PHILADELPHIA — The SS United States, a historic and record-breaking ocean liner that once hosted royalty and presidents, has escaped the scrap heap and will undergo a rebirth, supporters announced Thursday.

The ship’s conservancy group issued a statement saying it has an agreement with a redevelopment partner. No further details will be released until a news conference Feb. 4 at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal in New York, conservancy spokesman Tom Basile said.

‘‘At the announcement, an exciting future for the ship will be revealed that envisions the SS United States again as an iconic symbol of America the world over,’’ the statement said.

The luxury vessel had its maiden voyage in 1952 and still holds the record for the fastest trans-Atlantic passenger ship crossing. Taken out of service in 1969, the liner was stripped of its interior years ago. The rusting hulk, which is larger than the Titanic, has been moored in Philadelphia for nearly two decades.

ASSOCIATED PRESS