In a landmark resolution protecting infrastructure and public costs, the U.S. Department of Justice announced a $101,980,000 settlement with Singaporean companies Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Private Limited, owners of the vessel DALI , implicated in the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.
This bridge, located in the port of Baltimore, suffered catastrophic damage after the ship DALI collided with one of its support columns on March 26, causing the bridge to collapse and paralyzing maritime traffic for months.
USA Gets Funding to Restore Baltimore
The settlement covers costs incurred by the U.S. to restore access to the Fort McHenry Channel and clean up debris from the accident, which resulted in the loss of six lives and blocked a vital artery for commercial and commuter traffic in Baltimore. Funds will go to the U.S. Treasury and several federal agencies involved in disaster response and mitigation efforts.
Deputy Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer highlighted the swift resolution in a lawsuit filed in September , saying, “Thanks to the diligent work of the Department of Justice’s legal team, we secured this restitution without delay .” The agreed-upon sum also includes reimbursement of $97,294 earmarked for oil pollution prevention, which was handled by the Coast Guard.
Baltimore moves forward in reconstruction after DALI ship impact
The incident was one of the largest shipping disasters in recent memory, and in addition to property damage and loss of life, the Fort McHenry channel was blocked by more than 50,000 tons of debris . Although the port has resumed operations, the state of Maryland is pursuing a separate lawsuit to cover the reconstruction of the bridge, which will be partly funded by recovered funds.
This agreement represents a key step forward for the country’s infrastructure and security policy, ensuring that the costs of incidents like this one do not fall on the American taxpayer, but on those directly responsible for the accident.
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Source: U.S. Department of Justice
Photo: Shutterstock
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