Cargo Ship Ordered to Pay Over $102 Million Settlement Following Baltimore Bridge Tragedy

Washington — The owner and manager of the cargo ship involved in the tragic Baltimore bridge collapse have agreed to pay over $102 million to cover cleanup costs, according to officials on October 24. This settlement resolves a lawsuit filed by the Justice Department but does not include compensation for the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which could cost nearly $2 billion. The state of Maryland has also initiated its own claims related to the damages.

The agreement follows a lawsuit filed a month ago against Grace Ocean Private Ltd. and Synergy Marine Group, both based in Singapore, aiming to recover expenses associated with the cleanup. The Justice Department alleged that inadequate maintenance of the Dali’s electrical and mechanical systems led to a loss of power, causing the vessel to veer off course and collide with a bridge support column in March. At the time, the ship was departing Baltimore for Sri Lanka when its steering failed.

The incident resulted in the tragic deaths of six road crew members who were working overnight to repair potholes. Following the collision, extensive cleanup operations were launched to search for victims and remove debris from the Patapsco River. The Dali remained trapped in the wreckage for nearly two months, with fallen steel trusses resting on its damaged bow.

“This resolution ensures that the costs of the federal government’s cleanup efforts in the Fort McHenry Channel are borne by Grace Ocean and Synergy, not the American taxpayer,” stated Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin Mizer.

In the wake of the disaster, Grace Ocean and Synergy had filed a petition to limit their legal liability, anticipating that this case could evolve into one of the most costly marine casualty incidents in history. Court documents indicate that both parties submitted a joint filing on October 24, announcing their settlement and requesting the dismissal of the Justice Department’s claim for $103 million in cleanup costs. However, other claims related to the incident remain unresolved as the broader liability case unfolds.