The recent collapse of the Baltimore bridge is anticipated to have a significant impact on supply chains in the US, particularly in industries such as wood, construction machinery, steel, aluminum, and automobile manufacturing. The collision, which occurred when the containership Dali struck the Francis Scott Key Bridge, has led to the blockage of the main access to the Port of Baltimore, affecting vital terminals like SeaGirt Container Terminal and Dundalk Terminal. The port’s coal exports are expected to be halted for up to six weeks, with the transport of 2.5 million tons of coal disrupted.
Major shipping companies like Maersk and MSC have announced the suspension of vessel traffic to and from the port, forcing inbound container vessels to divert to alternate ports such as Norfolk, New York/New Jersey, Savannah, and Charleston. The impact of the bridge collapse is expected to ripple through various sectors, causing disruptions in production and distribution channels nationwide.
Furthermore, the bridge collapse is likely to lead to diversions to other ports and put pressure on alternative modes of transportation. The Port of Baltimore plays a crucial role in handling a significant portion of east and gulf coast imports, especially in sectors like wood, construction machinery, steel/aluminum, home appliances, and furniture.
Despite the challenges posed by the collapse, some freight may reroute to nearby ports like Wilmington, Delaware, and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The disruption is expected to affect around 10% of northeast imports, further complicating supply chain operations and the movement of goods across different industries.
