2025 Port of the Future Conference’s Post

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Ironically, the #baltimore #bridge #collapse incident this week coincided with my work on understanding dependencies and interdependencies within #criticalinfrastructure, particularly for #urban #water #systems #resilience. For those unaware of this tragic incident, here's a summary: In the early hours of Tuesday, a massive cargo ship, Dali, lost power while departing Baltimore’s commercial shipping port. Amidst issuing a mayday call, the ship lost steering control, leading to a collision with one of the support pillars of the 47-year-old Francis Scott Key Bridge. The impact caused significant structural damage, resulting in the collapse of the main span and part of the approach. Regrettably, eight maintenance workers on the bridge were plunged into the water, with six presumed dead. The Francis Scott Key Bridge is integral to the local and regional road transportation system, serving as one of the two primary bridges for crossing the Baltimore harbor. Presently, freeway I-695 remains closed, and shipping traffic in and out of the Baltimore port is halted. While tragic, this incident serves as a case study for city engineers and planners to analyze threats to critical infrastructures and develop mitigation and adaptation strategies for future threats. It underscores the imperative of enhancing security and resilience measures. In this post, I aim to simplify the complexity of this chain of events and highlight three types of critical infrastructure failures: 1.    Cascading failures occur when a disruption in one infrastructure triggers the failure of elements in another, leading to further disruptions. The Baltimore Bridge Collapse incident is first a case of interdependent cascading failure, wherein the loss of power in Dali could have been a random event that caused the ship's failure, subsequently leading to the collapse of the bridge. This, in turn, is disrupting port functioning and could potentially cause an environmental crisis if hazardous cargo or oil from the ship spills. 2.    Escalating failures occur when an existing disruption exacerbates an independent disruption in another infrastructure, intensifying the impact or prolonging recovery time. The loss of the Baltimore Bridge would exacerbate existing congestion and traffic challenges in the city and the region. 3.    Common-cause failures arise when multiple connected infrastructures are simultaneously disrupted due to a shared cause. Furthermore, the suspension of shipping due to this accident would exacerbate logistical and economic challenges in the region. This would impact industries, businesses, and the livelihoods of people directly and indirectly dependent on the Baltimore port. P.S. What was the probability of a container ship crashing into the Francis Scott Key Bridge and causing it to collapse? A crisis only occurs when the threat is improbable. Post 5

Per ENR: [Calling the Key Bridge incident “a sober reminder” of the risks large vessels post to critical infrastructure, Adm. Gautier says he will convene a nationwide board of inquiry to assess the efficacy and use of the Coast Guard’s suite of risk management tools for port access, with an eye toward establishing “a holistic national-level approach to develop risk profiles, identify ways to address vulnerabilities, and propose actions to reduce risk of major incidents.” The dynamic nature of the issue was evidenced by the fact that while the House committee hearing was taking place, an untethered barge struck the pillar of a 64-year-old bridge in Galveston, Texas. Damage was limited to an unused rail section of the structure, which the Texas Department of Transportation has already slated for replacement. In early April, a flood event on the Ohio River unmoored several barges wedged, some of which struck a bridge and a lock and dam structure. No significant damage was reported.] #keybridge #francis_scott_key_bridge #NTSB #dali #baltimore #impact #crashprotection #vessel #impact #bridgecolapse #servicelife

𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐡 $𝟏𝟎𝟐 𝐌𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐞𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐖𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐎𝐉 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐠𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐩𝐬𝐞 Singapore-based companies Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Private Limited, the owner and operator of the M/V DALI, have agreed to a $101,980,000 settlement with the U.S. government to resolve claims related to the catastrophic collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge. The collapse, which occurred on March 26, 2024, claimed six lives and brought shipping in and out of the Port of Baltimore to a standstill. “Nearly seven months after one of the worst transportation disasters in recent memory, we have reached an important milestone with today’s settlement,” said Principal Deputy Associate Attorney General Benjamin C. Mizer. “This resolution ensures that the costs of the federal government’s cleanup efforts in the Fort McHenry Channel are borne by Grace Ocean and Synergy, not the American taxpayer.” The incident occurred in the early hours of March 26, when the containership DALI lost power while navigating the Fort McHenry Channel, causing it to strike the Francis Scott Key Bridge. The collapse killed six people and left the wreckage of the bridge and the vessel obstructing the channel, forcing a halt to shipping traffic and severing a critical highway link in the region. Federal, state, and local agencies led an intensive response, working to remove approximately 50,000 tons of steel, concrete, and debris from the channel in the months following the incident. Temporary shipping lanes were established to alleviate the port’s bottleneck until the Fort McHenry Channel was cleared and reopened on June 10. The U.S. Department of Justice filed a civil lawsuit in September, seeking over $100 million in damages from the companies for their failure to address known risks with the vessel’s power systems, which contributed to the disaster. According to the lawsuit, the companies neglected to resolve known vibration issues that could lead to power outages and configured the ship’s systems in a way that prevented rapid restoration of propulsion and steering during the incident. “This was an entirely avoidable catastrophe,” said Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General Brian M. Boynton. “The owner and operator of the DALI failed to prevent a series of foreseeable errors, leading to this tragic outcome.” The settlement addresses the United States’ claims under the Rivers and Harbors Act, the Oil Pollution Act, and general maritime law, totaling $103 million in damages. The funds will be allocated to the U.S. Treasury and various federal agencies involved in the response to the disaster.

The bridge collapse in Baltimore is an incredibly tragic event. I urge everyone to refrain from speculating and engaging in unnecessary criticism. No maritime incident is simple. Even incidents that may seem similar at first glance are actually unique in their own ways. While there may be common factors associated with these incidents, it is the combination of these factors that makes each one distinct. In the United States, we are fortunate to have the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is widely recognized as the best and most transparent transportation investigatory agency in the world. Rest assured, the NTSB will share their findings with us as soon as they understand the situation. They won't wait until every detail is deliberated. They will tell us what they know as soon as they know it. They have a proven track record of transparency and diligence. In light of recent events, many are questioning whether a similar incident could occur in their own area. Reporters asked me this very question today. My response is simple: it would be imprudent to suggest that such an incident could never happen. We must acknowledge that there is a certain level of risk involved when large objects navigate around infrastructure. However, I can confidently say, like every major port in our nation, the San Francisco Bay Region is equipped with highly skilled professional mariners, the finest Coast Guard in the world, and a committed Harbor Safety Committee dedicated to maritime safety, environmental protection, economic prosperity, and the well-being of our people. We have individuals who tirelessly learn from incidents like these and work towards preventing their recurrence. While those of us in the professional maritime industry cannot help but wonder about the cause of this disaster, today our focus should be on the brave first responders, the families and friends of those affected by the bridge collapse, and the merchant seamen on the container ship who likely witnessed a life-altering scene. Our thoughts and support should be with them.

A horrific scene at the Port of Baltimore this morning with the Key Bridge collapse. This story will stay up to date with everything we know. There's a lot we don't know, too — including: • How often are bridges like this stress-tested? Is there technology to make this testing more frequent or accurate? • Was there a structural flaw in the design? Was the bridge en route to a collapse even without a ship crashing into a support beam? • Does any technology exist to help ships like the Dali avoid collisions like these? What about the agencies and oversight entities responsible for making sure something like this doesn’t happen? • Where can software platforms help avoid any component of this disaster, or assist with the recovery and rebuilding process?  • Are any local tech companies working on anything related to the collapse and its aftermath?  • How does tech, especially software, figure into and assist tracking and coordination of shipping, transit, search and rescue, or other infrastructure safety work? Have info to contribute? Comment or email baltimore@technical.ly. Thanks and stay safe.

As we discussed during our APCO conference presentations in August, “Public Safety Grade” in plain language is the ability of infrastructure to support Public Safety’s Mission to protect life and property during and following natural and manmade events without the degradation or loss of continuity of operations.  

Charting a Course Through Storms: My Reflections on Global Shipping Disruptions and the Resilience of Relocation Services As I sit down to pen this, my thoughts are first drawn to the recent heart-wrenching event in Baltimore, where a container ship's collision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge led to its tragic collapse. This disaster has left a profound impact on all of us, and my deepest sympathies go out to everyone affected. But this incident isn't isolated. It's part of a larger series of challenges we're facing in the global shipping and relocation industries. A world away, the Red Sea has turned into a hotspot of geopolitical tensions. The hijacking of the Galaxy Leader cargo vessel by Houthi militants marked the beginning of a series of attacks on international shipping routes, disrupting one of the world's most critical maritime corridors. These events, combined with other challenges like the drought-induced constraints in the Panama Canal, are significantly impacting our work in the relocation industry. The necessity to reroute ships around the Cape of Good Hope is not just a logistical issue; it's adding considerable delays and costs to our operations, affecting our ability to provide efficient and cost-effective relocation services. In my role, I'm constantly navigating these complex challenges, striving to ensure that we continue to offer seamless relocation experiences. It's about more than moving belongings; it's about relocating lives with care and dedication. This commitment to our clients drives us to seek innovative solutions and adapt our strategies to meet these unprecedented challenges. The current situation underscores the importance of staying informed, being flexible, and ready to adapt quickly to ensure the continuity and reliability of our services. Despite these turbulent times, my commitment to guiding our clients through their relocation journeys remains steadfast. Together, we'll weather these storms, anchored by our dedication to service and excellence. #GlobalShipping #RelocationServices #MaritimeSecurity #GeopoliticalTensions #SupplyChainResilience #NavigatingChallenges #Adaptability #InThisTogether https://lnkd.in/d356b-ne

This article emphasizes the significance of safeguarding our infrastructure. With so many entities relying on it, any disruption can have a domino effect on multiple ecosystems. The recent collapse of a bridge in Baltimore has trapped two of the fastest U.S. sealift ships, causing a major setback. Check out the details on the situation at the following link: https://lnkd.in/g7cWcHpc. Let's work together to protect our infrastructure and prevent such incidents from occurring in the future.

As the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge attracted global attention to City of Baltimore and Baltimore County Tuesday, first responders continued a rescue and recovery effort and the president pledged support to rebuild the structure. First responders spent much of Tuesday searching for six construction crew members who were carrying out normal maintenance roadwork on the bridge when it immediately crumbled into the Patapsco River after a cargo ship collided with one of its supports. “The crew that was out there working was basically repairing potholes,” said Maryland Department of Transportation Secretary Paul Wiedefeld during a news conference Tuesday. He noted there were not any known structural issues that contributed to the collapse. Maryland Gov. Wes Moore said the Key Bridge was up to code. Much of the ports including infrastructure was built before the rise of super container ships. https://lnkd.in/g5phKdEG. There have been many issues with these large ships like the Suez canal incident. https://lnkd.in/ggDhad-6 I have written a few blogs on emergency preparedness planning including what needs to be done to mitigate threats from potential disasters.  Paul Young CPA CGA is a former IBM Customer Success Manager that has deployed over 300 data and AI solutions across geographies and industries for over 8 years. Paul is SME on data management including how best to leverage data as part of the integrated planning and reporting cycle. Paul_Young_CGA@outlook.com   Course -  https://lnkd.in/giA2JcGw   Blog – Why is having a Risk, Emergency, and Crisis Management Plan and Reporting critical to an Organization - https://lnkd.in/gamNYSkm Blog – What FEMA disaster resilience Zones and What is next for Emergency, Risk, and Crisis Management - https://lnkd.in/g8rHmv9A   Blog – Fires and Lithium – City of San Diego and San Diego Fire Service – Public Safety - https://lnkd.in/e6j8B2iw   Blog – Emergency Planning and Management – Fire Service – Public Safety - https://lnkd.in/esajCjj4