being moved to a casino ship operation in India. However do not be fooled, NCL / Star Cruises do not have any casino ships in India. Their actual aim is to scrap her on the beaches of Alang, India. It seems the S.S. Norway saga may be about to repeat! The Independence was acquired by NCL / Star Cruises in order to enable them to get round US regulations and law in order to set up NCL America. This they have now done, after fooling the US Government. At the time they promised to restore the Independence to full cruise service but this has never happened and after their latest trick seems to be unlikely to happen. Their aim now seems to get her off to scrapping as soon as possible. Our North American team are contacting various US institutions e.g. Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, the US President, the US Congress, US Coast Guard, US Maritime Administration, the National Trust for Preservation, the National Park Service, Greenpeace and major media organisations etc to make them aware of this concerning development. So please contact Corey, our North American coordinator, if you can help in any way. AMERICA DO NOT BE FOOLED AGAIN.