A U.S. federal judge in Maryland has dismissed most of the remaining civil damage claims linked to the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge after the containership Dali struck the bridge in March 2024. The ruling, issued on August 25, significantly narrowed the scope of the civil case.

The decision focused on a longstanding U.S. legal principle from the 1927 Supreme Court case Robins Dry Dock & Repair Co., which generally prevents parties from recovering economic losses caused by negligence when they do not have a direct property interest in the damaged property. The court applied the principle to several claims involving losses caused by the closure of Baltimore’s port and the destruction of the bridge.

Among the claims dismissed were those filed by Star Bulk over lost earnings after its vessels were unable to reach a loading berth, as well as claims from longshoremen, businesses, an insurance syndicate and other parties affected by the disruption. Claims by the City of Baltimore concerning the loss of the bridge and damage to certain roads and bridges were also dismissed.

However, several claims were allowed to proceed. These include Baltimore’s claim for physical damage to a water main beneath the bridge, Baltimore County claims involving damage to its waterways, and part of a class action concerning cargo that was physically damaged when the bridge collapsed onto containers aboard the Dali. The court noted that most of the original 54 civil claims had already been settled or voluntarily dismissed, leaving only a small number for further proceedings.