Companies Forced To Redirect Cargo, Routes Disrupted After Baltimore Bridge Collapses
Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge's sudden collapse has forced shipping and trucking routes to circumvent one of the East Coast's most bustling ports, causing delays and increased expenses in the latest upheaval to global supply networks.
Following the collision between the container ship Dali and the bridge, resulting in its collapse early Tuesday, all ship traffic to and from the Port of Baltimore has been halted indefinitely. According to Judah Levine, head of research at Freightos, a global freight booking platform, this suspension necessitates redirecting vessels or their cargo to alternative ports, potentially leading to congestion and shipment delays for importers.
At the time of the collision, the Dali was the sole container vessel present in the port, though seven others were slated to arrive in Baltimore by Saturday, Levine confirmed. Additionally, six individuals from a crew tasked with repairing potholes on the bridge remained unaccounted for several hours after the structure collapsed.
Jessica Gail, spokesperson for the American Trucking Associations, highlighted the profound repercussions of the incident, emphasizing the essential roles played by the Key Bridge and Baltimore's port in the nation's infrastructure. Approximately 1.3 million trucks traverse the bridge annually, equating to 3,600 trucks daily.
RELATED: NYC Mayor Eric Adams Accused Of Sexual Assault By Former NYPD Aide In Shocking Lawsuit
Notably, trucks transporting hazardous materials will be compelled to embark on 30-mile detours around Baltimore due to restrictions on tunnel usage, contributing to delays and escalating fuel expenses.
