Baltimore Bridge Collapses After Container Ship Crash, US Automakers Braces For Supply Chain Disruption

Baltimore bridge collapses after container ship crash, US automakers braces for supply chain disruption.

The 300 metres long container ship reportedly “lost propulsion” before Colliding with the 1.6 miles-long structure

Baltimore in Maryland is the ninth busiest port in the United States, and the busiest for car shipments.

Last year, it handled at least 750,000 vehicles, according to data from the Maryland Port Administration.

A container ship named Dali rammed into a major bridge in Baltimore, Maryland early on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, causing the 1.6 miles (2.6 kilometers)-long structure to collapse and plunge into the river below.

According to Associated Press reports, six cars and one 18-wheeler were reportedly thrown into the cold waters below and at least seven people are still missing and presumed dead.

Video shared shows the moment a portion of the bridge fell into the River below, sending several vehicles into the water. Last year, the four-lane bridge carried more than 12 million commercial and passenger vehicles.

• See Also : 1,629 Shipping Containers Lost At Sea Yearly – World Shipping Council Report

According to reports, the 300 metres (984 feet) long container ship owned by the Singaporean Synergy Marine Group “lost propulsion” ahead of the collision.

In a statement, Synergy Marine Group said :

“All crew members, including the two pilots, have been accounted for and there are no reports of any injuries. There has also been no pollution.”

Impact

Baltimore is the ninth busiest port in the US, and the busiest for car shipments. Last year, it handled at least 750,000 vehicles, according to data from the Maryland Port Administration.

US automakers, General Motors (GM) and Ford, said they are not worried about potential repercussions, according to The Guardian report. Both automakers announced they will reroute affected shipments.

• See Also : VW Sued Over Claim Porsche EV Battery Sparked Ship Fire That Sank With Thousands Of Cars On Board