Owner, operator of ship that caused Francis Scott Key Bridge to collapse to pay $100M in settlement but none of it will go towards rebuilding

WASHINGTON — The owner and operator of a cargo ship that crashed into Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge in March will have to pay more than $100M to the United States. However, that money does not cover any damages for the reconstruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge fell early on March 26 after a ship, known as DALI, lost power twice before striking the bridge. Six people were killed when the bridge collapsed and plunged into the water below. 

Commuters lost a port of a critical highway and the bridge collapse closed the Port of Baltimore, throwing people who work there in limbo. 

According to the Department of Justice, Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Private Limited, the Singaporean corporations that owned and operated the DALI, will pay $101,980,000 to resolve a civil claim over the cost borne in the deadly bridge collapse. 

“Nearly seven months after one of the worst transportation disasters in recent memory, which claimed six lives and caused untold damage, we have reached an important milestone with today’s settlement,” said Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. 

The money will go to the U.S. Treasury and spread out to several federal agencies directly affected by the collapse or involved in the response efforts. The money does not cover any cost for the reconstruction of the bridge, as the State of Maryland built, owned, maintained and operated the bridge. Attorneys on the state's behalf will be responsible for filing their own claim for those damages.