In the recent years of maritime trade and shipping, a higher number of incidents occur due to reasons which are not conventional mistakes but at least demand a closer look. Despite safety conventions like SOLAS which plays an important factor in the shipping industry in terms of safety of life and environment, professionals are struggling to find the real cause behind modern-day incidents. But in this ever-evolving world and faster supply chains some important factors could bring us close to the real reasons behind incidents like the Baltimore Bridge incident.

The Baltimore Bridge Collision

On 26th March 2024, a significant incident occurred in Baltimore, Maryland, when the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed into the Patapsco River following a collision with the Singapore-flagged container ship named Dali. This event took place around 1:30 a.m. local time. The impact of the collision was dramatic, leading to part of the bridge’s structure falling into the water below. It was reported that the crash caused injuries to at least one sailor on board the Dali, who was later transported to medical facilities for treatment. The incident also resulted in multiple vehicles and possibly up to 20 people plunging into the harbor, underscoring the severity and immediate danger of the situation. In response to this catastrophe, the Maryland Transportation Authority has been actively involved at the scene, with transportation secretary Paul J. Wiedefeld reported to be working near the location where the container ship collided with a support column of the bridge.

The container vessel collided with Baltimore Bridge suffered a black out which caused the ship’s propulsion to die and the incident of Baltimore to take place. In the recent years the number of blackouts have increased significantly. Such loss of power is more common when the ship is near to a port of transit and less common in the high seas.

What is a Blackout?

A blackout in a ship refers to the total failure of its main electrical power system, resulting in the loss of power to essential systems such as propulsion, navigation, and other critical operations. This can occur due to various reasons, including mechanical failure, damage to the electrical system, or issues with the ship’s generators. A blackout poses significant risks, especially if it happens while the ship is navigating in treacherous waters, as it affects the vessel’s ability to maneuver, potentially leading to collisions or groundings. In response to such incidents, ships are equipped with emergency procedures and backup power systems designed to restore critical functions and ensure the safety of the crew and passengers until the main power can be reinstated.

Reasons of Blackout

Blackouts on ships can occur due to a range of factors, often involving the complex electrical and mechanical systems onboard. Some common causes include:

Blackouts on ships can occur due to a range of factors, often involving the complex electrical and mechanical systems onboard. Some common causes include:

• Generator Failure: The primary source of electrical power on most ships is its generators. Any failure in these generators, whether due to mechanical issues, overheating, or maintenance lapses, can lead to a blackout.
• Electrical System Malfunctions: The electrical distribution system on a ship can be vast and complicated. Short circuits, overloads, or faults in this system can disrupt power distribution, leading to partial or total blackouts.
• Poor Maintenance: Regular maintenance is crucial for the health of a ship’s engines and electrical systems. Neglecting maintenance schedules can lead to equipment failures that result in blackouts.
• Fuel Problems: Issues with the quality of fuel used in generators or engines, such as contamination or improper specifications, can cause engines and generators to malfunction, potentially leading to a blackout.
• Operational Errors: Human error in operating the ship’s machinery or electrical systems can also lead to situations that cause a blackout. This includes incorrect settings on electrical panels or mishandling of equipment.

Blackouts pose significant safety risks, affecting not only the vessel’s propulsion and navigational abilities but also critical systems like lighting, fire detection, and communication equipment. To mitigate these risks, ships are equipped with emergency power systems designed to provide power to essential systems and operations until the main power can be restored. Regular training for the crew on emergency procedures is also vital to ensure safety and preparedness in the event of a blackout.

Concerns to the Cause

From the perspective of management, the industry’s swift changes driven by decarbonization, connectivity, and digitalization highlight an ever-present need to prioritize safety. Establishing a clear safety vision is critical, serving as a groundwork for operational practices, technological design, and regulatory standards. Challenges and shifts influencing current ship management and operations include:

• Emphasizing cost reduction, both in capital and operational expenditures
• Implementing stricter regulations and corporate policies to reduce carbon emissions
• Anticipating higher levels of connectivity
• Aligning with inter-organizational objectives
• Navigating commercial pressures
• Motivating through incentive schemes

Articulating a commitment to enhance safety, particularly in addressing blackout and propulsion loss risks, and reconciling competing objectives, are vital steps in driving meaningful progress. Equally crucial is allocating sufficient time and resources to realize the organization’s safety goals effectively to prevent incidents like Baltimore.

The Next Step

In response to the Baltimore Bridge incident, state and federal authorities have launched comprehensive investigations to understand the underlying causes and to implement measures aimed at preventing similar disasters in the future. Among the actions being considered and recommended are:

• Enhanced Navigational Aids: Improving the technological aids available for navigation in critical and congested waterways could help in preventing collisions. This includes better GPS routing, advanced radar systems, and automated alert systems for bridge proximity.
• Stricter Regulation and Monitoring of Shipping Traffic: Regulating and closely monitoring the shipping traffic near critical infrastructure can minimize the risk of collisions. This may involve setting stricter schedules, designated shipping lanes, and speed limits for large vessels in proximity to bridges.
• Robust Inspection and Maintenance of Infrastructure: Regular, rigorous inspection and maintenance of bridges and other critical infrastructure can ensure that they are capable of withstanding impacts or, at the very least, minimizing the damage should an incident occur.
• Emergency Response and Preparedness Training: Strengthening the emergency response capabilities of local and state authorities, including conducting regular drills involving multiple agencies, can improve the speed and efficiency of the response to such incidents.
• Community Awareness and Safety Programs: Educating the local community about the risks and safety protocols related to living and working near critical infrastructure can empower individuals to respond effectively in emergency situations.
• Implementing Advanced Safety Standards for Vessels: Enforcing the adoption of the latest safety standards and technologies in maritime vessels can reduce the likelihood of malfunctions or errors leading to collisions.
• International Collaboration and Standards: Given the international nature of maritime activities, collaboration between countries to establish and adhere to stringent safety standards is crucial.

The Baltimore bridge collapse serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities in our infrastructure and the complex interdependencies between maritime activities and urban safety. As investigations proceed, it is imperative that the lessons learned translate into action, ensuring that such incidents are far less likely in the future. The collective aim should be not only to recover from this tragic event but also to build back safer, more resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding the challenges posed by modern maritime traffic and environmental conditions.