Singaporean Ship Owner and Manager Seek Court Protection Following Baltimore Bridge Accident
In response to the Francis Scott Key bridge accident in Baltimore, Grace Ocean, the owner of the 10,000 TEU ship, and ship manager Synergy Marine, have filed a petition seeking court protection from liability. Represented by Duane Morris and Blank Rome, the companies deny responsibility for the incident and aim to consolidate litigation in Baltimore’s federal court, proposing a 24 September filing deadline for claims.
The petition, filed under the Limitation of Liability Act of 1851, seeks to cap liability at the vessel’s value and freight due from cargo owners. To qualify for limitation of liability, the companies must demonstrate the accident occurred without their knowledge or involvement.
Court documents reveal the vessel’s insurance valued at $90 million, but repair and salvage costs estimated at $28 million and $19.5 million, respectively, have significantly eroded its value. The estimated total value, including income from the voyage, stands at $43.67 million.
The incident, which claimed six lives, is expected to lead to a protracted legal battle as the companies seek exoneration and defend against potential claims. Morning Star estimates the accident’s cost could surpass that of the Costa Concordia, potentially reaching $2 to $4 billion.
Complications in salvage efforts arise from the vessel’s position on the riverbed and the tangled steel debris. Court documents also detail the events leading to the bridge collapse, with the vessel losing power and drifting before colliding with the bridge support.
The filing sheds light on the last moments of Dali’s voyage, underscoring the efforts to prevent the tragic accident that resulted in significant loss of life and property.
