Authorities have announced that the Port of Baltimore is expected to return to normal commercial shipping traffic levels after the recent reopening of the channel, which had been closed since the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. U.S. Coast Guard Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath confirmed during a virtual press briefing that the port is fully operational and ready to accommodate the largest container ships.
Following the tragic bridge collapse in March, some shipping companies diverted their cargo to other ports, causing a temporary halt in maritime traffic through Baltimore's port. The cleanup efforts involved clearing an estimated 50,000 tons of debris from the Patapsco River, costing approximately $100 million and requiring collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies.
With the channel now restored to its original depth and width, companies that had redirected their shipments are expected to return to Baltimore. The port, known for processing a significant volume of cars and farm equipment, is poised to resume its operations at full capacity.
While some commercial traffic had been gradually reintroduced in recent weeks, the reopening of the deep-draft channel marks a significant milestone. The salvage operations are estimated to cost up to $75 million, with an additional $24 million spent on the Coast Guard response.
The Biden administration has approved $60 million in immediate federal aid as a preliminary step towards rebuilding the bridge, which is projected to cost nearly $2 billion. President Biden has assured full federal funding for the reconstruction, pending approval from Congress.
The cargo ship Dali's collision with a critical support column of the bridge led to its collapse, resulting in tragic fatalities. Investigations into the incident are ongoing, with the National Transportation Safety Board and FBI looking into the causes of the electrical issues that preceded the accident.
After being lodged in the wreckage for almost two months, the Dali was successfully refloated and guided back to port, allowing for the reopening of the shipping channel. The channel, now 50 feet deep and 400 feet wide, is ready to accommodate large commercial vessels, with plans to resume two-way traffic.
