U.S. Seeks $103M from Ship Owners for Baltimore Bridge Collapse

The U.S. Justice Department has initiated legal action against two Singaporean companies, seeking $103 million in damages for the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The incident, which occurred on March 26, 2024, resulted in six fatalities and severely disrupted a crucial transportation artery in the U.S. Northeast.

Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Private Limited, the owners and operators of the container ship Dali, are facing accusations of negligence. Brian Boynton, head of the Justice Department's Civil Division, stated that the catastrophe was "entirely avoidable" and resulted from "a series of eminently foreseeable errors."

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported in May 2024 that the Dali experienced multiple power failures before colliding with the bridge support in the Patapsco River. This revelation prompted the FBI to launch a criminal investigation in April 2024.

The Justice Department's claim aims to recover costs incurred in disaster response and clearing operations, which allowed the Port of Baltimore to reopen in June 2024. The cleanup effort was substantial, involving the removal of 50,000 tons of debris and the coordination of over 1,500 responders from 56 agencies.

"By court order, all persons alleging claims against the owner and manager of the Dali must file their claim on or before September 24th. Accordingly, the filing of (Wednesday's) claim was anticipated. The owner and manager will have no further comment on the merits of any claim at this time, but we do look forward to our day in court to set the record straight."

The legal action is part of a broader case initiated by Grace Ocean and Synergy to limit their liability to $44 million, a sum the Justice Department deems "woefully inadequate." Additionally, Brawner Builders, the employer of the six deceased workers and one injured, has filed a separate civil claim against the companies.

Benjamin Mizer, a Justice Department official, highlighted that the ship's owners were aware of longstanding electrical and mechanical issues but failed to address them, partly due to cost-cutting measures.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge, named after the author of "The Star-Spangled Banner," was a critical infrastructure component since its opening in 1977. Its collapse has significantly impacted the Port of Baltimore, which handles over 10 million tons of cargo annually and supports more than 15,000 direct jobs.

The state of Maryland estimates the bridge reconstruction will cost between $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion, with completion anticipated by fall 2028. This rebuilding effort will likely involve extensive planning and environmental impact studies, as is typical for major infrastructure projects.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the complex interplay between maritime law, international commerce, and national infrastructure security. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the shipping industry and infrastructure safety protocols worldwide.