This CLE lecture will address the legal framework regarding theories of liability which may be asserted against the owner and operator of the container ship Dali following the collision with and destruction of the Francis Scott Key Bridge on March 24 2024.

The course will briefly cover the defenses available to owners and operators, including the ability to to limit their liability under Federal law, potential defenses to cargo interests under the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act (COGSA), the potential liability of third parties and rules governing recovery for pure economic loss borne by the interests which were harmed as a result of of the closure of the Port of Baltimore for some 11 weeks.