Temporary Baltimore shipping access on its way

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Tuesday, 02 April 2024

A temporary solution has been announced for ships trying to offload cargo in the US city of Baltimore following the collapse of a major bridge there.

Six people died after the Dali cargo ship struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge late March.

According to a statement from 'Key Bridge Response', Baltimore port officials will open a temporary channel to the north-east of the main channel near the collapsed bridge, for 'commercially essential vessels' as part of a phased approach to opening the main channel.

"By opening this alternate route, we will support the flow of marine traffic," said David O'Connell, who has been helping to coordinate the response.

The alternative route, he said, "will mark an important first step along the road to reopening the port of Baltimore".
US president Joe Biden said he expects Congress to support funding to pay for the bridge's reconstruction. He is due to visit Baltimore this week.