Coast Guard Key Bridge Inquiry Finds U.S. Ports Facing Growing Risks from Larger Ships

The U.S. Coast Guard has released a sweeping review of risks facing critical U.S. port infrastructure following the 2024 collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, finding that existing waterways risk assessment tools are underused as ships grow larger and port operations become more complex.

The Ports and Waterways Safety Act Board of Inquiry was convened following the March 26, 2024, allision of the containership Dali with the Key Bridge. The casualty killed six people, destroyed the bridge and forced the prolonged closure of the Port of Baltimore.

The 974-foot Dali lost electrical power while outbound from Baltimore before striking Pier