A conservancy that aims to preserve and redevelop the 1952 built Trans-Atlantic liner United States says it has entered in preliminary agreement to redevelop the ship that last saw active service in 1969.

"We are very pleased to confirm that we have now entered into a preliminary agreement in support of the redevelopment of the SS United States. Negotiations have been underway for some time, and planning will continue with a variety of stakeholders. While further due diligence is conducted, the Conservancy will receive financial support to cover the vessel's core carrying costs for at least an additional three months," the conservancy said.

"The project remains at an early and delicate phase, but we wanted to update our supporters about this encouraging development," it said, adding that it was not in a position to disclose further details at this point.