US court limits liability claims against Dali ship owners in Baltimore bridge collapse

A United States federal court has ruled to dismiss the majority of outstanding claims against the owners and operators of the Dali container ship, which struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore on March 26, 2024. The decision substantially narrows the legal exposure faced by the vessel's stakeholders following the catastrophic incident.

The bridge collapse, one of the most significant infrastructure disasters in recent US history, killed six construction workers and temporarily crippled a critical East Coast shipping hub. The Dali had experienced a loss of power while approaching the bridge before striking one of its main supports, causing the structure to collapse into the harbor.

The judge's ruling invokes limitation-of-liability provisions that cap damages against vessel owners in maritime law. Such provisions are grounded in international maritime conventions and US federal law, which restrict the financial exposure of ship operators in cases of accidents at sea, even when significant damage occurs.

The decision comes as various stakeholders—including survivors' families, affected businesses, and bridge reconstruction interests—have sought compensation through the courts. While some claims have been dismissed, the ruling does not entirely foreclose legal action, as certain claims may proceed under alternative legal theories or against other potentially liable parties.

The limitation of liability framework remains contentious in cases involving large-scale disasters, with maritime industry representatives arguing it encourages shipping safety standards while critics contend it inadequately compensates victims of catastrophic incidents.