Maryland lawsuit over Key Bridge collapse advances toward Phase 1 trial

MARYLAND (WBFF) — Maryland’s effort to recover economic damages tied to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and closure of the Port of Baltimore is moving toward a federal trial, with proceedings focused first on whether the shipowner and manager can limit their financial liability under a centuries-old maritime law.

The state is pursuing litigation against Grace Ocean Private Limited, the owner of the M/V Dali, and Synergy Marine PTE Ltd., the vessel’s manager, over the March 2024 collision that led to the bridge’s collapse.

Scheduled to begin June1 in the U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland, the first phase of the civil litigation won’t immediately determine damages but will address a pivotal legal question: Can the ship’s owner and manager cap their liability at roughly $44million under a 19thcentury maritime law?

Grace Ocean and Synergy have invoked the Limitation of Liability Act of 1851, arguing that their financial exposure should be tied to the value of the M/V Dali — the container ship that lost propulsion before smashing into the bridge — and its remaining value after the disaster.

Read the full story on The Baltimore Sun.