This accelerated timeline signals a swift recovery for Baltimore following a vessel collision and bridge collapse that shut down its main shipping channel early last week.

Meanwhile, other ports along the US east coast are smoothly processing redirected cargo bound initially for Baltimore, with minimal disruption to their operations. 

Despite this, ocean carriers pass diversion-related fees to shippers during Baltimore's closure.

The US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) announced that it anticipates clearing the Francis Scott Key Bridge wreckage from Baltimore's 50-foot-deep shipping channel by the end of May, thereby "restoring port access to normal capacity".

The duration of the port closure was initially uncertain following the March 26 collision involving the 9,962-TEU Dali and the bridge. 

General Scott Spellmon explained in the statement that the USACE now has a clearer understanding of the extensive and intricate task involved in removing the 4,000 tons of debris resting atop the Dali, which will enable the vessel to be refloated.

"A fully opened federal channel remains our primary goal," said General Spellmon. 

"These are ambitious timelines that may still be impacted by significant adverse weather conditions or changes in the complexity of the wreckage."

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