Baltimore Bridge Collapse & Port Operations Update

News out of Baltimore continues to unfold after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge when a container ship “Dali” collided into it early Tuesday 3/26/24. The bridge collapse sent vehicles into the water and a large-scale search and rescue is underway. eShipping continues to hope for the safe return of those missing. Vessel traffic into and out of the port of Baltimore has been suspended indefinitely. Traffic congestion around the port is very heavy due to detours. The port has ceased accepting all exports containers until further notice.

Impact on eShipping Customers:

Fortunately, the containers on this vessel for eShipping customers were all discharged prior to the incident. However, this situation will create significant issues all along the East Coast for U.S. importers and exporters.  As of the time of this mailing, the bridge collapse “effectively sets up a wall between the port in Baltimore and the Chesapeake Bay,” according to Freight Waves. This means that for the time being, it will not be possible to get to the container terminals (or a range of other terminals) in Baltimore.

Inbound vessels such as the 9000 TEU “MSC Alina” have rerouted to the next port of call in Savannah while other vessels scheduled to call the port in Baltimore are working to adjust their routes. eShipping’s international team will remain vigilant in monitoring the continual routing updates and assisting eShipping customers with making alternate arrangements, as available. Ocean carriers may claim Force Majeure and discharge containers at alternative U.S. East coast ports.  We expect most ocean carriers to omit the port of Baltimore until it is deemed safe for passage. 

Please contact your eShipping Account Manager or International Operations representative with any questions or concerns.

eShipping International Department

Intl@eShipping.biz