DOJ Files $100M Lawsuit Against Ship Owner for Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse

DOJ Files $100M Lawsuit Against Ship Owner for Francis Scott Key Bridge Collapse

The US Department of Justice announced a civil claim against Singaporean companies Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Private Limited, owner and operator of the vessel DALI, for over $100 million in costs related to the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse and the reopening of the Port of Baltimore. 

The claim follows a tragic incident on March 26, when the DALI lost power, striking and destroying the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The collapse killed six people, halted shipping at the port, and disrupted transportation infrastructure.

The lawsuit alleges that the companies were aware of vibration issues that could cause power outages on the DALI but failed to take precautions, leading to a cascade of failures during the incident. None of the ship’s safety measures, including the propeller, rudder, anchor, or bow thruster, functioned properly, contributing to the disaster.

The US government coordinated a response involving multiple agencies to clear approximately 50,000 tons of debris and create temporary channels to mitigate economic damage. The port was reopened on June 10. The suit seeks compensation for the costs of clearing the wreck and punitive damages for the companies’ negligence and recklessness.

The Justice Department is also responding to a legal action filed by the ship’s owner and operator seeking to limit their liability for the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse to $44 million. The State of Maryland may pursue its own claim for reconstruction of the bridge. The US government is represented by attorneys from the Civil Division and the US Attorney’s Office for the District of Maryland.