Baltimore trial

The opening stage of the trial to determine liability for the collapse of the bridge crossing Baltimore harbour in March 2024 following an allision with Singapore-flagged boxship Dali has been set for 1 June. The initial phase will focus on the principle of whether Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine, respectively the owner and manager of the vessel, can limit their liability to less than US$44 million. A second phase will address the apportionment of liability and damage awards to the families of the six bridge maintenance workers who died, what the state of Maryland and the city of Baltimore are owed for bridge replacement and compensation for other affected parties. Some recent brokers' reports have suggested claims arising from the casualty could top $5 billion.