Eight months after the container ship “Dali” destroyed the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, it has arrived in China for repairs.
The ship was badly damaged, but survived the two-month crossing from Norfolk without incident. The legal proceedings will drag on for years.
The Singapore-flagged “Dali” (116,851 dwt) discharged its remaining cargo in Virginia, where initial repairs were also carried out to ensure a safe passage. The ship has no working anchors; one was severed during the accident in Baltimore when parts of the bridge and road collapsed onto the bow of the ship. The thrusters are also reportedly badly damaged.
Bow of the “Dali” to be completely replaced
According to Chinese media reports, the “Dali” is now undergoing extensive repairs at the Fujian Huadong Shipyard in Luoyuan. Among other things, the entire bow is to be replaced; no time frame has been set for this.
The accident, in which the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore was destroyed and six people lost their lives, is now being heard in US courts. Shipowner Grace Ocean and manager Synergy Marine have so far agreed to pay over US$100m for the clean-up, which will be covered by insurance. However, both companies have so far “firmly” rejected blame for the accident. Instead, they are trying to place part of the blame on the city of Baltimore, as the bridge was not adequately protected. The faulty design of the ship’s electrical system, installed by Hyundai Heavy Industries, also contributed to the accident. Meanwhile, Grace Ocean has already paid US$100,000 to the US Coast Guard for the oil spill resulting from the accident.
Trials will begin on 1 June 2026 and will take place without a jury.
