The Port of Baltimore's only maritime shipping terminal, Tradepoint Atlantic, is gearing up to handle an increase in redirected ships as efforts continue to clear the debris from the collapsed Francis Scott Key Bridge. The port is facing logistical challenges as the main terminals remain closed to traffic, impacting shipping operations along the East Coast.
Tradepoint Atlantic is set to process approximately 10,000 vehicles over the next 15 days, including both regularly scheduled ships and those redirected due to the bridge collapse. The salvage operation involves unloading and processing vehicles, as well as storing and handling steel pieces of the collapsed bridge.
While a temporary second channel has been opened through the collapse site, it is not suitable for most commercial vessels. Crews are working to open a third channel to accommodate larger vessels and restore normal commercial activity at the port.
The salvage effort, which includes recovering bodies of workers believed to be trapped underwater, has been complicated by rough weather conditions. A floating crane named “Chessy” is assisting in the salvage operation.
Efforts are underway to support port employees who are out of work due to the closure, with the Maryland Senate considering a bill to authorize the use of state reserves to aid affected workers and small businesses. President Joe Biden has pledged federal resources to support the recovery process.
The bridge collapse occurred when the cargo ship Dali lost power and struck the bridge while leaving Baltimore. The incident resulted in the deaths of construction workers and has led to a legal process to determine liability under U.S. maritime law.
As the port works to resume normal operations, the impact of the bridge collapse continues to be felt by shipping companies and workers awaiting the reopening of one of the East Coast's largest ports.
