The Francis Scott key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, collapsed on March 26, 2024, after being struck by the container ship Dali. As of January 31, 2026, the main shipping channel remains fully reopened, adn recovery efforts are largely complete, though legal proceedings and infrastructure rebuilding continue.
Recovery of the Francis Scott Key Bridge
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The recovery of the francis Scott Key Bridge involved the removal of wreckage and the refloating of the Dali.The Unified Command, led by the U.S. Coast Guard, oversaw the complex operation.
The final section of the bridge was removed on April 22, 2024, clearing the main shipping channel. the Dali was refloated on May 20, 2024, and towed to the Tradepoint Atlantic terminal for inspection and eventual repairs.
Example: The U.S.Army Corps of Engineers utilized a specialized crane vessel, the Chesapeake, to lift large sections of the bridge.USACE News Release
Legal Proceedings and Liability
A civil lawsuit was filed by the U.S. Department of Justice against Grace Ocean Private Limited Company, the owner of the Dali, and Synergy Marine Group, the ship’s manager, seeking over $1.9 billion to cover the costs of the bridge’s reconstruction and related damages.
The lawsuit alleges negligence on the part of the ship’s owner and operator, citing inadequate maintenance and training. Criminal investigations were also conducted, but as of January 31, 2026, no criminal charges have been filed.
Example: The complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland details the alleged failures of the ship’s crew and management. Department of Justice Complaint
Rebuilding the Francis Scott Key Bridge
Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced a plan to rebuild the Francis Scott Key Bridge, with funding from state and federal sources. The estimated cost of the project is approximately $1.7 billion.
The rebuilding project is divided into two phases: an immediate phase focused on restoring full functionality to the Port of Baltimore, and a long-term phase focused on constructing a new bridge. The state anticipates the new bridge will be completed by September 2027.
Example: The Maryland Transportation Authority (MDOT) released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for the design and construction of the new bridge on november 15, 2024. MDOT RFP
Impact on the Port of Baltimore
The collapse of the Key Bridge substantially disrupted operations at the Port of Baltimore, a major hub for vehicle imports and exports. The main shipping channel was fully reopened on January 28, 2026, restoring the port to full capacity.
Prior to the channel reopening, cargo was diverted to other East Coast ports, including New York and New jersey, and Norfolk, Virginia. The economic impact of the disruption was estimated at over $2 billion per month.
Example: In December 2024, the Port of Baltimore reported a 40% decrease in vehicle imports compared to the same period in 2023. Port of Baltimore Press Releases
