After over two months of closure following a cargo ship collision with a major bridge in March, the Baltimore shipping lane has fully reopened as of Monday, announced authorities.
The US Army Corps of Engineers, in collaboration with Navy salvage divers, successfully restored the channel to its original dimensions by removing approximately 50,000 tons of debris from the Patapsco River, according to a statement from the Key Bridge Response Unified Command.
The riverbed was certified safe for transit on Monday, marking a significant milestone in the recovery effort.
Lieutenant General Scott Spellmon, commanding general of the Army Corps of Engineers, expressed pride in the unified efforts that led to the reopening of the Federal Channel to port operations. He emphasized the importance of enduring partnerships in achieving this pivotal mission.
The incident occurred on March 26 when the Singapore-flagged M/V Dali lost power and collided with a support column of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, resulting in its collapse and tragically claiming the lives of six road workers who were filling potholes overnight.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), in collaboration with the FBI, is currently investigating the incident, noting that the ship experienced two electricity blackouts in the moments leading up to the disaster.
The refloated Dali was towed back into port last month, marking a crucial step in the recovery process.
The port of Baltimore, a vital hub for the auto industry, handled nearly 850,000 autos and light trucks last year, making it one of America’s busiest ports in this regard.
The full reopening of the shipping channel now allows for two-way traffic, facilitating smoother operations for maritime activities.
