The Singapore cargo vessel Dali, chartered by Maersk, collided with the Baltimore bridge in the US on March 26th, spilling 764 tons of hazardous materials destined for Sri Lanka, as reported by US media. These materials included corrosives, flammables, miscellaneous hazardous substances, and Class-9 hazardous items, such as explosives and lithium-ion batteries, packed in 56 containers. The US National Transportation Safety Board is currently scrutinizing the ship’s manifest to ascertain the contents of its remaining 4,644 containers.
Before reaching Baltimore, the Dali made stops in New York and Norfolk, Virginia, with Colombo set as its next destination, traversing the Cape of Good Hope route. The vessel’s hazardous cargo is a cause for concern, especially given its intended destination in Sri Lanka, yet the exact recipient remains undisclosed.
The crash site near the Baltimore bridge has been deemed hazardous for divers by the US Department of Homeland Security. The ship’s cargo, particularly 13 damaged containers under inspection, poses potential health risks, according to an unclassified memo from the US Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency.
The lack of transparency regarding the ship’s cargo and its ultimate destination raises questions about accountability and environmental concerns. While Maersk’s involvement in the transportation of goods is significant, the exact nature of its cargo and the entities involved in its export to Sri Lanka remain unclear.
Furthermore, the incident highlights broader geopolitical and economic dynamics, with Sri Lanka becoming increasingly vital as a transit hub amidst ongoing conflicts in West Asia and East Africa. The complexities of global shipping and the opaque nature of ship ownership underscore the challenges in holding accountable those responsible for violations and accidents in the maritime industry.
Source: DailyMirror
