The Port of Baltimore is directly responsible for more than 15,000 jobs
Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge, named for the poet who wrote the lyrics to the U.S. national anthem, used to carry an average of about 31,000 vehicles a day across one of the nation’s busiest ports.
Its collapse overnight within seconds of being struck by a container ship could cause significant economic damage as long as it continues to impede shipping in the Port of Baltimore.
A recent statement from Maryland Gov. Wes Moore’s office said severe damage to the bridge led to the closure of the port to all marine traffic, which last year handled more than 52 million tons of foreign cargo valued at about $80 billion.
Baltimore is the deepest port on Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay and handles the largest volume of cars and light trucks in the United States, as well as the largest quantities of imported sugar and gypsum.
The Port of Baltimore is the ninth busiest major port in the United States in terms of foreign cargo volume and foreign cargo value, directly supports more than 15,000 jobs and supports nearly 140,000 people.
It generates about $3.3 billion in gross personal income annually and brings in nearly $400 million in annual tax revenue, according to the Maryland State Archives.
More than 50 ocean carriers use the port each year, conducting a total of nearly 1,800 sailings annually.
In addition to being a major port for roll-off container shipping, the Port of Baltimore also serves as a cruise ship terminal.
More than 440,000 people departed last year, the most since 2012, according to the governor’s office.
The Maryland Chamber of Commerce said in a statement that a prolonged closure of the Francis Scott Key Bridge “will inevitably disrupt business activity and supply chains.”
They added: “We understand the daunting task of recovering from this tragedy and restoring this vital transport hub, so we urge all residents and businesses to remain patient and make the necessary changes to their daily lives, travel and operations. long-term adjustment.”
Protection “insufficient”
Bridge designer Robert Benaim said major bridges on waterways like this should be designed in a way to minimize damage in the event of a collision.
“Obviously the protection of the pier in this case is not adequate,” he said.
“The piers or columns of a bridge can never withstand the impact of a large ship. They must be protected from collisions,” he added.
Toby Mottram, professor of structural engineering at the University of Warwick, said: “It was clear that the piers were unable to withstand the impact energy, causing their failure and subsequent collapse of the steel trusses and reinforced concrete deck superstructure.”
He added: “The extent of damage to the bridge’s superstructure appears to be disproportionate to the cause and is a matter for future investigation.”
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
