Baltimore Bridge Collision Update

One week following the collision between the DALI, a 948-foot Singapore-flagged container ship, and the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, authorities have been actively addressing repercussions on maritime traffic and trade. Substantial advances have been achieved, aiming at reinstating access to the port and maintaining the smooth movement of commercial vessels.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore provided an update during a press conference, revealing that efforts to facilitate vessel navigation through the waterways were underway. Temporary channels have been established to support commercial traffic, marking a crucial step forward in the recovery process. One of these temporary channels, located on the Northeast side of the collapse, boasts a controlling depth of 11ft. Another channel, measuring a depth of 14ft, was opened on April 2, 2024, at approximately 1:15 PM.

The first vessel to utilize the temporary alternate channel was the tugboat Crystal Coast, which was pushing a fuel barge destined for Dover Air Force Base. While these temporary channels are a vital interim solution, Governor Moore emphasized that there is still a considerable distance to cover before commercial traffic can resume its previous levels.

Moore stressed the importance of depth requirements for certain cargo types, particularly vehicles and heavy machinery, as the Port of Baltimore holds the top position nationally for handling this type of cargo. A depth of at least 35ft is deemed necessary to accommodate the transport of such cargo through the Port of Baltimore effectively.

In response to the disruption, logistics giant Maersk issued an update regarding its services at the Port of Baltimore. Although new bookings into or out of the port remain suspended, Maersk continues to serve the greater Baltimore area through alternative ports such as Newark, Norfolk, and Philadelphia, utilizing road and rail connections. The company is collaborating closely with customers to devise optimal solutions for cargo transportation to and from Baltimore. Recognizing the broader impact on supply chains, Maersk is also prepared to offer services through various gateways along the Eastern seaboard, from Eastern Canada to the South Atlantic and Gulf regions.

The company stated that even though the Baltimore Captain of the Port has announced preparations for establishing a temporary alternate channel to accommodate commercially essential vessels, the depth of this channel may not be sufficient for oceangoing container vessels typically used by Maersk and other carriers.

MSC, another major shipping line, informed that as recovery efforts continue, shipping schedules and routes are being adjusted to minimize disruption. The company has announced contingency plans for cargo onboard several vessels, redirecting them to alternative ports, such as New York, to maintain service continuity.

In the aftermath of the collapse incident, as the only part of the Port of Baltimore accessible to ships in the days following the incident, Tradepoint Atlantic (TPA), a 1335ha global logistics center, has emerged as a critical hub for maintaining maritime operations and continued trade activities.

TPA shared in a press release that while vessel traffic beyond the Francis Scott Key Bridge remains suspended, as clearing efforts are underway, TPA's marine terminal has remained fully operational. Throughout the recovery process, cargo berths have continued to function, accommodating previously scheduled arrivals while also providing additional capacity to accommodate redirected cargo. The marine terminal has been accepting redirected cargo, ensuring that essential goods continue to reach their destinations. Efforts to clear debris from the waterways, in collaboration with state and federal partners, have enabled TPA to maintain its operational capabilities and uphold its role as a vital trade hub.

In the coming days, TPA expects a significant influx of vessels, including six regularly scheduled roll-on/roll-off (Ro/Ro) vessels and an additional nine redirected vessels. These will bring with them approximately 10,000 automobiles, which will be unloaded and processed at TPA's facilities with the assistance of the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) Local 333.

To support the recovery efforts and facilitate the efficient processing of recovered bridge material, TPA has cleared a 2ha facility at its site. This dedicated space will serve as a staging area for storing and processing wreckage removed from the Patapsco River.