Reckless decisions blamed for deadly Baltimore bridge collapse as DOJ demands $100m from ship owners

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a lawsuit against Singapore-based companies, Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Private Limited, following the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March 2024. The DOJ is demanding over $100 million in damages, alleging that reckless negligence by the ship’s operators led to the catastrophe, which resulted in six deaths and brought the Port of Baltimore to a halt for months. The lawsuit also seeks punitive damages, arguing that the companies prioritised cost-cutting over safety measures, contributing to the disaster.

Singapore ship owners face $100M lawsuit after catastrophic bridge collapse

In one of the most significant marine accident lawsuits in U.S. history, the DOJ is pursuing Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Private Limited for what it describes as gross negligence. The incident occurred when the cargo ship, Dali, lost power and crashed into a support column of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing a section of the structure to collapse into the water. Six construction workers, who were conducting repairs on the bridge at the time, were killed instantly. The U.S. government had to undertake a massive cleanup effort, clearing over 50,000 tons of steel, concrete, and debris to reopen the port, which was essential for both commercial and defence operations.

Negligence, power failures, and tragedy

The Justice Department’s lawsuit outlines a damning series of events. The Dali experienced repeated electrical failures due to poor maintenance, exacerbated by excessive vibrations, which were a known issue with the vessel. Instead of addressing these problems, the ship’s crew implemented temporary fixes, leaving the ship vulnerable to critical failures. On March 26, 2024, the Dali lost power twice while navigating the Fort McHenry Channel. With the ship out of control, it struck the bridge, causing part of it to collapse. The lawsuit alleges that none of the ship’s steering mechanisms functioned, contributing to the deadly disaster.

The DOJ argues that the collapse was entirely avoidable, accusing the companies of cutting corners to save money while risking both lives and essential infrastructure. The U.S. government claims that the companies failed to address the ship’s mechanical issues, even though they were well aware of the potential dangers. This negligence, the suit asserts, led to the deaths of six workers and the destruction of a crucial transportation link.

U.S. government takes a stand

The lawsuit aims to hold Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Private Limited accountable for the extensive costs involved in clearing the wreckage and ensuring the safety of the waterway. Attorney General Merrick Garland emphasized the government’s determination to ensure that the financial burden does not fall on U.S. taxpayers. The companies are also seeking to limit their liability, but the DOJ is pushing back strongly, vowing to contest this effort in court.

Additionally, Brawner Builders, the company employing the victims, has filed its own claim, citing the loss of six employees and valuable equipment. Families of the deceased workers have also announced their intention to sue the ship’s owner and operator, further escalating the legal fallout from this tragedy.

Expert opinion: an avoidable disaster

Experts believe that this case is likely to set a precedent for how marine accidents are handled in the future. Legal analysts point to the clear evidence of mechanical negligence and poor management by the ship’s operators. According to industry experts, the power failures on the Dali were preventable had the ship been properly maintained. A senior maritime safety expert stated that “cutting costs in vessel maintenance and safety checks is a recipe for disaster, and the Dali incident is a grim reminder of what can happen when companies prioritize profits over people.”

This lawsuit not only focuses on the financial costs but also highlights the risks involved when ships with known issues are allowed to navigate vital shipping lanes. If the DOJ’s case is successful, it could lead to stricter regulations and penalties for companies that fail to uphold safety standards in U.S. waters.

Impact on global shipping

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge didn’t just affect the local Baltimore economy—it had a significant impact on global shipping routes. The Port of Baltimore is one of the busiest in the United States, and the closure caused a backlog of ships waiting to enter and leave. Shipping companies worldwide felt the ripple effects, with delays causing significant financial losses and disruptions to supply chains.

The DOJ’s lawsuit is poised to become one of the largest maritime cases in U.S. history, with the government determined to recover the costs and ensure that such an event does not happen again.