Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse disrupts Baltimore's port operations

The Francis Scott Key Bridge, a vital artery for transportation in the bustling harbor city of Baltimore, suffered a catastrophic collapse last night after being struck by a container ship. Named after the renowned poet who authored the lyrics to the US national anthem, the bridge once facilitated the daily passage of approximately 34,000 vehicles, serving as a crucial link across one of the busiest harbors in the United States.

"It's evident that the pier couldn't withstand the impact energy, leading to its failure and subsequent collapse of the steel truss and reinforced concrete deck superstructure," said University of Warwick structural engineering professor Toby Mottram, highlighting the structural challenges faced by the bridge.

The incident has dealt a severe blow to the region's economy, as the blockage of shipping lanes in the Port of Baltimore is expected to result in significant economic losses. According to recent figures released by Maryland Governor Wes Moore's office, maritime traffic through the port amounted to over 52 million tons of foreign cargo valued at around $80 billion last year alone.

"Baltimore is the deepest harbor in Maryland's Chesapeake Bay, and handles the highest volume of autos and light trucks in the United States, as well as the largest quantities of imported sugar and gypsum," stated the Governor, emphasizing the port's pivotal role in the region's economic landscape.

Situated in the deep harbor of Maryland's Chesapeake Bay, the Port of Baltimore holds the distinction of handling the highest volume of automobiles and light trucks in the United States, along with substantial quantities of imported sugar and gypsum. As the ninth-busiest major US port in terms of both cargo volume and value, it directly sustains over 15,000 jobs and supports nearly 140,000 more.

"We're going to do everything we can to protect those jobs and help those workers," stated President Joe Biden during a briefing at the White House, underscoring the administration's commitment to expediting the reopening of the port and the reconstruction of the bridge. "This is gonna take some time," he acknowledged, highlighting the magnitude of the task at hand.

"The extended closure of the Francis Scott Key Bridge will inevitably disrupt commercial activities and supply chains," remarked the Maryland Chamber of Commerce in a statement, echoing concerns over the economic ramifications of the bridge collapse.

In response to the crisis, experts have pointed to potential design flaws, highlighting the necessity for enhanced protective measures for critical infrastructure over shipping lanes.

"Clearly the protection of the piers in this instance was inadequate," remarked bridge designer Robert Benaim, emphasizing the importance of fortifying bridge piers to withstand collisions.

Source: AFP