It’s been reported that the situation at the Port of Baltimore is gradually improving. Recently, Mærsk Line issued a statement announcing the resumption of new bookings for the Port of Baltimore on the U.S. East Coast.
Mærsk Line stated that with ongoing efforts to reopen direct services to the Port of Baltimore, plans are in place to resume bookings for Baltimore on upcoming voyages.
Cargo shipments from Asia to Baltimore are now available for booking, subject to availability of space. AGAS and AMEX have begun accepting bookings as these vessels can utilize the Fort McHenry limited channel. Currently, vessels serving trans-Pacific or trans-Atlantic routes cannot use this channel.
Mærsk Line noted in the statement: The situation at the Port of Baltimore remains unstable, and bookings are subject to space availability. The ability to call at Baltimore will ultimately depend on salvage timing and whether the port formally opens or the fourth alternate channel, previously closed, is reopened. If unable to call at Baltimore, vessels may be diverted to another East Coast port.
Mærsk Line commits to promptly informing customers of any changes regarding shipments bound for Baltimore.
The Port of Baltimore is a significant port on the U.S. East Coast, but recent bridge collision incidents have disrupted port operations. As of May 13th, Maryland state workers have begun dismantling the wreckage of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, damaged in Baltimore City.
Currently, the Port of Baltimore has opened four temporary channels, with full operations expected to be restored by the end of May. The bridge reconstruction project is estimated by the Maryland government to cost between 1.7 billion and1.7billionand1.9 billion and is expected to be completed in the fall of 2028.