Vessel traffic through the Port of Baltimore has been suspended indefinitely

Vessel traffic through the Port of Baltimore has been suspended indefinitely after the collapse of Baltimore’s Key Bridge into the Patapsco River early Tuesday morning, per a statement from the Maryland Port Authority.

The port is not closed and trucks are still being processed at the marine terminals, the MPA noted in its statement.

“We want to express our deepest thoughts to the individuals and families involved in this morning’s tragic incident,” the MPA said in a statement.

The Port of Baltimore is one of the largest in the nation. It ranked 17th in the country in total tonnage entering and leaving the port in 2021, according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics’ 2024 report to Congress.

It ranked 10th in 2021 in dry bulk tonnage handled, according to the report. Dry bulk refers to raw materials such as iron ore, coal, grain and more.

Baltimore is the most inland major East Coast port, placing it closer to Midwest markets and manufacturers, per MPA Director of Communications Richard Scher. The port also handles substantial amounts of heavy machinery such as dump trucks and automotive cargo, per MPA data.

The Key Bridge collapsed at around 1:40 a.m. after a cargo ship hit it. Parts of the bridge and at least eight people fell into the river. Six remain unaccounted for.

“At this time we do not know how long vessel traffic will be suspended,” the MPA said in a statement. “As soon as that is determined we will provide an update. Until then please keep those involved in your prayers.”