Port of Baltimore – Ocean Carrier Notices
Please find below carrier notices regarding the ongoing situation in Baltimore. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to your local BOC Representative.
COSCO:
Notice of Force Majeure Baltimore Shipments Contingency Plan
2024-03-27
Dear Valued Customer,
We hereby notify you that, based on the information currently accessible to us, the Port of Baltimore will be indefinitely closed following the collision of the 948-foot container vessel ‘DALI’ with the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26th.
Based on the circumstances mentioned above, we will declare force majeure in accordance with Clause 20 of our Bill of Lading Terms and Conditions, and we wish to communicate our contingency plan regarding shipments to/from Baltimore as outlined below, until further notice:
1. For Shipments from Baltimore:
Shipments currently at the terminal will remain there till the port reopens, unless otherwise directed by the shipper.
For shipments in transit: Given the temporary suspension of export operations at the terminal, please liaise with COSCO SHIPPING North America customer service for alternative port of loading options.
We regret to inform you that no new export bookings will be accepted from Baltimore until further notice.
2. For Shipments to Baltimore:
Shipments currently in transit will be redirected to an alternate port, where they will be made available for pick-up, and COSCO SHIPPING’s bill of lading will be concluded.
For booked cargoes not yet loaded at the origin, please coordinate with the origin booking party.
We extend our sincere appreciation for your ongoing trust and support during this challenging time. Should you have any questions or require additional assistance, please do not hesitate to reach out to your local sales representatives.
Warm regards,
COSCO SHIPPING Lines
Maersk:
Cargo to and from Port of Baltimore: TA2, TA5, TP12, Amex, AGAS
26 March 2024
In the early hours of 26 March 2024, a vessel collided with the Francis Scott Key bridge, resulting in damage to the structure. Information on the situation remains pending and we remain in close contact with officials in the area.
We can confirm that the container vessel “DALI”, is owned by Grace Ocean, and operated by Synergy Group. It is time chartered by Maersk and is carrying Maersk customers’ cargo. No Maersk crew and personnel were onboard the vessel.
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. In line with this, we are omitting Baltimore on all our services for the foreseeable future, until it is deemed safe for passage through this area.
For cargo already on water, we will omit the port, and will discharge cargo set for Baltimore, in nearby ports. From these ports, it will be possible to utilise landside transportation to reach final destination instead. Your local Maersk representative can assist in booking this.
Please note that for cargo set to discharge in Baltimore, delays may occur, as they will need to discharge in other ports. We are keeping a close eye on the safety situation in the area and continuing to assess the viability of transportation through the area. We will inform you of any changes that may impact your cargo.
We are deeply concerned by this incident and are closely monitoring the situation. We understand the potential impact this may have on your logistics operation, and will communicate to our customers once we have more details from authorities. Our teams are on hand to support with your planning, should you need any assistance.
For more information on your cargo, please reach out to your local Maersk representative.
Our teams are on hand to support with your planning, should you need any assistance.
Disaster in Baltimore: Containership Dali collides with Francis Scott Key Bridge
At approximately 1:37 AM today March 26th, 2024 the containership Dali collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. The collision caused the bridge to collapse leaving several people missing. Search and rescue operations resumed this morning. The collapse has shut down all operations in and out of the Port of Baltimore.
The containership Dali was departing the Port of Baltimore when the collision occurred. The vessel was part of Maersk’s TP12 service and was departing Baltimore and was sailing for Colombo Sri Lanka. Additional information regarding the collision can be found on the “What is Going on With Shipping” YouTube channel. Follow the link below for the latest information.
BOC will continue to monitor the situation and will provide additional details once they become available. If you have any questions, please reach out to your local BOC representative.
