Pratik Bijlani –
In response to the devastating collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March 2024, U.S. Representative John Garamendi (D-CA-08) has introduced the “Justice for Victims of Foreign Vessel Accidents Act” (H.R.9348) alongside U.S. Representative Hank Johnson (D-GA-04). The bridge was struck by the MV Dalia, a foreign-flagged containership, after it suffered a total power loss, leading to the deaths of six workers and the prolonged closure of the Port of Baltimore. This incident has sparked a push for greater accountability and financial responsibility for foreign vessel owners operating in U.S. waters.
Rep. Garamendi, a senior member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, emphasized the need for foreign vessel owners to bear the full cost of their actions, stating, “If the foreign owners of the cargo vessel that took down the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore think they can leave American taxpayers holding the bag, I have a message for them: you broke it, you bought it.”
The proposed bill aims to significantly increase the liability for foreign-flagged vessels involved in maritime accidents within U.S. jurisdiction. Under current law, enacted in 1851, vessel owners can limit their liability to the value of the ship and its cargo. The owners of the MV Dalia attempted to cap their liability at $43.7 million. However, the new bill would increase this to up to 10 times the vessel’s value, applying the new threshold retroactively to the night before the bridge collapse.
Rep. Johnson echoed Garamendi’s sentiment, emphasizing that the bill is a crucial step toward ensuring justice for victims and their families. As the maritime industry navigates these legislative changes, the proposed bill could set a new standard for accountability in U.S. waters.
Marex Media