Maryland, Ship Companies Reach Preliminary Settlement Over Key Bridge Collapse

The agreement covers claims filed by state agencies but does not resolve potential claims against the shipbuilder.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 10:51pm

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A photorealistic studio still life of a polished, chrome-plated ship's anchor resting on a clean, matte gray background, conveying a sense of weight, power, and responsibility through the dramatic lighting and shadow.A symbolic anchor representing the legal and financial responsibilities at the heart of the Key Bridge collapse settlement.Baltimore Today

Maryland officials announced they have reached a settlement in principle with the owner and operator of the cargo ship involved in the 2024 collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The agreement covers claims filed on behalf of state agencies like the Maryland Transportation Authority and Maryland Port Administration, but does not resolve potential claims against the shipbuilder, Hyundai.

Why it matters

The collapse of the Key Bridge in 2024 caused significant disruption to transportation and commerce in the Baltimore region. This preliminary settlement represents progress in the state's efforts to recoup damages and hold the responsible parties accountable, though the full resolution of the case is still pending.

The details

The settlement is between Maryland and Grace Ocean Private Limited, which owns the M/V Dali cargo ship, and Synergy Marine Pte Ltd., the ship's operator. The agreement covers claims brought by state agencies over the March 26, 2024 collision between the ship and the Key Bridge, which led to the bridge's collapse. However, the settlement does not address potential claims against the shipbuilder, Hyundai.

  • The Key Bridge collapsed on March 26, 2024.
  • Maryland announced the preliminary settlement on April 9, 2026.

The players

Grace Ocean Private Limited

The owner of the M/V Dali cargo ship involved in the Key Bridge collapse.

Synergy Marine Pte Ltd.

The operator of the M/V Dali cargo ship involved in the Key Bridge collapse.

Maryland Transportation Authority

A state agency whose claims are covered by the preliminary settlement.

Maryland Port Administration

A state agency whose claims are covered by the preliminary settlement.

Maryland Department of the Environment

A state agency whose claims are covered by the preliminary settlement.

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What they’re saying

“This agreement covers claims filed on behalf of agencies including the Maryland Transportation Authority, Maryland Port Administration and Maryland Department of the Environment, but does not resolve potential claims against the shipbuilder, Hyundai.”

— Anthony G. Brown, Maryland Attorney General

What’s next

The parties are still working to finalize and formally execute a written agreement before it becomes legally binding.

The takeaway

This preliminary settlement represents progress in Maryland's efforts to recoup damages and hold the responsible parties accountable for the 2024 collapse of the Key Bridge, which caused significant disruption in the Baltimore region. However, the full resolution of the case is still pending, as potential claims against the shipbuilder have not been addressed.