Maryland settles with ship owner over bridge collapse

Maryland has reached a settlement with the owner and operator of the cargo ship that crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore two years ago, causing its deadly collapse. The agreement was announced Thursday by Attorney General Anthony Brown, who stated that the settlement resolves a portion of the state's claims arising from the March 26, 2024, incident involving the M/V Dali. The settlement was reached with Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Pte Ltd, the owner and operator of the ship. Brown emphasized the long-term impact of the disaster, noting that it disrupted the Port of Baltimore, devastated livelihoods, and sent economic shockwaves across the state. 'For two years, Maryland workers, families, and communities have carried the weight of a disaster that should never have happened,' Brown said. The settlement details were not disclosed. The companies involved confirmed in a joint statement that significant progress had been made in resolving claims, including a $350 million settlement with ACE American Insurance Company, which matched the amount paid to Maryland under the state's policy. The companies expressed their commitment to reaching equitable settlements with other involved parties. The Maryland Transportation Authority had previously estimated the economic impact of the bridge collapse, though the full extent of the settlement's financial terms remains undisclosed.