Maryland Reaches Settlement in Principle With Dali Owner in Key Bridge Collapse Case

Maryland has reached a settlement in principle with Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Pte Ltd., the owner and operator of the containership Dali, concerning claims related to the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse on March 26, 2024. Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced the agreement, which covers claims from multiple state agencies, but financial details were not disclosed. The settlement does not address potential liability of the shipbuilder, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries.

Maryland’s initial lawsuit, filed in September 2024, alleged negligence and the operation of an unseaworthy vessel. The state sought damages for the bridge’s destruction, environmental harm to the Patapsco River, and economic losses. Claims from victims’ families, injured workers, and businesses are still being pursued. The bridge collapse resulted in the deaths of six construction workers and significantly disrupted shipping at the Port of Baltimore, impacting thousands of workers and supply chains.

The National Transportation Safety Board identified a loose signal wire causing a power loss as the initial failure, but investigations continue into vessel operation, system redundancy, and infrastructure vulnerabilities. The settlement represents a step toward resolving state-level claims, but the full legal and technical investigation remains ongoing.

(Source：Gcaptain)