Shipping companies to pay $102 million for Baltimore bridge crash
Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine settle for $102 million over bridge crash
Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Private Limited, the owner and operator of the cargo ship that collided with Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge in March, resulting in six fatalities, have agreed to pay $102 million to the federal government. This announcement came from the US Justice Department on Thursday.
In September, the department filed a civil claim for $103 million against the two Singaporean companies. The aim was to recover the expenses incurred by the US government in responding to the disaster and clearing the wreckage of the Dali ship and bridge debris from the Port of Baltimore, allowing the waterway to reopen in June.
Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin Mizer stated that the settlement ensures that the cleanup costs in the Fort McHenry Channel are covered by Grace Ocean and Synergy, rather than the American taxpayer.
#BreakingNews: Video footage captures the moment when a container ship collision causes the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.pic.twitter.com/GAWRfdg0PU
— 🌙 MOON LIGHT ❤️😊 (@realmoon27) March 26, 2024
The National Transportation Safety Board reported in May that the Dali experienced multiple electrical power losses before crashing into the bridge in the Patapsco River on March 26. The FBI initiated a criminal investigation into the incident in April.
The Justice Department’s lawsuit was a response to a legal action by Grace Ocean and Synergy, seeking to limit their liability for the crash to $44 million, which department officials deemed insufficient.
The collision caused a support pylon to collapse, sending the bridge into the river. The reopening process required the removal of 50,000 tons of debris. Over 1,500 responders and 500 specialists from around the world participated in the operation, which involved 56 federal, state, and local agencies.
The state of Maryland also filed claims against the companies to cover the costs of rebuilding the bridge, cleanup efforts, environmental claims, and other expenses. Maryland estimates that the reconstruction will cost between $1.7 billion and $1.9 billion, with completion anticipated by fall 2028.
The DOJ noted that funds recovered by Maryland for the bridge reconstruction will help reduce the project costs borne by the US government.
What Other Media Are Saying
- Chicagotribune: A ship owner has agreed to pay $102 million for the cleanup and settlement following the Baltimore bridge collapse, highlighting corporate accountability and environmental compensation.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What caused the collision at the Francis Scott Key Bridge?
The Dali experienced multiple electrical power losses before crashing.
How much are Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine paying in the settlement?
They agreed to pay $102 million to the federal government.
What was the purpose of the US Justice Department’s civil claim?
To recover expenses incurred by the US government in responding to the disaster.
When is the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge expected to be completed?
The reconstruction is anticipated to be completed by fall 2028.
How many agencies and specialists were involved in the cleanup operation?
56 federal, state, and local agencies and over 500 specialists participated.
