Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg is set to join White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre at Wednesday's afternoon press briefing to discuss the federal government's response to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland. Vice Admiral Peter Gautier, Deputy Commandant for Operations for the United States Coast Guard, will also be present to provide updates on the situation.
Buttigieg has warned Americans to prepare for potential supply chain disruptions due to shipping impacts at the Port of Baltimore following the bridge collapse. The Secretary highlighted that the bridge, which carried approximately 30,000 vehicles daily, played a crucial role in the region's transportation network. While alternative tunnels are available, traffic disruptions are expected.
Speaking on 'America's Newsroom,' Buttigieg emphasized the unique challenges of managing cargo flow in ocean shipping compared to air traffic control. Unlike air travel, where a central authority coordinates diversions and operations, ocean shipping involves multiple stakeholders such as shippers, ports, terminals, and cargo owners who operate independently.
Despite the decentralized nature of ocean shipping, Buttigieg assured that the Department of Transportation is leveraging its relationships and tools to facilitate coordination among stakeholders. The Port of Baltimore, a key hub for vehicle shipments including cars and farm equipment, is particularly vital to the nation's supply chain.
The briefing is expected to shed light on the government's efforts to mitigate the impact of the bridge collapse on transportation and commerce in the region. Stay tuned for further updates on this developing situation.
