The bustling traffic of large vessels to and from the port, renowned as the primary hub for automotive shipments in the U.S., had been severely hampered following the unfortunate incident on March 26.
The bridge collapsed after being struck by the Dali container ship, resulting in significant obstruction to the channel and tragically claiming the lives of six bridge workers. The FBI has initiated a criminal investigation into the matter.
The Balsa 94, a Panama-flagged general cargo carrier, marked the first vessel to exit Baltimore Harbor through a newly established channel, boasting dimensions of 300 feet in width and at least 35 feet in depth. Having been docked at the port since March 23, it is now en route to Saint John, Canada, according to LSEG data.
Among the other vessels making their exit were the Saimaagracht, a general cargo ship flying the flag of the Netherlands, the Carmen car carrier operated by the Norwegian/Swedish shipping company Wallenius Wilhelmsen, and the Phatra Naree, a bulk carrier registered in Thailand.
Notably, the Dutch-flagged Frisian Ocean was among the vessels utilizing the new channel to enter the port before its temporary closure on Monday, allowing workers to undertake the task of removing the obstructing Dali.
"We're diligently working to strike a balance between facilitating temporary access to support commercial activities and implementing necessary measures to fully restore operations in the Fort McHenry Channel," stated U.S. Coast Guard Captain David O’Connell, serving as the federal on-scene coordinator for the Key Bridge response team.
Officials have confirmed that the reopening of the port's primary channel remains scheduled for the end of May.
In a separate context, during the initial nine months of 2023, the Port of Baltimore emerged as the second-largest port for U.S. coal exports, following Norfolk, Virginia. Residents reported incidents of coal accumulation at terminals, resulting in dust emissions, as new shipments were redirected. Currently, two coal carriers, namely the JY River and Klara Oldendorff, remain stranded at the port.
Nevertheless, certain barges carrying agricultural commodities, coal, and metals will maintain access to the port through a shallower channel that was opened over the weekend. Domino Sugar Baltimore announced via the X social media platform that the barge named Jonathan has resumed deliveries of raw sugar for its refinery.
