Dali Back In Service 10 Months After Key Bridge Collapse

BALTIMORE, MD — The Dali returned to service this week, ten months after the cargo ship crashed into Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge.

The Dali lost power on March 26, 2024, causing it to wreck into a Key Bridge support column. The crossing toppled into the Patapsco River below, killing six road workers, blocking the Port of Baltimore for months and forcing ongoing traffic strain on the Interstate 95 and 895 tunnels.

"The incident in Baltimore captured worldwide attention and highlighted the challenges and complexities of global shipping, and in its immediate aftermath we reaffirmed our continuing commitment to upholding the highest standards of maritime safety and operational excellence," Dali operator Synergy Marine Group said Tuesday on Facebook.

The Singapore-flagged Dali left Baltimore in June 2024 and received temporary repairs in Norfolk, Virginia. The 984-foot vessel underwent extensive permanent repairs, sea trials, validation and recertification in Fuzhou, China starting in mid-November 2024.

"The “DALI”’s return to service is a testament to the exceptional teamwork of our dedicated professionals ashore and at sea, as well as to the trust placed in us by the vessel’s principals. To them, and to everyone who has supported us during this ongoing journey, we extend our heartfelt gratitude," Synergy Marine Group said.

The ship departed Meishan, China on Thursday and is scheduled to arrive in Gwangyang, South Korea on Saturday, VesselFinder.com reported.

"As this container vessel resumes her vital role in shipping, worldwide, we wish the entire crew every success in ensuring the seamless movement of goods across the globe," Synergy Marine Group said.

In one of Joe Biden's last acts as president, he signed a law ensuring the federal government will pay for the entire Key Bridge rebuild, rather than the typical 90% for most infrastructure disasters.

Pre-construction activities started this month. Crews will demolish the remaining two approach ramps to the Key Bridge this spring, The Baltimore Banner reported.

The new bridge is expected to open in fall 2028 and cost up to $1.9 billion. Some of the costs are likely to be recovered via payouts from insurance and litigation against the ship owner.

Synergy Marine Group and ship owner Grace Ocean Private Ltd. agreed to pay over $100 million to reimburse the government for bridge cleanup efforts. Other lawsuits are still playing out.