Following the collapse of the Francis Scott Bridge caused by the containership Dali, CMA CGM has declared Force Majeure for shipments to and from the Port of Baltimore. The port's closure has led to CMA CGM's decision to keep exports at Baltimore until it reopens or to reroute them to alternative ports like Norfolk or New York at the shipper's expense. The company has stopped accepting bookings from Baltimore, designating Norfolk as the primary alternative loading port.
Other shipping lines, including Hapag-Lloyd and Maersk, have also adjusted their operations due to the bridge collapse. Hapag-Lloyd plans to reroute Baltimore-bound containers to New York and will move them to Baltimore on the shipper's request and cost. Maersk, the charterer of the Dali, will discharge cargo bound for Baltimore at other U.S. East Coast ports, offering inland movement solutions on a case-by-case basis due to limited capacity.
The incident has significant trade implications, with the Port of Baltimore's extended closure expected to impact around $8 billion in trade. Key affected commodities include automobiles and coal exports. Salvage operations to clear the bridge debris and the stranded Dali are underway, with industry and government officials working to mitigate the economic repercussions and logistical challenges posed by this major disruption.