Baltimore Bridge Collapse Disrupts Trade

In the early hours of March 26, 2024, a 948ft Singapore-flagged container ship, the DALI, collided into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, causing it to collapse. The incident is causing a disruption in the Port of Baltimore following the declaration of a state of emergency.

The collision, which occurred around 1:27 a.m. local time, prompted immediate responses from various authorities, including the US Coast Guard, local, state, and federal agencies. Maryland Governor Wes Moore shared in a press conference that there were eight individuals that fell into the water after the collision, all of them part of a construction crew. Two members of the crew were rescued and one of them was taken to the hospital. Meanwhile, search efforts continue for the other six members. Officials do not believe there is anyone trapped in vehicles under the water. 

Moore also shared that the crew in the ship notified authorities of a power outage on the ship, but they were already going at 8 knots. “There is no specific and credible information to suggest any ties to terrorism at this time. The investigation is ongoing. FBI Baltimore will continue to support our partners at the local, state, and federal levels,” FBI Baltimore states.

The DALI, owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd and operated by Synergy Group, was outbound from Baltimore to Colombo, Sri Lanka, carrying cargo for Maersk and MSC customers, with 4,679 TEU on board. Although all crew members, including two pilots onboard, were safely accounted for, the collision has disrupted port operations and cargo logistics significantly.

After the incident, the Port of Baltimore issued a statement suspending vessel traffic in and out of the port until further notice due to safety concerns and the impossibility of navigating vessels through the damaged bridge area. Maersk and MSC, two of the world's largest container shipping companies, announced the suspension of services to the port, indefinitely. As a result, cargo destined for Baltimore will be rerouted to alternative ports, causing substantial delays and logistical challenges for shippers and customers. According to MarineTraffic data, 53 vessels remain in port.

The Synergy Group released a statement detailing that owners and managers of the Singapore-flagged container ship DALI (IMO 9697428) report that the vessel collided with one of the pillars of the Francis Scott Key Bridge while under pilotage, with two pilots on board. It also stated there are no reports of any injuries or pollution. The company alleged that inside the vessel was a crew of 22 people of Indian origin. However this has not been confirmed by authorities.

As earlier reported by MBN, the Maryland governor and mayor have declared a state of emergency, effective from 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, for a duration of 30 days. In response to the crisis, government officials, including Moore and US President Joe Biden have pledged support for recovery efforts and vowed to expedite bridge repairs to minimize disruptions to port operations. Biden also stated that he will be sending any federal resources needed to restore operations.

According to the Government of Maryland, the Port of Baltimore is an economic hub, contributing significantly to Maryland and the United States economies, generating over US$3.3 billion in total personal income and supporting over 15,000 direct jobs, alongside more than 139,000 connected jobs in 2023. The port remains a source of employment and financial activity, the government reports.

With over 50 ocean carriers and nearly 1,800 annual visits, the port facilitates trade operations, as it handles a range of goods, ranking first in the nation for handling light vehicles and trucks, farm and construction machinery, imported sugar, and gypsum. Additionally, it secures its position as the second-largest port for exporting coal.

In 2023, the port set various records, including handling 847,158 light vehicles and trucks, marking its 13th consecutive year as the top US port in this category. It also surpassed the previous year’s record of general cargo handling. International trade processed amounts to 52.3Mt of cargo valued at US$80.8 billion, ranking Baltimore as the 9th port nationally in terms of both total dollar value and tonnage.