More than a month after the Francis Scott Key Bridge collapsed, the Port of Baltimore has welcomed its first container ship through a newly opened temporary channel. The MSC Cargo Passion III, carrying nearly 1,000 containers, successfully navigated the 35-foot deep, 300-foot wide channel on Sunday.
The Port of Baltimore celebrated the arrival, calling it “another milestone” on social media. This fourth temporary channel, though only open for a few days, will allow several ships that have been stuck in the port since the bridge’s collapse on March 26 to finally depart.
Maryland Governor Wes Moore highlighted the significance of the 35-foot depth, stating, “Around that 35-foot draft is where you’re really starting to get some of the inventory that’s coming onboard that had really been some of the hallmarks of The Port of Baltimore.”
In total, four temporary channels have been opened since the bridge’s collapse, gradually restoring commercial activity at the port. The largest of these openings, on Thursday, restored 15% of the pre-collapse commercial activity, enabling large commercial ships carrying containers, vehicles, and farm equipment to enter and exit.
Recreational boaters will also benefit from the temporary channels, as they will be able to pass through the Key Bridge collapse salvage area during specific hours. Speaking to CBS Larry Lewis, a local boater, expressed the importance of this opportunity, saying, “We have boaters and owners who are stuck on the other side of the bridge, and some who are trying to get out for maintenance and things done.”
To ensure safe passage, traffic through the temporary channels will be strictly one-way, with outbound movements scheduled from 3:30 to 4:30 PM and inbound from 4:30 to 5:30 PM. Lewis emphasized, “There’s going to be plenty of people out there that’s going to be directing and keeping this a very safe and orderly passage.”