Plan to Guide Clients Through Baltimore Port Closing

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge sent shockwaves around the world. In the early morning hours of March 26, the container ship Dali struck the bridge, bringing down the entire span. The bridge spanned the Patapsco River, near the mouth of Baltimore Harbor. Ship traffic entering and leaving the Port of Baltimore was suspended indefinitely. This blog with discuss the Baltimore closure shipping solutions.

President Biden’s Remarks

In remarks delivered on the day of the collapse, President Joe Biden announced he intends to use the federal government’s power to rebuild the bridge and remove debris from the harbor. “I’ve directed my team to move heaven and earth to reopen the port and rebuild the bridge as soon as possible,” Biden said.

The Port of Baltimore

This terrible accident hits particularly close to home for Interstate International. We’ve been based in the Washington DC area for more than 80 years. We consider ourselves a part of the community in the Baltimore-Washington Metro Area. Our prayers go out to all those affected by this tragedy, especially the six who lost their lives.

In logistical terms, the indefinite loss of the Port of Baltimore, the 11^th-largest port in the United States, will tremendously impact shipping for the foreseeable future. Maryland Governor Wes Moore said more than 52 million tons of foreign cargo worth $80 billion were transported out of the port last year. Dozens of cargo vessels are already being rerouted to other ports along the Eastern Seaboard. Traffic will increase in New York and Norfolk, leading to congestion and delays.

Global shipping has largely adjusted to disruptions from Houthi rebel attacks on vessels in the Red Sea. The attacks, which started amid the Israel-Hamas war, have forced ships to take the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope at the southern tip of Africa and required more ships to sail more often. The Baltimore port closure won’t lead to Red Sea-level shipping crisis, but it will be a significant hurdle for shippers.

Interstate’s Commitment to Community

However, no matter the crisis, Interstate International is well-equipped to provide clients with the same tremendous service. The Interstate approach to project cargo and freight forwarding relies on transparency. Interstate also utilizes the finest network of partners in the industry. We give our partners a seat at the table. You get to know the associate companies who work with us to move your cargo around the globe. You’ll have open lines of communication throughout the supply chain. And you’ll have access to the most reliable and cost-effective shipping options, whatever they may be. 

Interstate International: Baltimore Closure Shipping Solutions

Ruth Moritz, Vice President and General Manager of Global Relocation, outlined Interstate’s plan for guiding clients through the Baltimore port crisis. “Our intent is to work closely with port operators on a daily basis to make real-time assessments to capabilities as the situation remains fluid. Strategic rerouting will occur based upon client needs and delivery date requirements,” said Moritz. “Leveraging our partnership with ground, rail and alternative port authorities ensures minimal disruption to our service offering.”

While our sister city of Baltimore recovers from this horrific event, and the U.S. government works to restore the port to working order, Interstate International remains committed to ensuring the lines of international commerce remain open and affordable to our clients.