Incident
MPA: Singapore-registered ship in Baltimore bridge crash passed previous foreign port state inspections
MPA confirmed vessel’s required classification society and statutory certificates covering structural integrity of vessel and functionality of vessel’s equipment were valid at time of the incident.
The Singapore-registered container vessel Dali that crashed into the Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, underwent and passed previous foreign port state inspections, the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore confirmed on Wednesday (27 March).
The vessel struck the Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore, Maryland, USA, on 26 March at about 1.30pm (Singapore Time), causing the bridge to collapse.
MPA said Dali was flagged with Singapore from October 2016 and is classed by classification society ClassNK.
Classification societies are generally authorised by a flag administration to monitor compliance to technical standards and the applicable regulations by vessels registered under its flag.
Based on records, MPA confirmed that the vessel’s required classification society and statutory certificates covering the structural integrity of the vessel and functionality of the vessel’s equipment, were valid at the time of the incident.
“The vessel also underwent and passed two separate foreign port state inspections in June and September 2023,” MPA said in its latest statement on the incident.
“In the June 2023 inspection, a faulty monitor gauge for fuel pressure was rectified before the vessel departed the port.”
Dali‘s next classification and statutory surveys are due in June 2024.
Part of the collapsed bridge on top of “Dali”
In another statement, MPA said Dali is a 95,000 GT container vessel operating with 22 crew onboard at the time of the incident.
MPA said it was in contact with the US Coast Guard and the ship management company to provide the necessary assistance.
“As the flag state, MPA will provide full cooperation to the US Coast Guard in its investigations. MPA will also be investigating the incident,” it said in a statement.
MPA also confirmed that it has contacted the United States Coast Guard (USGC) Headquarters and the Office of Marine Safety, National Transportation Safety Board, and offered MPA’s assistance as the flag administration to support the investigations.
“Investigators from the Transport Safety Investigation Bureau and MPA are making their way to Baltimore, Maryland,” it added.
“The ship management company, Synergy Marine Pte Ltd, reported to MPA that just prior to the incident, the vessel had experienced momentary loss of propulsion. As a result, she was unable to maintain the desired heading and collided with the Francis Scott Key bridge.”
The vessel was reported to have dropped its anchors as part of the vessel’s emergency procedures prior to its impact with the bridge. The vessel was under pilotage at the time of the incident.
The vessel is currently holding onto its position at the site of the collision and is in a stable condition. All 22 crew members are safe and accounted for.
MPA added search and rescue efforts led by US authorities are ongoing.
The US Coast Guard said there were reports of persons in the water following the collapse of the bridge.
“Response boat crews from Coast Guard Stations Curtis Bay and Annapolis have crews deployed to the incident for active search and rescue,” it said in a statement.
FBI Evidence Response Team members work at the site of the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore on March 26
A Coast Guard Air Station Atlantic City MH-65 Dolphin helicopter crew, Coast Guard investigators and pollution responders also responded to the incident.
Marty Durbin, senior vice president of policy at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, issued the following statement in response to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Maryland.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge early this morning.”
“While search and rescue operations for the victims of this terrible incident are the priority, we are working closely with the Maryland State Chamber of Commerce, the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce, as well as other industry and government partners to assess its impact and provide assistance.”
“As a critical thoroughfare for Maryland and the East Coast, this bridge has kept people, businesses, and communities connected.”
“Unfortunately, its prolonged closure will likely disrupt commercial activities and supply chains that rely on the bridge and Port of Baltimore each day. We will support the many individuals, businesses, and communities affected by this incident and help to both identify and implement solutions during this challenging time.”
Photo credit: Baltimore County Fire Department / FBI Baltimore
Published: 27 March 2024
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