The Key Bridge Response Unified Command plans to use precision cuts made with small charges to remove a large section of the Francis Scott Key Bridge wreckage from the M/V Dali.

As informed, the small charges, described as standard controlled demolition tools, will split the large section of truss at specific locations to create multiple, smaller sections, which allows salvors to use cranes and barges already on scene to remove these sections of the bridge and ultimately remove the M/V Dali from the channel.

“By using precision cuts, we reduce risks to our personnel and can safely and efficiently continue clearing the channel for the Port of Baltimore,” said Capt. David O’Connell, Key Bridge Response Federal On-Scene Coordinator.

The sound levels outside of the noise radius will not be louder than a standard fireworks show and will last 2-5 seconds, according to the update. The vessel’s crew members are expected to remain onboard the stranded container ship during the operation.

The Key Bridge Response Unified Command is scheduled to use precision cuts made with small charges to remove a large section of the #FSKBridge wreckage from on top of the M/V DALI. pic.twitter.com/TQVfevF8Pz

— USACE Baltimore (@USACEBaltimore) May 8, 2024

Similar methods were previously used in the area for the controlled demolition of the Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge in March 2023 in Charles County, Maryland.

The Unified Command has removed 182 containers from the vessel to facilitate the removal of the steel structure and is using specialized equipment to closely monitor the positioning and movement of the M/V Dali and the bridge wreckage in contact with it.

Various hazards and obstacles are being considered such as crushed containers, hull damage, and weight shifts that could occur with the removal of the piece and refloating of the ship.

The exact time of the precision cuts will depend on multiple environmental and operational factors, as indicated by the salvage operation team. USACE said earlier that it plans to fully reopen the permanent channel by the end of May, restoring port access to normal capacity.

In the meantime, based on the latest update from the Port of Baltimore, the Fort McHenry Limited Access Channel is expected to be reopened on or about May 10 following the removal of Dali.

Deep draft vessels using this channel will require a Maryland pilot and two tug escorts, with transit speeds not exceeding 10 knots. For smaller draft vessels the port advised to use the three other temporary channels.

In a separate development, the salvage teams have located the body of the sixth, and final victim who lost his life as a result of the bridge collapse.

The Key Bridge Response Unified Command plans to use precision cuts made with small charges to remove a large section of the Francis Scott Key Bridge wreckage from the M/V Dali.

As informed, the small charges, described as standard controlled demolition tools, will split the large section of truss at specific locations to create multiple, smaller sections, which allows salvors to use cranes and barges already on scene to remove these sections of the bridge and ultimately remove the M/V Dali from the channel.

“By using precision cuts, we reduce risks to our personnel and can safely and efficiently continue clearing the channel for the Port of Baltimore,” said Capt. David O’Connell, Key Bridge Response Federal On-Scene Coordinator.

The sound levels outside of the noise radius will not be louder than a standard fireworks show and will last 2-5 seconds, according to the update. The vessel’s crew members are expected to remain onboard the stranded container ship during the operation.

The Key Bridge Response Unified Command is scheduled to use precision cuts made with small charges to remove a large section of the #FSKBridge wreckage from on top of the M/V DALI. pic.twitter.com/TQVfevF8Pz

— USACE Baltimore (@USACEBaltimore) May 8, 2024

Similar methods were previously used in the area for the controlled demolition of the Harry W. Nice Memorial Bridge in March 2023 in Charles County, Maryland.

The Unified Command has removed 182 containers from the vessel to facilitate the removal of the steel structure and is using specialized equipment to closely monitor the positioning and movement of the M/V Dali and the bridge wreckage in contact with it.

Various hazards and obstacles are being considered such as crushed containers, hull damage, and weight shifts that could occur with the removal of the piece and refloating of the ship.

The exact time of the precision cuts will depend on multiple environmental and operational factors, as indicated by the salvage operation team. USACE said earlier that it plans to fully reopen the permanent channel by the end of May, restoring port access to normal capacity.

In the meantime, based on the latest update from the Port of Baltimore, the Fort McHenry Limited Access Channel is expected to be reopened on or about May 10 following the removal of Dali.

Deep draft vessels using this channel will require a Maryland pilot and two tug escorts, with transit speeds not exceeding 10 knots. For smaller draft vessels the port advised to use the three other temporary channels.

In a separate development, the salvage teams have located the body of the sixth, and final victim who lost his life as a result of the bridge collapse.