City of Baltimore officials filed court papers on Monday holding the owner and manager of the container ship responsible for the Key Bridge collapse. The companies had initially sought to cap their liability under an 1851 maritime law but are now being accused of negligence. The vessel, owned by Grace Ocean Private Ltd. and managed by Synergy Marine Pte Ltd., veered off course and collided with the bridge. The filing by Baltimore’s attorneys claims that the companies should have realized the ship was unfit for its voyage and should have had a competent crew on board.
The ship was en route to Sri Lanka when it lost power shortly after departing from Baltimore, resulting in the collapse of the bridge and the deaths of six roadwork crew members. The city’s complaint states that there were no previous incidents involving cargo ships passing under the Key Bridge, indicating that the disaster was preventable. FBI agents have boarded the ship as part of a criminal investigation, while the National Transportation Safety Board will be looking into the vessel’s electrical system and power issues prior to departure. The economic impact of the bridge collapse on the Port of Baltimore and the region is expected to be significant.
Grace Ocean and Synergy had initially requested to cap their liability at $43.6 million, while the estimated value of the vessel is up to $90 million. The companies are currently facing repair and salvage costs in the millions, with Grace Ocean requiring cargo owners to contribute towards these expenses under a “general average” declaration. Baltimore leaders argue that the companies should be held accountable for the disaster, which has halted maritime traffic through the port and disrupted an important trucking route along the east coast. Victims of the collapse and their families are also seeking to hold the companies fully liable and oppose their request for limited liability.
Salvage crews are currently working to remove the wreckage of the collapsed bridge from the Patapsco River, with temporary channels being opened to allow some vessels to pass through the area. However, the main shipping channel is expected to remain closed for several more weeks as cleanup efforts continue. The legal battle over liability for the disaster is ongoing, with Baltimore officials and victims’ families seeking to hold Grace Ocean and Synergy accountable for the devastating consequences of the Key Bridge collapse. The outcome of the federal court case in Maryland will determine the extent of the companies’ responsibility and potential financial obligations for one of the most expensive maritime disasters in history.
