Salvage Crew Gear Up To Remove Massive Portion Of Baltimore’s Key Bridge From M/V Dali Ship

Salvage crews operating within the Key Bridge Unified Command are gearing up for a challenging operation: removing a massive portion of the bridge that currently rests atop the M/V Dali ship.

The operation necessitated by the vessel’s collision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, 2024, has halted maritime traffic into and out of the Port of Baltimore.

As the Unified Command deploys specialist teams and equipment, they face the complex process of removing the bridge piece, known as “section four”, from the damaged vessel.

The operation, expected to be completed by the end of the week, is critical to restoring essential transportation infrastructure while assuring human and environmental safety.

Before beginning the removal procedure, the crew must properly examine and address the incident’s various hazards and obstacles.

Crushed containers, hull damage, and possible weight shifts are among the essential factors being considered during the procedure.

Francis Scott Key Bridge — Image Credits: USACE

Specialised equipment has been dispatched to closely monitor the vessel’s position and movement and the bridge wreckage that has come into contact with it.

Inclinometers and string gauges assess tilt, pressure, and relative positions in real-time, ensuring the operation’s safety and efficiency.

One hundred eighty-two containers were strategically removed from the M/V Dali ship, allowing the bridge portion to be extracted.

Crews have also been attempting to clear pieces of bridge span 17 that are in contact with the opposite side of the vessel.

Despite the difficulties, the Unified Command remains committed to restoring access to the Fort McHenry Channel as soon as possible and safely.

However, the operation is not without limitations.

A marine Safety Zone comprising a 2000-yard radius surrounding the incident site has been established, as well as a Temporary Flight Restriction (TFR) imposed by the Federal Aviation Administration.

The Unified Command consists of several departments and organizations, including the United States Coast Guard, the United States Army Corps of Engineers, the Maryland Department of the Environment, the Maryland Transportation Authority, the Maryland State Police, and Witt O’Brien’s, which represents Synergy Marine.

Their operational responsibilities include guaranteeing public and responder safety, locating missing people, restoring transportation infrastructure and commerce, protecting the environment, and investigating the occurrence.

As salvage personnel continue to prepare for the bridge removal operation, Maryland Governor Wes Moore emphasizes the importance of speed and safety in precision cutting.

The successful refloating of the M/V DALI ship before the end of the week is critical, allowing the vessel to return to port to remove the remaining wreckage.

Going forward, plans to replace the Key Bridge are already in the works. Preliminary renderings show a cable-stayed bridge with more clearance and pylon supports to reduce future concerns.

However, with estimates indicating a lengthy timeline and significant project costs, the focus remains on immediate priorities: completing the salvage operation, reopening the main channel by the end of May, and providing closure to the victim’s families, including the still-missing construction worker, Jose Mynor Lopez.

Reference: CBS News

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