Port of Baltimore Expands Accessibility with Third Temporary Shipping Channel Amid Key Bridge Salvage Efforts
As salvage operations continue for the collapsed Key Bridge and the stricken Dali vessel, the Port of Baltimore opens its third temporary shipping channel, offering around 15% increased access for maritime traffic. Captain of the Port initiates the Fort Carroll Temporary Alternate Channel to accommodate vessels amidst ongoing recovery efforts.
This latest channel, established in response to the Key Bridge collapse, boasts a depth of 20 feet, a horizontal clearance of 300 feet, and a vertical clearance of 135 feet, enhancing the port’s capacity to accommodate various vessel types. US Coast Guard Capt. David O’Connell emphasizes, “We estimate facilitating approximately 15 percent of pre-collapse commercial activity,” underscoring the significance of this development.
Despite the challenges, the port maintains accessibility for large commercial traffic like container ships with a 20-foot draught. O’Connell reaffirms ongoing efforts by the Key Bridge Response Unified Command to restore full access to the Fort McHenry channel, highlighting the continuous progress achieved with the opening of this third channel.
In related developments, the Federal Investigation Bureau (FBI) has joined investigations into the allision between the container ship Dali and the Key Bridge, which tragically resulted in its collapse, claiming six lives
