Destruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge will have profound effects on East-coast shipping and specifically the Port of Baltimore.  Until the remnants of the bridge can be removed from the channel, marine traffic has ceased.  The Port of Baltimore handled 1.1 million 20-foot equivalent container units in 2023 representing 52.3 million tons of cargo valued at $81 billion.  The port supports 15,000 direct jobs and as many as 125,000 connected to the harbor. Loss of the port is estimated to cost the U.S. economy $15 million per day. Shippers are diverting vessels to alternative ports in New York, New Jersey and Virginia.  The Port of Baltimore was responsible for four percent of total U.S. agricultural imports in 2023 representing 1.8 million metric tons. 

The port is ranked 11^th in the nation in terms of foreign cargo and the 9^th largest in dollar value.  Major exports include liquefied natural gas and coal. The port is a major point of entry for manufactured vehicles and automobile components.  Although the port only handled 3 million pounds of boneless beef in 2023 compared to Philadelphia at 820 million pounds, Baltimore is a major import point for seafood with 35 million pounds of salmon filets, 25 million pounds of tilapia filets and 20 million pounds of frozen shrimp.

According to the USAPEEC chicken exports through Baltimore attained 31,500 metric tons valued at $40 million. Production to be exported will be consigned through New Jersey and Virginia ports

 Based on the magnitude of the calamity and the duration of closure of the port, shippers have declared force majeure.  This will allow vessels to dock and unload at alternative ports with the inland freight cost borne by customers.

EGG-NEWS extends condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and commends the courage and determination of first responders and the US Navy and Coast Guard personnel who will be involved in the initial clearing and salvage operations.