In the wake of the devastating collision that caused the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse, the owner of the containership Dali, Singapore-based Grace Ocean Private Ltd., has taken a significant legal step. The company has declared a “general average,” a principle in maritime law that mandates all cargo stakeholders share in the salvage costs. This move aims to distribute the financial burden of the efforts required to refloat the vessel, which remains obstructed by the wreckage, impacting the Port of Baltimore’s operations severely.
Under the general average declaration, a third-party adjuster will assess and assign the cost contributions to each cargo owner. This mechanism, historically rooted in maritime tradition, ensures that the substantial expenses associated with such catastrophic events are not borne solely by the shipowner. In this particular case, it involves clearing the wreckage, removing shipping containers from the ship, and restoring the main channel at the port, which is vital for resuming normal traffic and operations.
The general average is part of a broader legal strategy that includes efforts by Grace Ocean and its management company, Synergy Marine Group, to limit their liability under U.S. maritime law, further complicating the already intricate legal landscape surrounding this incident. The tragedy, which resulted in the loss of six lives, continues to unfold with significant implications for maritime law, the shipping industry, and the families affected.
