Key Bridge Collapse Lawsuit Ends in Civil Settlement

Key Bridge Collapse Lawsuit Ends in Civil Settlement

Introduction

The companies that own and operate the vessel involved in the March collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge have reached a settlement in a civil lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in September.

Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Private Limited agreed to pay $101.9 million to resolve the DOJ’s civil claim, which sought $103.1 million under the Rivers and Harbors Act, Oil Pollution Act, and general maritime law, according to a DOJ news release.

Following the bridge collapse, approximately 50,000 tons of steel, concrete, and asphalt had to be cleared from the Fort McHenry Channel, with temporary channels set up to minimize economic impact and alleviate congestion at the Port of Baltimore. By June 10, the channel was fully cleared, allowing the port to reopen for commercial navigation.

"Today’s settlement marks a significant milestone, ensuring that the costs of federal cleanup efforts in the Fort McHenry Channel are covered by Grace Ocean and Synergy rather than the American taxpayer," stated the Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General, noting the tragic nature of the disaster, which claimed six lives and caused extensive damage.

The DOJ’s civil lawsuit was part of a broader legal action initiated by the vessel companies, who had sought to limit their liability following the incident. Notably, the settlement does not include costs for rebuilding the bridge, which is owned and maintained by the state of Maryland. Separate legal actions by the city of Baltimore and the state are still pending.

A representative for the vessel’s owners clarified that this civil settlement does not imply liability in other ongoing claims. Grace Ocean also recently paid $97,294 to the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Pollution Fund Center for oil pollution prevention expenses tied to the incident, as noted by the DOJ.