Singapore-flagged ship that struck Baltimore bridge passed previous inspections: MPA

The Singapore-flagged box ship Dali -- certified by classification society ClassNK -- passed two separate port inspections in 2023 and holds valid certificates covering the ship's structural integrity and equipment functionality, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore said March 27.

The ship's next classification and statutory surveys are due in June this year, the MPA added.

This comes after the 95,000-ton container ship -- which was time chartered by Maersk and managed by Synergy Marine -- struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on March 26, leading to its collapse.

Ship traffic into and out of the port of Baltimore has since been suspended.

"Due to the damage to the bridge and resulting debris, it will not be possible to reach the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore for the time being," Maersk said in an advisory late March 26, adding that it was omitting Baltimore from all its services for the foreseeable future until it is deemed safe for passage.

"For cargo already on water, we will omit the port and discharge cargo set for Baltimore in nearby ports," the company added.

The affected port is a key hub for the warehousing of base metals such as aluminum, copper and zinc, in addition to ferroalloys. The port also handles the most road vehicles of any terminal in the US, in addition to large volumes of agricultural commodities, including coffee and sugar.

How it happened

Dali -- which was under pilotage -- encountered a momentary loss of propulsion just before the incident, which was reported to the authorities, the MPA said in an update late March 26.

As a result, the ship was unable to maintain its intended course and collided with the bridge. The ship also deployed its anchors as part of its emergency protocols, the MPA added.

The ship's issuance of a mayday call was lauded by US President Joe Biden, as it helped prevent motorists from crossing the bridge prior to the collision.

Dali remains stationed at the collision site. Investigations are underway, with search and rescue operations led by US authorities also ongoing.

Wider market impact

Disruption of the port has impacted metals trade flow into Baltimore -- a key US destination for cobalt and unwrought primary aluminum inflows.

Traders said the disaster occurred amid tight cobalt inventories at the port of Baltimore, driven by strong demand for alloys and midgrades, ongoing container shipping delays due to the Suez Canal crisis and customs clearance delays for containers in Baltimore.

Meanwhile, the impact on polyethylene, polypropylene and polyvinyl chloride trade flows was expected to be minimal, while thermal coal and petcoke could see mixed impacts on prices.

The incident may also pose challenges for a proposed offshore wind staging hub near the harbor if new safety restrictions are imposed.