28 March 2024 (Lloyd's List) - THE Dali (IMO: 9697428) had suffered power issues when it was docked in the port of Baltimore before its disastrous allision with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, a port worker says.

Julie Mitchell, co-administrator of Container Royalty at the port of Baltimore, told CNN that the 9,900 teu boxship suffered “serious power outages” and had a “severe electrical problem” in the two days it was docked at the port. CNN said it could not independently verify the information. 

Maersk, the company time-chartering the Singapore-flagged vessel, stated it could not comment on the power issues during its docking period because the vessel is neither owned nor operated by Maersk, and no Maersk crew were on board.

Synergy Marine, the vessel's manager, has been approached for comment via crisis management company MTI Network.

According to its website, Container Royalty Fund is a supplemental fringe benefit offered to eligible International Longshoremen Association port workers. CNN said the fund tracks the tonnage coming into the port.

Mitchell has been approached for comment.

Video footage posted online indicates the vessel had mechanical issues just prior to hitting the bridge. Lights on the vessel can be seen going dark, coming on, then going out again just before the vessel hit the bridge’s support column. There is speculation about fuel quality.

Six construction workers who were on the bridge at the time it collapsed are presumed dead.

The Dali’s crew issued a mayday call before hitting the bridge at around 0130 hrs on Tuesday, in time for officials to stop cars from entering it. US President Joe Biden told a press conference the people who cleared the bridge “undoubtedly saved lives”.