The Port of Baltimore has initiated a new navigational measure with the establishment of the Fort McHenry limited access channel along the northeast side of the federal channel, aimed at facilitating essential commercial traffic. This development was announced by the Captain of the Port, U.S. Coast Guard Capt. David O’Connell, who also serves as the Federal On-Scene Coordinator for the Key Bridge Response 2024.
The vehicle carrier Carmen successfully navigated through this temporary channel on the Patapsco River, which was opened on April 25, 2024, by the Key Bridge Unified Command. This channel was created to allow the movement of five deep draft vessels that were previously unable to depart from the port, in addition to some smaller deep draft vessels.
However, starting from Monday, April 29, operations to remove the M/V DALI will necessitate a temporary suspension of transits through the Fort McHenry limited access channel. The channel is expected to reopen to commercial traffic once conditions are deemed safe.
“We’re working to strike a balance between enabling temporary access to support commercial activity and undertaking necessary measures to fully reopen the Fort McHenry Channel,” explained Capt. O’Connell. “The Unified Command personnel continue to work full speed ahead to safely and efficiently finish operations.”
Additionally, a 2,000-yard safety zone around the Francis Scott Key Bridge remains in effect to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment. Entry into this safety zone is restricted, with no vessel or person permitted without explicit permission from the Captain of the Port (COTP) or a designated representative.
