US DoJ Sues Singaporean Firms for $100M Over Bridge Collapse

The U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) has launched a civil lawsuit demanding $100 million in damages from two Singaporean companies, Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine, who own and operate the vessel Dali.

The lawsuit stems from the Dali’s collision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 26, 2024, which resulted in the bridge's collapse and the tragic death of six people.

According to the DoJ, the companies continued operating the Dali despite knowing it was not seaworthy. The filing outlines a range of mechanical failures, including power outages and safety system malfunctions, that contributed to the fatal incident.

The investigation led by the DoJ suggests that the vessel had been intentionally configured in a way that slowed the restoration of propulsion and steering during power loss.

Additionally, the lawsuit claims that the owners were aware of significant vibration issues that could cause power outages, but instead of fixing these problems, they chose temporary solutions like welding over critical cracks. At the time of the accident, none of the four essential steering mechanisms—propeller, rudder, anchor, or bow thrusters—were functional, contributing to the disaster.

The DoJ’s lawsuit seeks to recover the costs incurred by various U.S. government agencies for removing bridge debris, clearing the navigation channel, and preventing environmental damage. The DoJ is also pursuing punitive damages to discourage other shipowners and operators from engaging in similar negligent practices.

This civil action is part of a broader legal battle following the bridge collapse. The State of Maryland, which owns the bridge, is expected to file its own lawsuit against Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine to recover the cost of replacing the bridge. Additionally, the FBI is conducting a criminal investigation into the disaster.

Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine have responded by filing a motion to cap the damages at $44 million. However, the U.S. Congress is reviewing the 170-year-old law that limits damages in maritime accidents, with many lawmakers arguing that it is outdated and should be revised.