CROSS and CHIRP issue alert on bridge strikes by large vessels

by ConstructionFeatured NewsPorts & Maritime

Safety alert issued on bridge strikes by large vessels: CROSS and CHIRP

CROSS and CHIRP have issued a joint Safety Alert following the March 2024 collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore.

The alert provides recommendations to mitigate the risks of large vessels striking bridges.

The alert highlights guidance for bridge designers, port authorities, and vessel operators.

It addresses how risks have evolved due to changes in maritime transport and climate.

While the probability of bridge strikes remains low, the consequences can include fatalities, infrastructure collapse, economic losses, and environmental damage.

Historical examples of bridge strikes

The alert outlines significant historical bridge strikes.

Between 1960 and 2015, there were 35 major bridge collapses globally, resulting in 342 deaths.

Examples include the Sunshine Skyway Bridge collapse in Florida in 1980 and the River Volga disaster in Russia in 1983, where 172 people lost their lives.

Recent incidents include the January 2024 damage to the Pont de Sully Bridge in Paris and the March 2024 Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse.

These incidents demonstrate the ongoing risks posed by evolving vessel sizes and environmental changes.

Bridge vulnerabilities and design considerations

Bridge vulnerabilities depend on structural design and maritime conditions.

Risks include superstructure impacts from increasing vessel sizes and substructure damage during collisions.

The alert recommends periodic risk assessments and integrating protective features such as sacrificial structures or impact-absorbing islands.

Guidance from standards like the Eurocodes and American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) emphasises updating risk assessments and design approaches to align with evolving maritime challenges.

Recommendations for risk mitigation

The alert provides detailed recommendations for key stakeholders.

Bridge designers should conduct risk analyses, consider climate impacts, and implement protective measures.

Owners and operators are urged to perform regular risk reviews and liaise with port authorities.

Ship operators should ensure vessel maintenance and conduct scenario planning.

Port authorities are advised to adapt to changing vessel sizes and implement traffic management strategies to prevent collisions.

Autonomous ships and predictive technologies are highlighted as emerging tools for safety management.

CROSS and CHIRP issue alert on bridge strikes by large vessels: Summary

CROSS and CHIRP have issued a safety alert focusing on the risks of large vessels colliding with bridges, following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore in March 2024.

Historical examples highlight the severe consequences of such events, including fatalities and infrastructure damage.

The alert recommends periodic risk assessments, updated design standards, and implementing protective features to mitigate risks.

Guidance is provided for bridge designers, owners, and ship operators, with a focus on adapting to evolving maritime challenges and ensuring collaborative planning.

Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore: impact and ongoing recovery efforts

by Featured News

Overview of the bridge collapse

In the early hours of a Tuesday, a significant event unfolded that would mark one of the largest infrastructure disasters in Maryland’s history.

The Francis Scott Key Bridge, a vital steel structure spanning 1.6 miles and standing 185 feet high, collapsed following a collision with the Dali, a Singapore-flagged container ship.

This incident occurred under a full moon as the ship, loaded and headed for Sri Lanka, drifted off course and struck the bridge at 1:28 a.m., leading to the bridge’s immediate collapse into the Patapsco River.

Immediate response and the aftermath

The moments leading up to and following the collapse were filled with urgency and disbelief among first responders.

Maryland Transportation Authority Police, upon realising the ship’s loss of control, moved quickly to halt all traffic on the bridge.

Despite their efforts, the construction crew working on the bridge at the time of the collision did not evacuate in time, resulting in tragic losses.

Governor Wes Moore later commended the officers for their actions, stating, “They saved lives,” during a mid-morning briefing.

The aftermath saw the initiation of search and recovery operations, revealing the profound human and economic impact of the disaster.

Investigation and recovery efforts

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) took immediate action by boarding the Dali to collect evidence and retrieve data from the voyage data recorder.

Jennifer Homendy, chair of the NTSB, indicated that a preliminary report could be expected within weeks, emphasising the urgency of issuing safety recommendations.

Meanwhile, recovery efforts intensified, with Maryland’s Governor Moore pledging to devote all necessary resources towards the search for the six missing workers and ensuring support for their families.

This commitment underlines the state’s resolve to address the consequences of the collapse comprehensively.

Rebuilding and implications for infrastructure safety

The collapse has ignited discussions on infrastructure safety and the adequacy of protective measures for key structures.

Engineers and experts have criticised the apparent lack of robust protection systems, such as fenders and dolphins, around the bridge’s support columns.

The incident has prompted a reevaluation of safety standards and the implementation of more stringent protective measures to prevent similar disasters in the future.

IFSJ Comment

The collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in our infrastructure and the dire consequences of their failure.

This incident underscores the importance of rigorous safety inspections, the implementation of robust protective measures, and the need for immediate and coordinated emergency response efforts.

It highlights the critical role of ongoing infrastructure maintenance and the adoption of advanced technologies to prevent future tragedies.

The recovery efforts and the investigation into the causes of this disaster will undoubtedly contribute to stronger safety protocols and designs in infrastructure projects moving forward.

Our thoughts remain with the victims and their families as the community begins the process of healing and rebuilding.

Baltimore bridge collapse: Investigation underway as container ship causes disaster

by Breaking News

Overview of the Baltimore bridge collapse incident

In the early hours of Tuesday, a container ship collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore when, resulting in a portion of the bridge collapsing into the Patapsco River.

Initial reports from the Baltimore City Fire Department said that up to 20 individuals and several vehicles were plunged into the river following the collapse, triggering a large-scale multi-agency rescue and recovery operation.

Details of the incident and emergency response

The incident occurred around 01:30 ET when the container ship, identified as ‘Dali’ flying under a Singapore flag, struck a column of the bridge, leading to the catastrophic failure of the structure.

Videos circulating on social media captured the moment the bridge descended into the water.

Kevin Cartwright, director of communications for the Baltimore Fire Department, described the situation as a “dire emergency,” with the department’s immediate focus on rescue and recovery efforts.

“This is a developing mass casualty event,” Cartwright stated, highlighting the gravity of the situation.

The response from authorities and ongoing investigations

In response to the disaster, Maryland’s Governor, Wes Moore, has declared a state of emergency and emphasised the mobilization of federal resources to support the ongoing rescue operations.

“We are thankful for the brave men and women who are carrying out efforts to rescue those involved and pray for everyone’s safety,” Moore said.

Meanwhile, the shipping company Synergy Marine Group confirmed that all crew members aboard the ‘Dali’ were accounted for, with no reported injuries among them.

The exact cause of the incident remains under investigation and rescue and recovery efforts are ongoing.