Port of Baltimore Set to Reopen After Key Bridge Collapse Disruption

port of baltimore bridge global trade virginia

Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, International Trade, News, Ocean Ports

Port of Baltimore Set to Reopen After Key Bridge Collapse Disruption

June 6th, 2024 Tim Jay Leave a comment

The full federal channel to the Port of Baltimore is scheduled to reopen on June 7, ending an 11-week halt in vessel traffic following the collapse of the Key Bridge, CBS News reports.

Salvage efforts have successfully cleared the 50-foot deep, 700-foot wide Fort McHenry Channel, allowing all vessels to access the port. The restoration work is expected to be completed no later than June 10.

“We are not taking our foot off the gas,” said Estee S. Pinchasin, USACE, Baltimore District commander. “We are pushing forward as quickly and safely as possible to reach 700 feet and ensuring we remove all wreckage to prevent any impact to future navigation.”

On March 26, the 948-foot containership Dali struck the Key Bridge, causing its collapse and resulting in the deaths of six construction workers. Debris from the collapse had restricted maritime travel through the key gateway.

Unified Command used explosives last month to break off large portions of the bridge. Cuts and precise incisions were made in the steel for placing explosives, which were then covered with heavy-duty tape. The controlled detonation shattered the truss into pieces, sending them into the Patapsco River.

Enough bridge debris was cleared from the Dali to refloat it a week after the controlled detonation. The Dali returned to the Port of Baltimore two hours after its departure from the bridge, escorted by several tugboats.

Following the removal of the Dali, workers resumed clearing the wreckage from the federal channel. They continued removing debris from the riverbed by digging out the bottom cord of the remaining truss and cutting it into sections for safe removal. At the time of the ship’s removal, only about one-third of the truss was visible above the water, with the rest buried in the mud on the riverbed.

On May 31, CBS News reported that salvage crews successfully lifted a 470-short-tonne steel section of the Key Bridge truss, which had been buried in the river midline and holding the Dali in place for weeks.

“These final lifts are an important next step to re-opening the full 700-foot width of the navigation channel,” Unified Command said.

In May 2024, Carl Bentzel, Commissioner of the US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC), wrote to President Joe Biden seeking financial aid for staff and businesses affected by the recent events at the Port of Baltimore.

legal global trade baltimore bridge port

Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News, Ocean Ports

MV Dali Refloated, Port of Baltimore Set to Resume Full Operations

May 21st, 2024 Tim Jay Leave a comment

The container ship MV Dali, which has obstructed the Port of Baltimore for nearly two months, is being refloated this morning, with Maersk reopening some service bookings related to the incident.

The 9,000 TEU container ship allided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, halting vessel transits through the port. For almost two months, the ship remained stuck, with only four temporary navigation channels allowing limited vessel movement, leaving many large containerships unable to transit.

This morning, operations began to refloat and move the MV Dali from its position to a local marine terminal. According to the Port of Baltimore administration, “Optimum conditions call for the transit of the MV Dali to commence at high tide, predicted to be Monday at 5:24 am. The vessel will be prepared at 2 am, allowing the MV Dali to catch the peak high tide for a controlled transit.” Preparations started roughly 18 hours ago, at midday on Sunday. Once refloated, up to five tugboats will escort the MV Dali on its 2.5-mile journey to a marine terminal where entry is strictly controlled. The entire sequence is expected to take a minimum of 21 hours, with the port authority planning to release a time-lapse montage upon completion.

Meanwhile, Maersk has reopened bookings for its AGAS and AMEX services. The AMEX service, which operates between the US East Coast and South Africa, is expected to call at Baltimore on June 1. The AGAS service, running from the US East Coast to South America, is expected to call on June 11. “AGAS and AMEX are open to bookings now because those vessels can use the Fort McHenry Limited Access Channel, which is not accessible for vessels utilized currently on Transpacific or Transatlantic service,” Maersk explained.

However, bookings for Maersk’s Transatlantic services and Baltimore exports on TP12 remain closed. The Danish carrier assured that bookings would reopen once more information on channel conditions for these services becomes available. “Our ability to call Baltimore will ultimately rely on the refloating timeline and the captain of the port officially opening the port and/or the fourth alternative channel that was previously closed,” Maersk stated. It also noted that if the timeline prevents calls at Baltimore, vessels may be redirected to another US East Coast port.

Despite this positive development, the seafarers aboard the MV Dali have been stuck on the vessel since the allision, unable to disembark due to visa issues and lacking communication with the outside world, including their families.

Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News, Ocean Ports

Cargo Ship’s Power Failures Blamed for Baltimore Bridge Collapse

May 16th, 2024 Tim Jay Leave a comment

Federal investigators revealed that the cargo ship Dali experienced power blackouts hours before it left the Port of Baltimore and again just before it collided with the Francis Key Bridge, resulting in the deaths of six construction workers. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) detailed these findings in a preliminary report on Tuesday, marking the most comprehensive account of the incident to date.

The first power outage occurred roughly 10 hours before departure, triggered by a crew member mistakenly closing an exhaust damper during maintenance, which caused one of the ship’s diesel engines to stall. A backup generator kicked in but soon failed due to insufficient fuel pressure, leading to a second blackout. The crew then reconfigured the ship’s electrical system in preparation for departure.

Shortly after setting sail on March 26, the Dali lost steering and propulsion near the bridge due to another power outage caused by tripped breakers. This failure occurred as the ship approached the bridge, rendering it unable to avoid crashing into one of the bridge’s support columns.

The NTSB report describes how crew members scrambled to address these electrical issues, manually resetting breakers and attempting to restore power. Despite their efforts, the ship experienced another blackout just before the crash. Pilots on board called for tugboats, attempted to drop anchor, and issued a mayday call, but it was too late to prevent the disaster.

The collision caused the 1.6-mile steel span to collapse into the Patapsco River, killing six workers who were on a break in their vehicles. One worker survived by escaping his truck, and a road maintenance inspector narrowly avoided the collapse by running to safety.

The Dali, en route to Sri Lanka with shipping containers and supplies, was grounded amid the wreckage of the bridge. On Monday, a controlled demolition was conducted to remove the remaining span of the bridge from the ship’s bow. The Dali is expected to be refloated and returned to the Port of Baltimore soon.

The NTSB continues to investigate the power failures and is working with Hyundai, the manufacturer of the ship’s electrical system, to determine the cause of the breaker issues. The final report, which will include more detailed findings, is expected to take over a year to complete. Meanwhile, the FBI has launched a criminal investigation into the circumstances leading up to the collapse.

The Dali had arrived in the U.S. from Singapore on March 19, making stops in Newark, New Jersey, and Norfolk, Virginia, before docking in Baltimore. Investigators noted that there were no reported power outages at these other ports.

The NTSB’s mission, as stated by board chair Jennifer Homendy, is to understand why and how the incident occurred to prevent future tragedies.

Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News, Ocean Carriers

Crews Blast Baltimore Bridge Wreckage Off Cargo Ship

May 16th, 2024 Tim Jay Leave a comment

Authorities are optimistic that the cargo ship Dali will soon be refloated after salvage crews used explosives to demolish wreckage from the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which collapsed onto the ship’s bow earlier this year.

On Monday, a salvage crew detonated a series of small explosives to remove the largest remaining section of the bridge. This controlled demolition targeted a four-ton chunk of debris nearly seven weeks after the incident, which resulted in the deaths of six construction workers and temporarily disrupted access to the Port of Baltimore. Dramatic images captured the blasts, showing orange flashes and black smoke as the wreckage plunged into the water, splashing back onto the ship.

Mayor Brandon Scott commended the Key Bridge Response Unified Command team for their precise and safe execution of the demolition, and for their dedication to the city’s recovery efforts. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Col. Estee Pinchasin expressed satisfaction with the operation, noting that a significant amount of steel had been removed. Further surveys will ensure the cargo ship sustained no additional damage.

The demolition, initially scheduled for the weekend, was delayed due to anticipated bad weather. The ship is not yet fully free, with officials planning to investigate and clear the remaining trusses and underwater debris to facilitate refloating and movement.

Maryland Governor Wes Moore announced that a navigable channel, 50 feet deep and 700 feet wide, is expected to be ready by the end of the month. Temporary channels have already enabled some ship operations to resume. Moore highlighted that large ships are now passing through the port, with about 30 vessels and barges expected in the coming week.

US Coast Guard Rear Admiral Shannon Gilreath indicated hopes to move the Dali within the next two days. Last week, Maryland State Police recovered the remains of the sixth and final victim, 37-year-old José Mynor López. López and five others were working on the bridge at the time of the collapse and perished in the disaster.

Governor Moore emphasized ongoing support for the victims’ families, noting the challenges of the recovery process and praising the team for their steadfast efforts despite the difficult conditions.

Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News, Ocean Ports

Baltimore Port Progress: Clearing Path for Vessel Traffic After Bridge Collapse

April 24th, 2024 Tim Jay Leave a comment

Significant strides have been made in clearing a major obstruction in the Port of Baltimore, as announced by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE). This development marks a crucial step towards reopening part of the main federal channel, facilitating access for larger commercial vessels, including those stranded due to the collapsed bridge.

The removal of a 560-ton section of structural steel on Monday signifies a notable achievement in the temporary restoration of a 35-foot-deep Limited Access Channel (LAC), scheduled to open on Thursday. This milestone aligns with the commitment to reopen the deeper channel by the end of April. To date, three temporary alternative channels have been operational, with varying depths of 20, 14, and 11 feet, respectively.

Detailed in a Marine Safety Information Bulletin (MSIB 043-24) by the Captain of the Port, the planned LAC will boast a controlling depth of 35 feet, horizontal clearance of 300 feet, and vertical clearance of 214 feet, accommodating overhead power lines. Unlike existing alternate channels, the LAC forms part of the northern segment of the wider federal channel obstructed since the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse.

Once operational, the channel will facilitate the passage of commercial vessels into the Port of Baltimore and enable the departure of deep-draft commercial vessels currently immobilized in the harbor. However, the channel’s opening will be limited from April 25 to April 29 or 30, contingent upon weather conditions. Subsequently, it will close until May 10 to initiate critical salvage operations aimed at fully clearing the 50-foot-deep federal channel.

Lt. Gen. Scott Spellmon, USACE Commanding General, emphasized the commitment to restoring normal operations at the Port of Baltimore, highlighting the importance of achieving this milestone. The progress achieved enables USACE and its partners to advance towards the full reopening of the 50-foot-deep Fort McHenry Federal Channel.

Presently, several international commercial ships, including bulk carriers and cargo ships, remain trapped behind the wreckage in Baltimore, along with government-owned Ready Reserve Force vessels. The channel’s operation will be subject to restrictions, including limited speed and mandatory vessel assessments based on dimensions and displacement.

The next phase of the project involves sonar surveys by USACE, navigation aid placement by the U.S. Coast Guard, and updated nautical charts issuance by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Port officials will subsequently evaluate the feasibility of resuming commercial maritime traffic on a case-by-case basis.

Col. Estee Pinchasin, USACE Baltimore District Commander, commended the collaborative efforts and emphasized the paramount importance of safety throughout the salvage operations. The Unified Command remains dedicated to restoring commerce to the Port of Baltimore while prioritizing crew safety and addressing the needs of affected families.

Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News, Ocean Ports

Baltimore Takes Legal Action Against Ship Owner and Operator Following Bridge Collision

April 24th, 2024 Tim Jay Leave a comment

Baltimore has initiated legal proceedings against the owner and operator of the cargo ship responsible for colliding with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, leading to its collapse last month.

The legal claim, filed on Monday, targets Grace Ocean Private Limited, the owner, and Synergy Marine PTE LTD, the manager of the vessel named Dali. Attorneys representing Baltimore’s mayor and City Council allege that both companies failed to provide competent crew members with adequate skill and training, as stated in the claim obtained by CNN. The city is seeking unspecified damages from both entities.

The incident occurred in the early hours of March 26 when the Dali, weighing 213 million pounds and carrying cargo containers, struck the bridge, resulting in its immediate collapse. The collision claimed the lives of at least six individuals and caused extensive property damage, severely disrupting the region’s economic activities.

According to the claim, the Dali departed from port despite signs indicating an inconsistent power supply, raising questions about the vessel’s readiness for navigation.

Baltimore’s legal action aims to ensure appropriate compensation for the losses incurred by the city, its residents, and businesses due to the Key Bridge catastrophe. The City Law Office emphasized the pursuit of justice through active litigation, refraining from further comment outside the judicial forum.

Earlier this month, Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine sought a $43.6 million limit on potential liability payouts through a petition in federal court. However, Baltimore has urged the court to reject this request, underscoring the severity of the damages caused by the collision.

Responding to the legal action, a representative for Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine stated that further comments would be inappropriate at this time, respecting ongoing investigations and potential legal proceedings.

Both the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the US Coast Guard are conducting a criminal investigation into the ship crash. Federal authorities are also examining whether the crew failed to report an earlier issue with the vessel that delayed its departure, further complicating the legal and investigative landscape surrounding the incident.

baltimore import mach electronic shipping route import 7LFreight Expands Instant Cargo Pricing and Booking for North American Forwarders Across Both Air and Trucking import container descartes automation baltimore bridge container freight global trade

Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, International Trade, News, Ocean Ports

Stable Shipping Rates Amid Baltimore Bridge Collapse, but Challenges Loom Ahead

April 15th, 2024 Tim Jay Leave a comment

Despite the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, ocean freight container shipping rates have remained stable, according to data from Xeneta, an ocean freight analytics platform.

Xeneta reports that average spot rates from the Far East to the US North East Coast, including Baltimore, have seen a slight decrease of 1 percent since the bridge collapse, standing at $5,421 per FEU. Rates for other US East Coast ports, such as New York and New Jersey (PANYNJ), have decreased by 3 percent in the same period.

Similarly, average spot rates from North Europe to the US North East Coast have fallen by 8 percent to $2,357 per FEU, with a 4 percent decrease when including other US East Coast ports.

Peter Sand, Xeneta Chief Analyst, notes that while spot rates have not seen a significant change, shippers with cargo destined for Baltimore are experiencing disruptions, with containers being redirected to ports like New York/New Jersey. This incident adds to the challenges already faced by supply chains, including diversions in the Red Sea region and drought in the Panama Canal.

The Port of Baltimore plans to reopen navigation channels by the end of April and May, restoring port access to regular capacity. However, concerns linger regarding potential labor strikes on the East Coast, with the International Longshoremen’s Association contract set to expire in September. Sand warns that failure to reach an agreement could lead to widespread disruption at US East Coast ports, potentially driving up rates for ocean freight container services and prompting some shippers to explore alternative import routes.

As recovery efforts continue, the shipping industry braces for potential labor disruptions while navigating the aftermath of the Baltimore bridge collapse.

Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, News, Ocean Carriers

Virginia and Baltimore Companies Unite to Solve Shipping Challenges Post-Bridge Collapse

April 15th, 2024 Tim Jay Leave a comment

Following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore, companies from Virginia and Baltimore have banded together to navigate the ensuing shipping challenges creatively. As debris clearance progresses, the supply chain faces hurdles, but collaborative efforts are paving the way forward.

Jason Pruitt, owner of Commercial Transportation Intermodal in Baltimore, acknowledges the ongoing complexities despite inventive solutions emerging. Temporary channels have been opened to mitigate the bottleneck, but rerouting cargo through Norfolk, Philadelphia, and New York presents its own set of challenges, particularly with drivers facing driving limit constraints.

Kacy Payne of Evans Delivery Company’s Land Transportation branch introduced the “Drop Lot” solution, easing the burden on Baltimore drivers. By allowing them to drop containers at a designated lot north of Richmond, Norfolk drivers can then take over for delivery to the Port of Virginia, and vice versa for cargo destined for Baltimore. This strategy helps drivers avoid exceeding their daily driving limits, enabling them to make two moves a day within allocated hours.

Ensuring proper insurance coverage during cargo transfers poses a significant hurdle, especially for smaller trucking companies. Larger companies like Evans Intermodal Transportation leverage their extensive network and standardized processes to streamline insurance transfers, offering support to smaller players.

To enhance efficiency and transparency, artificial intelligence (AI) technology will be deployed to track cargo possession throughout the supply chain. Kevin Speers of Splice, a Virginia Beach-based IT company, explains how AI will enable real-time tracking of truck and container information, facilitating seamless transfers.

Virginia Secretary of Transportation Shep Miller emphasizes Virginia’s commitment to assisting the Baltimore shipping community, endorsing innovative solutions like the Drop Lot.

As collaborative efforts between Virginia and Baltimore intensify, the shipping industry is adapting to the challenges posed by the bridge collapse, showcasing resilience and innovation in overcoming logistical hurdles.

TT club terminal operations global trade shipping trade red sea houthi Hapag-Lloyd shipping leasing season

Global Logistics, Global Trade Daily, Ocean Ports, United states news

Strengthening and Streamlining Terminal Operations: A Smarter Path with Tideworks Technology and Advent eModal

April 12th, 2024 Erin Curvey and David Casey Leave a comment

For most people, the shipping industry only pops on their radar after disaster hits. In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic snarled supply lines, creating months-long shipping issues. This March, the box ship Dali collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, blocking access to the Port of Baltimore and possibly causing a “significant ripple effect on global supply chains.”

Though, for industry professionals, shipping is top of mind 24/7, 365 days a year. Maritime shipping moves roughly 11 billion tons of goods each year. It does so while navigating challenges such as terminal congestion, detention and demurrage issues, the growing need for real-time visibility and automation, and the need to make the industry more environmentally sustainable.

Logistics get even more complex at intermodal port and terminal operations. These sites manage the transfer of containers and goods from ships to different modes of transportation: rail and trucks. Two cutting-edge companies have teamed up to strengthen port and terminal operations by streamlining data for better real-time visibility and easing friction across terminal operations through automation.

Collaboration Through Innovation

Tideworks Technology is a global technology brand and leading provider of terminal operating systems (TOS). Founded in the 1990s by Carrix, a multinational shipping entity, Tideworks has grown from an in-house IT provider to a software development company that helps marine and intermodal terminals move tens of millions of containers more efficiently each year.

Advent eModal is an industry leader in software solutions that provide executional tools and APIs that offer cargo visibility, terminal pre-advice and appointment setting, payment processing and data-enabled business intelligence across intermodal industries. Their cloud-based port platform is in each of the top 10 largest port communities, helping to optimize container volumes, increase truck turn times, and ease areas of friction with more control.

Together, Tideworks and Advent eModal are strengthening terminal operations and streamlining complex sets of logistics through real-time visibility. This has translated to increased efficiency, enhanced throughput, and more significant cost savings for terminal operators across the globe.

Industry Challenges

Outside forces have continually buffeted the shipping industry. However, stakeholders are also facing internal challenges around real-time access to cargo data, optimizing fluctuating container volumes, terminal congestion issues, and navigating sustainability and green initiatives.

So far, in 2023, there has been an uptick in U.S. container import volumes. Ports and terminals need real-time visibility and automation to optimize container volumes and move cargo through intermodal operations more quickly and efficiently.

Container volume issues also contribute to terminal congestion. A lack of real-time visibility into operations creates friction points between terminal operators, port authorities, and rail and motor carriers. These friction points, in turn, lead to congestion and the detention and demurrage issues that come with inefficient operations.

The industry, too, is working to address sustainability and green issues. Moving empty containers or containers with low volumes is not only inefficient—but it also contributes to environmental issues. Streamlining appointment schedules at intermodal terminals reduces emissions and gives operators more control for smoother operations.

Addressing Today’s Challenges

Tideworks’ TOS allows terminal operators to manage movement within ports, optimize yard space, and coordinate the different and complex types of terminal equipment through real-time data. It gives clients a single point of access to a wealth of data to help streamline and simplify processes, providing access to essential information in decision-making. Better data means better visibility, and that means better decisions.

Advent eModal’s SaaS solution extends that real-time visibility as goods and cargo move through ports. It gives beneficial cargo owners and terminal, motor and drayage carrier stakeholders access to cargo data, execution of the transfer, and information into truck volume in real time. It is truly a port-to-depot-to-delivery big picture that streamlines operations at each link in the supply chain.

Working together, Tideworks and Advent eModal streamline and strengthen shipping operations, increasing truck turn times while reducing idling and dwell times. Take, for example, the Port Everglades Terminal (PET).

PET’s new gate appointment system, powered by Advent eModal’s solution, went into effect in July 2023 to automate capabilities across its container terminal. Applications like eModal’s PreGate and Fee Manager increased the port’s cargo visibility and velocity while facilitating fee payments, and appointment functions more seamlessly. The partnership between Tideworks and Advent eModal allowed PET to scale its services for customers and supply chains by addressing some of the most pressing industry challenges.

The two companies also partnered with Genesee & Wyoming Inc. to implement solutions specifically for U.K. rail and terminal operations. The combination of the solutions helped ease chronic congestion.

Before the help of Tideworks and Advent eModal, it took Genesee & Wyoming two hours to clear gate queues at the beginning of each week. With the new TOS, it began clearing the gate in 20 minutes. The turnaround time for the more than 4,000 truck visits to the Birmingham, Cardiff, Doncaster, and Liverpool terminals dropped to below 26 minutes. Since that deployment, Tideworks and Advent eModal have supported G&W’s automation initiatives with deployments spanning several Freightliner and Pentalver sites.

The improvement isn’t just about efficiency. By streamlining and optimizing its operations, Genesee & Wyoming enhanced productivity, which helped scale container volumes across the Birmingham and Cardiff terminals and reduce truck turn times. All of these improved efficiencies result in greater throughput while lessening the environmental impact of idling trucks and wasted trips. The partnership also reduced operating costs, improved data accuracy, and created more positive customer experiences through pre-screening capabilities and predictive container planning.

The collaboration between Tideworks and Advent eModal redefines what is possible for intermodal shipping with integrated gate and TOS solutions. More control and a greater understanding of operations from port to depot to delivery, paired with predictive container planning, are helping operators strengthen and streamline terminal operations in an industry where timing and logistics are everything.

global trade wto world trade organization sectors

Uncategorized

WTO Forecasts Global Trade Rebound Amidst Challenges and Uncertainties

April 10th, 2024 Tim Jay Leave a comment

The World Trade Organization (WTO) anticipates a resurgence in global merchandise trade after a sluggish performance in 2023. Projections suggest a 2.6% growth in trade volume for the current year, followed by a further increase of 3.3% in 2025, driven by declining inflation and improved economic conditions.

While last year’s 1.2% decline in trade was larger than anticipated, particularly in Europe, it remains relatively modest overall. However, the region’s subdued trade growth was attributed to factors like high commodity prices, notably natural gas, which impacted both exports and imports.

Looking ahead, Asia is poised to play a significant role in driving global trade, accounting for a substantial portion of both exports and imports. Africa’s exports are also expected to surpass pre-pandemic levels by the end of the year, showcasing resilience and potential growth in the region.

Despite the positive outlook, geopolitical tensions, supply chain disruptions, and climate change effects pose risks to the trade landscape. Recent attacks on commercial ships and disruptions in key maritime routes highlight ongoing challenges faced by the global trading community.

Services trade, on the other hand, remained robust, with notable growth observed in financial and insurance services. However, geopolitical tensions have contributed to a riskier environment, impacting trade patterns and flows.

The WTO underscores concerns regarding rising protectionism and potential fragmentation in trade flows, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts to sustain the recovery and promote inclusive trade practices.

While uncertainties persist, the WTO remains cautiously optimistic about the resilience of global trade. However, continued vigilance and concerted action are essential to navigate the evolving trade landscape and mitigate potential risks to the recovery.

Port of Baltimore Set to Reopen After Key Bridge Collapse Disruption

most viewed today