In the aftermath of the bridge collapse on March 26, a detailed and meticulous operation has commenced to remove shipping containers from the 984-foot-long vessel, Dali, a crucial step toward reopening the Port of Baltimore for marine traffic.
The undertaking, projected to span several weeks, involves not only clearing the containers but also towing the listing ship to ensure the port’s operational restoration.
Since the initiation of the clearance operation by Unified Command on Sunday, seven containers have been successfully removed, marking the beginning of an extensive effort to alleviate the canal blockage. According to a spokesperson for the Key Bridge Response 2024 Joint Information Center, the immediate objective involves the removal of 10 to 12 containers.
This initial phase aims to establish a safe working environment for the recovery teams focusing on locating missing workers and clearing debris. Particularly, the containers positioned precariously over the port side of Dali’s bow are being prioritized due to the potential hazards they present to the recovery crew.
Unified Command, a coalition comprising Synergy Marine (Dali’s management company), the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Maryland Department of the Environment, the Maryland Transportation Authority, and the Maryland State Police, is spearheading these operations.
Their efforts are concentrated on removing approximately 140 containers to significantly lighten the Dali, facilitating its re-floating and subsequent relocation by tugboats. The operation to offload all containers is expected to span around two weeks.
The initial set of seven containers has been transported to Sparrows Point, historically recognized as Bethlehem Steel’s industrial complex. This 3,100-acre peninsula extending into Baltimore Harbor will temporarily house the containers until further decisions regarding their disposition are made.
The varied capacities of barges being loaded underscore the logistical complexities of the operation, with the current intention being to forward cleared containers to the CSX Terminal, as discussions continue on the logistics front.
CSX, having initiated rail services for diverted containers post-accident, has expressed ongoing support for the recovery efforts, highlighting the collaborative spirit fueling the operation. As the Dali stabilizes and the removal process progresses, the logistics of moving the vessel to the CSX terminal at the Port of Baltimore, including the requisite number of tugs, are being meticulously planned.
The reopening of the Port of Baltimore, a pivotal node for auto imports and exports and a vital trade hub for a vast array of goods, hinges on the successful execution of these recovery operations. Engineers are optimistic about restoring normal capacity access to the main channel by the end of May, a significant milestone in mitigating the impact of the closure.
The strategic adjustment to allow smaller commercial vessels through a new channel underscores the flexibility and resilience of the recovery efforts. This interim solution, while the main channel remains obstructed by the Dali and bridge debris, reflects a pragmatic approach to maintaining partial operational continuity at the port.
As the recovery operation unfolds, the maritime community and the broader economy keenly await the restoration of full functionality to the Port of Baltimore, a critical artery in the nation’s trade infrastructure.
The collaborative endeavor of Unified Command and its partners exemplifies a concerted effort to overcome the challenges posed by the bridge collapse and ensure the port’s swift and safe return to service.