Danish shipping giant Maersk announced on Tuesday that it will be suspending all services to the port of Baltimore for the foreseeable future due to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
The company stated that the bridge damage and resulting debris have made it impossible to access the Helen Delich Bentley port of Baltimore at this time. As a result, Baltimore will be omitted from all Maersk services until the area is deemed safe for passage.
The container ship involved in the bridge collision, the DALI, was chartered by Maersk and was carrying cargo belonging to Maersk customers. The vessel is owned by Grace Ocean and operated by Synergy Group. Fortunately, no Maersk crew or personnel were on board at the time of the incident.
Ships originally bound for Baltimore will now be redirected to nearby ports, allowing cargo to be transported to their final destinations using alternative means. Maersk advised that cargo intended for release in Baltimore should anticipate delays as they explore other port options.