From Reuters
WASHINGTON, Oct 25 (Reuters) – A U.S. judge approved on Friday a $102 million settlement by the companies that owned and operated the ship that struck Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge in March, killing six people.
The payment, approved by U.S. District Judge James Bredar, resolves the U.S. government’s claims after the Justice Department filed a civil claim in September seeking $103 million from two Singaporean companies, Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Private Limited.
A spokesperson for the companies said on Friday they had agreed to pay even though they deny liability. The spokesperson also noted the companies are fully insured for the settlement costs and that no punitive damages have been imposed.
The settlement covers money the U.S. government spent responding to the disaster and clearing the wreck of the Dali ship and bridge debris from the Port of Baltimore so the waterway could reopen in June.
The state of Maryland, which estimates that it will cost $1.7 billion to $1.9 billion to rebuild the bridge and anticipates completion by fall 2028, separately filed claims against the companies for the cost of the bridge, cleanup efforts, environmental claims and other costs.
The shipping companies face additional claims from the families of those killed, workers affected by the port shutdown, Baltimore City and County, insurance companies, a utility and others and the spokesperson said they will challenge them.
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