The collision of the container vessel Dali with the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore has captured worldwide attention due to its destructive force and the tragic loss of life. The enormous ship, weighing 95,000 tons and carrying 4,700 cargo containers, struck the bridge at a speed of around 7.8 miles per hour, generating a force of over 100 million newtons upon impact.
Conflict arose among experts regarding the survivability of the bridge in such a collision, with some stating that most bridges would be damaged while others believed that a properly designed bridge would have survived. The investigation, led by the National Transportation Safety Board, is still ongoing and is analyzing various factors such as the ship’s rotation, collision angle, and location of impact.
In the aftermath of the accident, experts have proposed safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future, including the use of protective systems like fenders and dolphins to mitigate impact forces, revising safety standards for large ships, and requiring tug boats to accompany them near infrastructure.
The incident highlights the potential risks posed by large ships navigating through waterways and the importance of implementing measures to prevent collisions and protect critical infrastructure. The full report by the New York Times provides a detailed analysis of the collision and its implications for maritime safety.