In a significant development in the ongoing efforts to remove the wreckage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge from the Dali cargo ship, Unified Command has announced that they will be using explosives to separate the two. The decision was made following careful analysis and planning by salvage crews, who have been working tirelessly to assess the situation and determine the safest and most effective method for removing the bridge sections that are currently resting on top of the ship.
According to reports, Maryland Governor Wes Moore confirmed the use of explosives during a press conference on Tuesday. The crew of the Dali will be required to shelter in place on board during the detonation process for their safety.
The bridge collapse occurred after a collision between the bridge and the cargo ship named Dali in March 2024. Special equipment is being used to monitor positioning and movement of both ship and bridge wreckage in real-time for safety reasons.
Salvage crews are currently working on removing the collapsed portion of the Francis Scott Key Bridge that is resting on top of the Dali in Baltimore, Maryland. The bridge collapse marked a tragic event as one construction worker, José Mynor López, was found dead after being missing since the collapse.
The section of bridge on top of the ship is estimated to weigh about 450 tons. Crews are meticulously analyzing things like weight shifts, hull damage and obstacles that are in the way before proceeding with the explosive process. The team is using special equipment to ensure safety during operations.
The goal is to refloat the Dali by May 10 and reopen the main channel by the end of May. Maersk, one of the world's largest shipping companies, has been evaluating the progress of bridge cleanup at Baltimore port to determine when they can return. The company has helped customers mitigate disruptions through Norfolk or Newark, or shuttle services.
Capacity will be a challenge across the industry due to Red Sea diversions, reduced Panama Canal throughput, and growth in peak season. Shipping surcharges have increased due to longer transit times and fuel costs. North America is experiencing significant growth in imports from Asia and Europe into the US.
Maersk is increasing its footprint in Mexico with a five-fold expansion of terminal complex offerings and landside fulfillment capacity.
The use of explosives to free the Dali from the bridge wreckage marks an important step forward in the recovery efforts. The process is expected to take multiple days and depends on weather conditions. Safety remains a top priority for all parties involved.
