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Demolition of Baltimore bridge delayed twice due to bad weather

Small, controlled explosions to remove a section of the collapsed Key Bridge resting on top of the container vessel Dali in Baltimore port have been postponed for a second day.

Marcus Hand, Editor

May 13, 2024

1 Min Read
Francis Scott Key Bridge Charges
Photo: US Army Corps of Engineers photo by Christopher Rosario

Salvors have set a series of small explosives the section of the Key Bridge that lies across the bow of the of Dali to make precision cuts into the structure so it can be removed.

The plan had been for the detonations to be carried out at 5pm local time in Baltimore on Saturday 11 May but the operation was delayed due to bad weather. A second planned attempt 24 hours later on Sunday 12 May was similarly delayed due to weather and the presence of lightening in the area. The operation has now tentatively been schedule for Monday 13 May evening.

The Key Bridge Response Unified Command said precision cuts to the bridge section and small charges was the safest and swiftest method to remove the bridge piece. “This is an industry-standard tool in controlled demolition that will break the span into smaller pieces, which will allow the work of refloating the vessel and removing it from the federal channel,” it added.

The removal of the Dali will allow for the full reopening of the main channel to Baltimore port for the first time since the container ship struck the bridge on 26 March causing it to collapse with the loss of six lives.

About the Author

Marcus Hand

Editor

Marcus Hand is the editor of Seatrade Maritime News and a dedicated maritime journalist with over two decades of experience covering the shipping industry in Asia.

Marcus is also an experienced industry commentator and has chaired many conferences and round tables. Before joining Seatrade at the beginning of 2010, Marcus worked for the shipping industry journal Lloyd's List for a decade and before that the Singapore Business Times covering shipping and aviation.

In November 2022, Marcus was announced as a member of the Board of Advisors to the Singapore Journal of Maritime Talent and Technology (SJMTT) to help bring together thought leadership around the key areas of talent and technology.

Marcus is the founder of the Seatrade Maritime Podcast that delivers commentary, opinions and conversations on shipping's most important topics.

Conferences & Webinars

Marcus Hand regularly moderates at international maritime events. Below you’ll find a list of selected past conferences and webinars.

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