Good day,
Below Please note below received from our sub-agent Capes Shipping:
Updates as of 1430 hrs March 26th:
- USCG has verbally advised that it will be a minimum of 2 weeks before any port movements resume, however, we suspect the delay will be much more prolonged due to the magnitude of the situation.
- Local Pilots have advised that vessels currently anchored at Annapolis are not movement restricted and are able to sail, provided that USCG and USCBP formalities are completed with each respective agency.
As you may have heard the unfortunate events, a container vessel collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the port of Baltimore early this morning. Search and rescue crews are onsite currently, and Maryland Pilots have advised that all pilot moves in/out of the port have been suspended and they cannot advise when port movements will resume.
We will pass on information concerning resumption of vessel movements as soon as it’s provided to us by the pilots and port authorities.
In the meantime, please find the attached/below current Sector Maryland NCR port condition update:
Sector Maryland NCR: Port Condition: Closed [Please see attached MSIB 036-24]
Effective immediately a safety zone is established for all navigable waters of the Chesapeake Bay within a 2000-yard radius of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The 948-foot Singapore-flagged vessel DALI struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, 2024.
As advised, the above timeline for resuming regular port operations is provided by and speculated basis the information available by local authorities, and we expect this incident will affect port traffic for some time. Therefore, prospective berthing for future vessels is very uncertain.
Our team is closely monitoring this situation and are actively communication with local authorities and port officials to ensure we are as updated as possible.
We will continue to provide updates as new information becomes available.
Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions concerning the situation and we will assist as best as possible.