A tragic incident occurred last week when the 95,000-ton cargo ship Dali lost power and collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, resulting in the deaths of six construction workers. The harbor pilot made a distress call to nearby tugboats for assistance, but they were unable to prevent the catastrophe.
Maritime experts are now suggesting that extended tugboat escorts could potentially prevent similar disasters in the future. However, different ports across the U.S. have varying rules regarding the use of tugboats, with cost concerns for shippers playing a significant role in these decisions.
The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the crash and questioning why tugs were not required to escort the Dali towards the bridge. This has sparked a debate surrounding the need for more stringent requirements for tugboat escorts to prevent such incidents in the future.
Despite some ports attempting to increase vessel escort requirements, there is resistance from shippers due to the significant fees charged by tugboat operators. This tension between pilots and shipping companies regarding the use of tugboats and the associated costs continues to be a point of contention.
As the investigation into the Dali collision unfolds, the industry is left grappling with how to balance safety concerns with the economic realities of shipping. Stay tuned to Poh Diaries for updates on this developing story.
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