April 3, 2024 – Update 5
To facilitate our operations; reduce port congestion; and best serve our customers, please note:
- We ask customers who intend to make their own arrangements for their Baltimore cargo to notify their Maersk representative so that we can update our systems and operational plans.
- We also ask that customers with import cargo originally destined for Newark and/or Norfolk that is currently sitting in terminal to arrange to pick up your containers as soon as possible to assist with increased flows of containers.
- Access links to all North American terminals where you can find the latest updates and hours per terminal on Maersk.com here.
Other notes
- The Baltimore Captain of the Port has announced two temporary alternate channels for “commercially essential vessels” in the Port of Baltimore. Please note these alternate channels are not deep enough to accommodate the oceangoing container vessels that Maersk and other carriers use to call upon Baltimore and other USEC ports.
- All acceptance of new Maersk SPOT ocean bookings to and from Baltimore remain suspended temporarily.
- We currently cannot accept any loaded containers in Baltimore, but the terminal can accept empty returns and are releasing empties for export shipments.
We understand your need for clarity on your cargo, as well as future changes to our routes regarding Baltimore. We are working diligently to identify solutions and will inform you as soon as possible of changes to current and future cargo to Baltimore.
If you have any questions or need further information on your cargo, please reach out to your local Maersk representative. Our teams are on hand to support with your planning, should you need any assistance.
April 1, 2024 – Update 4
While we remain unable to accept new bookings into or out of the Port of Baltimore, we continue to serve greater Baltimore via alternative ports such as Newark, Norfolk and Philadelphia via road and rail subject to available capacity. We continue to work with customers to determine the best solution for their Store Door service to and from Baltimore and surrounding areas.
As many customers look to utilize the entire Eastern seaboard port infrastructure, we are also prepared to offer services through a number of gateways from Eastern Canada down to the South Atlantic and Gulf. Ports and rail operators have been very supportive and collaborative to develop solutions to support cargo temporarily diverted to alternative ports.
Steps to take
- We ask customers who intend to make their own arrangements for their Baltimore cargo to notify their Maersk representative so that we can update our systems and operational plans.
- We also ask that customers with import cargo originally destined for Newark and/or Norfolk that is currently sitting in terminal to arrange to pick up your containers as soon as possible to assist with increased flows of containers.
- Access links to all North American terminals where you can find the latest updates and hours per terminal on Maersk.com here.
Other notes
- The Baltimore Captain of the Port announced on April 1 that there are preparations underway to establish a temporary alternate channel for “commercially essential vessels” in the Port of Baltimore. Please note the announced “controlling depth of 11 feet” of the alternate channel would not be deep enough to accommodate the oceangoing container vessels that Maersk and other carriers use to call upon Baltimore and other USEC ports.
- All acceptance of new Maersk SPOT ocean bookings to and from Baltimore remain suspended temporarily.
- We currently cannot accept any loaded containers in Baltimore, but the terminal can accept empty returns and are releasing empties for export shipments.
We understand your need for clarity on your cargo, as well as future changes to our routes regarding Baltimore. We are working diligently to identify solutions and will inform you as soon as possible of changes to current and future cargo to Baltimore.
If you have any questions or need further information on your cargo, please reach out to your local Maersk representative. Our teams are on hand to support with your planning, should you need any assistance.
March 28, 2024 – Update 3
Due to the damage and resulting debris from the tragic incident in Baltimore, it is currently not possible to reach the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore.
Therefore, at this time:
- No new bookings into or out of the Port of Baltimore will be accepted. However, we will continue to offer options through alternate USEC ports.
- However, we will continue to provide Store Door service to and from Baltimore and surrounding areas via alternate USEC ports.
- All acceptance of new Maersk SPOT ocean bookings to and from Baltimore are suspended temporarily.
- We currently cannot accept any loaded containers in Baltimore, but the terminal can accept empty returns and are releasing empties for export shipments.
For customers with import cargo originally destined for Newark and/or Norfolk that is currently sitting in terminal, please arrange to pick up your containers as soon as possible to assist with increased flows of containers.
For customers with existing Norfolk/Newark business, rail and truck operations are currently running as normal.
We understand your need for clarity on your cargo, as well as future changes to our routes regarding Baltimore. We are working diligently to identify solutions and will inform you as soon as possible of changes to current and future cargo to Baltimore.
If you have any questions or need further information on your cargo, please reach out to your local Maersk representative. Our teams are on hand to support with your planning, should you need any assistance.
March 27, 2024 – Update 2
As previously communicated, in the early hours of 26 March 2024, a vessel collided with the Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore, MD, resulting in damage to the structure. Our thoughts are with all parties impacted by the situation, and we remain in close contact with our partners and local agencies.
Due to the damage and resulting debris from the tragic incident, it is currently not possible to reach the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore.
Therefore, at this time, no new bookings into or out of the Port of Baltimore will be accepted. However, we will continue to offer options through alternate USEC ports. We will also continue to provide Store Door service to and from Baltimore and surrounding areas.
We understand your need for clarity on your cargo, as well as future changes to our routes regarding Baltimore. We are working diligently to identify solutions and will inform you as soon as possible of changes to current and future cargo to Baltimore.
If you have any questions or need further information on your cargo, please reach out to your local Maersk representative. Our teams are on hand to support with your planning, should you need any assistance.
March 26, 2024 – Update 1
In the early hours of 26 March 2024, a vessel collided with the Francis Scott Key bridge, resulting in damage to the structure. Information on the situation remains pending and we remain in close contact with officials in the area.
We can confirm that the container vessel “DALI”, is owned by Grace Ocean, and operated by Synergy Group. It is time chartered by Maersk and is carrying Maersk customers’ cargo. No Maersk crew and personnel were onboard the vessel.
Due to the damage to the bridge and resulting debris, it will not be possible to reach the Helen Delich Bentley port of Baltimore for the time being. In line with this, we are omitting Baltimore on all our services for the foreseeable future, until it is deemed safe for passage through this area.
For cargo already on water, we will omit the port, and will discharge cargo set for Baltimore, in nearby ports. From these ports, it will be possible to utilise landside transportation to reach final destination instead. Your local Maersk representative can assist in booking this.
Please note that for cargo set to discharge in Baltimore, delays may occur, as they will need to discharge in other ports. We are keeping a close eye on the safety situation in the area and continuing to assess the viability of transportation through the area. We will inform you of any changes that may impact your cargo.
We are deeply concerned by this incident and are closely monitoring the situation. We understand the potential impact this may have on your logistics operation, and will communicate to our customers once we have more details from authorities. Our teams are on hand to support with your planning, should you need any assistance.
For more information on your cargo, please reach out to your local Maersk representative.
Our teams are on hand to support with your planning, should you need any assistance.