Maryland Finalizes $2.25 Billion Settlement Over Key Bridge Collapse; Criminal Charges Filed Against Ship Operator and Employee

Maryland has finalized a $2.25 billion settlement with Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Pte Ltd., the owner and operator of the Dali cargo ship, resolving the state's claims related to the March 26, 2024, collision that led to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge and the deaths of six construction workers.

Attorney General Anthony G. Brown stated, "This $2.25 billion settlement reflects the full measure of accountability we were able to secure from the vessel interests."

Concurrently, federal prosecutors have unsealed an indictment charging Synergy Marine Pte Ltd., Synergy Maritime Pte Ltd., and Radhakrishnan Karthik Nair, the ship's technical superintendent, with conspiracy, obstruction, and providing false statements. The indictment alleges that the defendants misrepresented the ship's safety, leading to the fatal collision.

The National Transportation Safety Board's final report, issued in November 2025, found Hyundai Heavy Industries at fault for the Dali's loss of power and subsequent collision with the bridge. Maryland intends to pursue claims against the shipbuilder.

The collapse resulted in significant economic losses, including the closure of the Port of Baltimore for two months. Rebuilding efforts are estimated to cost between $4.3 billion and $5.2 billion, with a new bridge expected to open by late 2030.

The six construction workers who lost their lives were identified as Alejandro Hernandez Fuentes, Dorlian Ronial Castillo Cabrera, Jose Mynor Lopez, Carlos Hernández, Miguel Angel Luna Gonzalez, and Maynor Yasir Suazo Sandoval.