Port of Baltimore Rebounds After Key Bridge Collapse

New investments and record cargo handling boost the port's comeback, state officials say.

Mar. 25, 2026 at 12:06am

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The Port of Baltimore is making significant strides in its recovery from the Key Bridge collapse, with new investments and record cargo handling boosting its comeback, state officials said. Last year, the port handled 50 million tons of cargo, its second-best year ever, and leaders said there is still work to be done to fully recover from the bridge collapse.

Why it matters

The Port of Baltimore is a critical economic engine for Maryland, handling billions in cargo and supporting hundreds of thousands of jobs. The Key Bridge collapse disrupted operations, but the port's recovery shows its resilience and importance to the regional economy.

The details

In 2025, the Port of Baltimore handled 1.1 million 20-foot containers and more than 2,000 vessels, with cargo valued at over $65 billion - the third-highest in the port's history. Terminal operators are enhancing operations to boost the container business in 2026, including $161 million in investments and the near-completion of the Howard Street Tunnel project to allow double-stacking containers to the Midwest.

  • In 2025, the Port of Baltimore handled 50 million tons of cargo - its second-best year ever.
  • In 2024, the port handled 45.9 million tons of cargo.
  • In 2023, the port set a record of 52.3 million tons of cargo handled.

The players

Wes Moore

The Governor of Maryland.

Jonathan Daniels

Executive Director of the Maryland Port Administration.

Mark Schmidt

President and CEO of Ports America Chesapeake.

Scott Cowan

President of ILA Local 333.

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What they’re saying

“Whether you are a chef in Louisiana or whether you are driving a vehicle in Michigan, chances are it started in the Port of Baltimore.”

— Wes Moore, Governor of Maryland

“Baltimore is not back where it needs to be. We are open for business. We want your cargo, so bring it here to Baltimore.”

— Scott Cowan, President of ILA Local 333

What’s next

Design and permitting work continue for the Key Bridge rebuild, which Governor Moore calls the 'fastest-moving large project in the country.' The governor said the speed of the project in partnership with federal partners has been 'absolutely extraordinary' and that the team will continue to move quickly to get the bridge rebuilt.

The takeaway

The Port of Baltimore's recovery from the Key Bridge collapse demonstrates its resilience and importance as a critical economic engine for Maryland. Despite setbacks, the port is making significant strides, with new investments, record cargo handling, and plans to further boost its container business in the coming year.