Baltimore files lawsuit against Dali vessel owner and manager for bridge collapse

Posted on April 29, 2024   |  

Baltimore has leveled accusations of negligence against the operator of the containership, citing the Dali as "clearly unseaworthy."

Allegations within the lawsuit attribute the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse to the operator's "gross negligence and recklessness," compounded by the vessel's unseaworthy condition.

Since the March 26 bridge collapse, the Port of Baltimore, the city's primary maritime transit port, has experienced significant disruptions in its regular trade.

Seeking recourse, Baltimore has petitioned for a jury trial in the US District Court of Maryland to hold Grace Ocean Private Limited, the vessel's owner, and Synergy Marine Private Limited, its manager, fully accountable.

In response, the Singapore-based owner and manager of the Dali have taken preemptive measures, seeking to limit their liability through the federal court in Maryland.

Disputes have arisen regarding the liability assessment set at $43.6 million by the two companies, a figure contested by Baltimore's court filing.

Baltimore argues that this amount significantly underestimates the losses and damages anticipated from the Dali's collision with the Key Bridge.