From the desk of Butch Connor,
As we continue to closely watch the response to the tragic incident that occurred in our hometown, we would like to remind all our customers and partners that we are here for support during this difficult time.
We are proud and encouraged by the 40+ vessels and 400+ workers who are working around the clock to clear bridge debris and open a channel for essential vessels.
The United States Coast Guard shared the No. 1 priority is the re-opening the channel and that the vessel – M/V Dali – must be secured before continuing with recovery.
At Connor, we stand ready to provide customs clearance, forwarding, trucking and warehouse services for all cargo that will need to be diverted from Baltimore over this difficult period of time.
For incoming bulk cargo vessels, our vessel agency will continue to keep close contact with ship owners and charterers to determine next-steps for port call diversions.
We will remain committed to offering reliable, quality services for all logistics needs in/around the Port of Baltimore.
Notable Industry Updates
Maryland Matters reported that House and Senate leaders have introduced bills that authorize the governor to ease the financial impact to workers at the Port of Baltimore and related businesses following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. House Bill 1526 and the companion SB 1188 authorize Gov. Wes Moore (D) to use money in the state’s roughly $2 billion Rainy Day Fund. Money pulled from the account would go to replace wages lost from a shutdown of the port. It can also be used to ease financial strains on businesses dependent on port operations as well as incentivizing companies to remain in the area.
The Baltimore Business Journal reports that the first cars rolled off a cargo ship at Tradepoint Atlantic as the 3,300-acre global logistics center said it was focused on helping to jumpstart operations at the Port of Baltimore a day after the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The large cargo ship Wolfsburg docked at the former Sparrows Point steel mill site filled with Volkswagens. Soon, the vehicles were rolling out of a massive bay as part of a regularly scheduled delivery.
Kerry Doyle, managing director of Tradepoint Atlantic, in an emailed statement said “Tradepoint Atlantic is committed to being an active partner during the recovery, clean up and rebuilding process. Our primary focus is providing the facilities needed to expedite channel clearing efforts so that the Port of Baltimore can resume normal commercial activities.”
A.P. Moller-Maersk stated in a recent advisory that no new bookings, into or out of the Port of Baltimore, will be accepted. However, they will continue to offer options through alternate USEC ports. All acceptance of new Maersk SPOT ocean bookings to and from Baltimore are suspended temporarily. Maersk currently cannot accept any loaded containers in Baltimore, but the terminal can accept empty returns and are releasing empties for export shipments. Maersk is working diligently to identify solutions and will inform you as soon as possible of changes to current and future cargo to Baltimore.
The Maritime Exchange shared the following: the Unified Command prepares for opening of temporary alternate channel. The Captain of the Port (COTP) is preparing to establish a temporary alternate channel on the northeast side of the main channel in the vicinity of the Francis Scott Key Bridge for commercially essential vessels.
“This will mark an important first step along the road to reopening the port of Baltimore,” said Capt. David O’Connell, Federal On-Scene Coordinator, Key Bridge Response 2024. “By opening this alternate route, we will support the flow of marine traffic into Baltimore.”
This action is part of a phased approach to opening the main channel. The temporary channel will be marked with government lighted aids to navigation and will have a controlling depth of 11 feet, a 264-foot horizontal clearance, and vertical clearance 96 feet.
A website with incident response information can be found at the following URL: https://www.keybridgeresponse2024.com
The Unified Command’s operational priorities are ensuring the safety of the public and first responders, accountability of missing persons, safely restoring transportation infrastructure and commerce, protecting the environment, and supporting the investigation.
John S. Connor will continue to provide updates via e-Campaign and on our website. Please reach out if you have any questions or concerns.
