Baltimore City Counters Dali Owners with Negligence Lawsuit
Nearly a month after the Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore city, legal action has been taken against Dali owners, Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine. The lawsuit claims negligence on the part of the companies. The 10,000 TEU Dali lost power shortly after departing Baltimore port on March 26, colliding with the Francis Key Bridge, resulting in six fatalities and blocking port entry.
The city’s filing alleges that Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Pte Ltd put an unseaworthy vessel into operation, exhibiting gross negligence. The companies had initially sought exoneration and limited liability to $43,670,000, the ship’s value plus outstanding freight.
According to the city, alarms sounded aboard the Dali hours before departure, signaling power supply issues to refrigerated containers. Allegedly, the crew failed to address the fault before sailing.
City lawyers claim the incident was a direct result of the owners’ negligence and not the city’s responsibility. Baltimore’s economic value exceeded $70 billion last year, with significant annual tax revenues.
If proven negligent, the city could incur billions in lost revenues and bridge reconstruction costs, surpassing the owners’ proposed exoneration sum. Allegations include crew incompetence, inadequate training, failure to adhere to navigational customs, and neglect of vessel maintenance.
