The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) expects to have the Port of Baltimore’s main channel open by June 10. The original target for the reopening was last month.
The Francis Scott Key Bridge on the Patapsco River in Baltimore was the scene of a maritime accident after a vessel, Dali, rammed into the bridge. In initial reports, the National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB) suspected a possible electric fault on board the Dali.
Col. Estee Pinchasin, Baltimore district commander for the USACE told the Baltimore Sun the agency is pushing forward as quickly and safely as possible to reach 700 feet. It wants to ensure it removes all wreckage to prevent any impact to future navigation.
In late April, container ships began to call at port following the bridge collapse.
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Port of Baltimore services US trade needs
As one of the oldest ports in the United States, it has a long history of serving the nation’s trade needs and has evolved over time to adapt to changing shipping technologies and trade patterns.
The Bureau of Transportation Statistics reports that the Port of Baltimore is among the top 20 ports in the United States regarding tonnage and the number of containers handled. The report adds that it is the 10th largest port for dry bulk and a major hub for importing and exporting motorized vehicles.
The port has specialized facilities for handling various cargo types, including automobiles, RORO cargo, containers, and bulk commodities. It’s particularly renowned for its handling of cars and RORO cargo.
Red Sea crisis
Meanwhile, shipping line Maersk has raised concerns about noticing “signs of further port congestion” due to the ongoing Red Sea crisis. Asia and the Middle East will be particularly affected, and a further increase in container freight rates is expected.
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About the author
Sharl is a qualified journalist. He has over 10 years’ experience in the media industry, including positions as an editor of a magazine and Business Editor of a daily newspaper. Sharl also has experience in logistics specifically operations, where he worked with global food aid organisations distributing food into Africa. Sharl enjoys writing business stories and human interest pieces.
