Unresolved Claims Remain Over Baltimore Bridge Collapse
The owner and operator of the cargo ship involved in the Baltimore bridge collapse earlier this year has agreed to pay a $102m settlement for cleanup costs. The settlement, approved by a US district judge, covers the expenses incurred by the US government in responding to the disaster and reopening the port.
The Singapore-based firms, Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Private Limited, deny liability but have agreed to the payment. Despite being fully insured, the companies face multiple unresolved claims from various parties, including the state of Maryland and the families of the deceased.
Shipping Firms Deny Liability
The incident, which claimed six lives, has led to estimates of $1.7-$1.9bn for bridge rebuilding. Investigations suggest that improper maintenance of the ship’s systems may have contributed to the accident, leading to a criminal investigation by the FBI in April.