Page 11: of Maritime Reporter Magazine (November 2024)

UPDATE Dali Owner to Pay $102M

On October 25, 2024, the owner and operator of the car- insurance coverage. If the act is amended or repealed, it would go ship that struck Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge in rede? ne shipowner liability. The industry may need to adopt

March, killing six people, agreed to pay $102M to the federal stricter safety protocols and improve vessel maintenance stan- government. The U.S. Justice Department in September ? led dards to mitigate risk. While this could serve as a warning to a civil claim seeking $103M from Grace Ocean Private Limit- shipowners to prioritize safety and compliance with regula- ed and Synergy Marine Private Limited, to recoup the money tions, it could also result in shipowners diverting their ves- the U.S. government spent responding to the disaster and sels out of US ports. The incident involving the Dali container clearing the wreck of the Dali ship and bridge debris from ship could serve as a pivotal moment for liability in maritime the Port of Baltimore so the waterway could reopen in June.

The Justice Department’s lawsuit was brought as part of a law. It presents circumstances that could be used to reshape legal action initiated by Grace Ocean and Synergy to limit the industry. While shipowners will hopefully use this as an their liability for the crash to $44 million, a sum department opportunity to ensure the safety of their vessels, the Act still of? cials dubbed inadequate.

serves an important purpose in the global shipping industry.

The Author The Author

Teatom Kearney

Kevin Kearney is a licensed insurance

Kristen Teatom is a licensed attor- broker and one of twenty-two Full Mem- ney, licensed insurance broker and bers of The Association of Average Ad- licensed insurance adjuster, special- justers of the United States and Canada. izing in marine and liability insurance.

Booth #2129 www.marinelink.com 11

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