The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has filed a $100 million lawsuit against two Singapore-based corporations in connection with the March crash of a cargo ship that struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, causing significant damage and disruption. The lawsuit, filed on Wednesday, targets the owners and operators of the vessel, named Dali, seeking accountability for the destruction of the bridge and the subsequent financial and operational toll it has imposed on the Port of Baltimore.
The incident, which occurred earlier this year, led to the collapse of a portion of the bridge, causing a major closure of the Baltimore Harbor and forcing the port to temporarily halt its operations. The Dali, a large cargo vessel, collided with the bridge, rendering it inoperable and disrupting both maritime and road traffic in the area. As a result, extensive repairs have been required, and the channel leading to the port had to be cleared.
Attorney General Merrick Garland, in announcing the lawsuit, emphasized the Justice Department’s commitment to ensuring that those responsible for the incident are held accountable for the costs incurred. “We are working to ensure that the financial burden of clearing the channel and reopening the Port of Baltimore is borne by the companies responsible for this crash,” Garland said. He further stressed that the lawsuit is aimed at recouping the substantial costs associated with repairing the damage and restoring normal operations at the port, which is a critical hub for commercial shipping on the East Coast.
The two Singapore corporations named in the lawsuit are the ship’s owner and the firm that managed its operations. Both are being accused of negligence that led to the crash, with investigators alleging that improper handling of the vessel contributed to the collision. Additionally, the DOJ’s suit cites the environmental impact caused by the accident, which includes oil spills and damage to local ecosystems.
The Port of Baltimore has since been partially reopened, but the incident has caused millions of dollars in economic losses, with local businesses and the shipping industry bearing the brunt of the disruptions. The reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge is ongoing, with officials estimating that it will take several more months to fully restore traffic through the vital corridor.
The lawsuit marks one of the largest maritime-related legal actions pursued by the DOJ in recent years. Legal analysts say the case could set a precedent for how similar incidents involving foreign-owned vessels are handled in U.S. waters, especially when major infrastructure is involved.
As the legal battle unfolds, the Department of Transportation and other federal agencies continue to work on restoring full functionality to the Baltimore Harbor. In the meantime, Merrick Garland reiterated the administration’s focus on ensuring that justice is served, both for the city of Baltimore and for the country’s broader transportation network.
