The state of Maryland sues Dali ship owner and manager over the Key Bridge collapse

The state of Maryland announced that it is filing a lawsuit against the owners and manager of the cargo ship, Dali, which caused the Francis Scott Key Bridge to collapse on March 26, killing six construction workers and shutting down a busy port for months.

In a news conference Tuesday, the state’s Attorney General, Anthony Brown, Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, and other state leaders announced the lawsuit against the two Singaporean companies, Grace Ocean Private Limited — the company that owns the cargo ship — and its operator, Synergy Marine Pte. Ltd.

Maryland state leaders argue in the suit that the two companies failed to take the necessary precautions to prevent the bridge's collapse.

"What happened in the early morning of March 26 should never have happened," Moore said as he thanked citizens for their swift action following the bridge’s collapse.

"But the presence of action doesn’t mean the absence of accountability. We can – and we will – pursue both at the same time," he added.

In the 56-page lawsuit filed in federal court, the state claims it will pursue punitive damages in addition to seeking compensation for damages to cover:

• The total cost of the replacement of the Francis Scott Key bridge
• Lost revenues, including tolls, fees, and taxes
• Indemnification, damages, and attorneys' fees pursuant to the Tariff
• Damage to the state's natural resources
• All costs associated with the emergency response, salvage, demolition, and benefits paid to affected workers and businesses
• Increased wear and tear on the State's infrastructure
• All costs related to environmental contamination and penalties
• And, other forms of economic loss flowing from the destruction of the bridge.

Brown, who has served as the state’s attorney general since 2023,