The Singaporean cargo ship owners responsible for the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore have agreed to a $100 million settlement with the U.S. Justice Department.
The incident, which occurred on March 26 when the M/V Dali struck the bridge, resulted in the deaths of six road workers and disrupted a vital shipping channel.
Grace Ocean Private Ltd and Synergy Marine Private Ltd will pay $101.1 million to cover the costs of emergency responses and removing bridge debris from the Fort McHenry Channel, which leads to Baltimore’s port. This settlement resolves the civil suit and addresses the disaster’s financial impacts.
Benjamin Mizer, a senior official at the Justice Department, highlighted the settlement as a significant step following one of the most severe transportation disasters in recent history. He emphasized that this resolution ensures Grace Ocean and Synergy, not American taxpayers, bear the cleanup costs.
It is important to note that this settlement does not address the costs for the bridge’s eventual reconstruction, which remains separate under the state of Maryland’s jurisdiction. Additionally, the families of the deceased workers are pursuing their legal actions.
Read: Cargo Ship Collision Causes Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse in Baltimore
The Fort McHenry Channel, crucial for the automotive industry, reopened for commercial navigation on June 10.
