The removal of debris from the Baltimore Bridge The Dali, struck a few days ago by the Dali, is being handled by several cranes deployed in a coordinated effort that includes the use of Donjon Marine’s 1,000-ton Chesapeake 100 crane barge, two 300-ton cranes at Tradepoint Atlantic and Weeks Marine’s 500-ton Weeks 533.
Resolve Marine, known for its involvement in the containment of the Deepwater Horizon spill and the controlled demolition of the Tappan Zee Bridge in New York, has headed to Baltimore. This is the first step in what is anticipated to be a reconstruction project that will exceed $2 billion.
In this regard, Vice Admiral Peter Gautier of the U.S. Coast Guard said announced that Resolve Marine has begun mobilization to refloat and remove the vessel that struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge. It is important to remember that the accident destroyed a major section of the bridge, resulting in the loss of six lives and causing the closure of the Port of Baltimore, affecting global supply chains.
According to federal estimates presented to Maryland lawmakers, the cost of replacing the 1.5-mile bridge would be at least $2 billion, including cleanup. Gautier stressed that, following the President’s instructions, the Coast Guard’s priority is to restore maritime traffic as soon as possible.
How did the Baltimore Bridge collapse?
The Dali, a 300-meter container ship under the Singapore flag, struck the Baltimore Bridge on March 26, bringing it down within seconds. The cause of the accident (which is under investigation) was a loss of propulsion that prevented it from maintaining course.
With about 4,700 containers on board, including 56 with hazardous materials, the stability of the Dali is crucial, as it contains more than 1.5 million gallons of fuel and lubricating oil. The Coast Guard and Army Corps of Engineers are leading the salvage efforts, working to stabilize and prepare the ship for refloating.
Notably, Resolve Marine’s previous experience in handling complicated structures suggests a significant capability to meet this challenge. Although there is not yet a definite timeline for reopening the port, U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has indicated that the process will be neither quick nor inexpensive, recalling the $260 million bridge reconstruction in Minnesota as a benchmark.
This incident highlights the interconnection between infrastructure, trade and security in critical shipping lanes. As the bridge is sought to be rebuilt, the opportunity arises to reevaluate and reinforce not only the physical aspect but also maritime safety practices and protocols. This tragedy could serve as a catalyst for innovations in safety and design, ensuring that future structures better withstand both natural and man-made challenges, keeping trade routes vital to the global economy safe.
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Source: gcaptain.com
Photo: shutterstock
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