U.S Coast Guard Inquiry Finds Port Safety & Infrastructure Gaps After Baltimore Key Bridge Disaster Involving MV Dali
The U.S. Coast Guard has released the Ports and Waterways Safety Act Board of Inquiry (BOI) report following the March 26, 2024, allision of the Motor Vessel Dali with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, which resulted in six deaths, the bridge’s catastrophic failure, and the prolonged closure of the Port of Baltimore.
The BOI evaluated risks to critical port infrastructure posed by larger commercial vessels and increased traffic, conducted vulnerability assessments for 11 ports, reviewed the effectiveness of Coast Guard waterways risk assessment tools, and provided recommendations to the Coast Guard Commandant.
To meet its mandate, the Board developed a comprehensive process that included port visits, engagement with port partners, vessel movement analysis, and review of historic assessment tool usage. The Board also conducted a policy review and gathered feedback from 41 Captain of the Port zones, resulting in 20 recommendations for systemic improvement.
The final report highlights the underutilization of waterway risk assessment tools and the vulnerability of port infrastructure to evolving risks within the Marine Transportation System (MTS). The Board found an increased assumption of unanticipated risk by port authorities.
Key recommendations include reviewing and updating Coast Guard risk assessment policy and tools, identifying and monitoring MTS metrics, developing the Coast Guard workforce to manage and respond to MTS risk, and collaborating with port partners to implement mitigation strategies.
“The tragic Key Bridge incident underscores the urgent need to strengthen our approach to port safety and risk management,” said Rear Adm. Wayne Arguin, Chair of the Board of Inquiry. “The Board’s findings and recommendations provide a roadmap to enhance the resilience of our ports and ensure the continued security of the Marine Transportation System.”
Implementation of these strategies is essential to achieving the long-term safety and security of the nation’s MTS, which is critical to minimising impacts to the system and the global shipping economy.
To help inform the way forward on the Board’s findings and recommendations, the Coast Guard will collect stakeholder input until February 28, 2027, which can be submitted via email to [email protected].
The Coast Guard will leverage all input received to help adjudicate the BOI’s recommendations and develop the Commandant’s Final Action Memorandum (FAM). The FAM, which is anticipated for public release in August 2027, will describe the Coast Guard actions to be taken in response to the BOI.
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