The U.S. Coast Guard has released a detailed report on the risks facing critical port infrastructure in the U.S. This follows the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore in 2024. The review found that available tools for assessing waterway risks are not being used enough as ships grow larger and port operations become more complicated.
The inquiry was initiated after the containership Dali collided with the Key Bridge on March 26, 2024, resulting in six fatalities, the destruction of the bridge, and a long-term closure of the Port of Baltimore.
The Dali, which is 974 feet long, lost power while leaving Baltimore and struck Pier 17 of the bridge. The Board noted that although the bridge had a protection system, it was not strong enough to handle the impact. They also pointed out that many bridges were designed long ago, and today's bigger and more powerful ships pose greater risks.
Instead of re-investigating the incident, the Board focused on understanding the broader implications for the country’s Marine Transportation System.
The inquiry looked at 11 port areas, including Los Angeles/Long Beach, New York/New Jersey, Houston/Galveston, New Orleans, Virginia, Puget Sound, and Corpus Christi. The Coast Guard combined visits to these ports and interviews with stakeholders, using data on vessel movements and accidents to identify vulnerabilities and possible solutions.
One main takeaway was that the issues are not limited to Baltimore.
Deepwater channels and bridges were identified as the most critical types of infrastructure by maritime stakeholders. Ports reported they are handling larger commercial ships than they did ten years ago, with many also seeing increased commercial and recreational vessel traffic.
Bridge collisions were highlighted as the worst-case scenario in the port reviews, mentioned in eight of the ports studied. Vessel collisions and significant weather events were noted in seven ports.
The Board found that the Coast Guard's current methods for identifying and managing these risks are lacking.
The report concluded that risk assessment tools for waterways are not fully utilized and port infrastructure is facing more risks due to changes in the Marine Transportation System. The Board called for updates to Coast Guard risk policies, the creation of baseline risk metrics, improved workforce training, and better collaboration with port stakeholders.
In some instances, existing assessment requirements are not being met. For example, the Coast Guard's Waterways Analysis and Management System mandates reviews of critical waterways at least every five years. However, 18 out of the 41 Captain of the Port zones surveyed had no record of completing one since 2015.
The Board also found that risk management efforts within the Coast Guard can be isolated, with policies that don’t always work well together. They recommended a more coordinated governance structure covering policy, personnel, and training.
Staffing is another issue. The report states that the Coast Guard's Waterways Management program has a 31% staffing shortfall, equivalent to 57 positions. This shortage makes it harder to conduct required assessments and could impact navigational safety and national security.
The Board made a total of 20 recommendations.
These include creating a broader risk management framework for the Coast Guard, regularly reviewing existing assessment tools, developing integrated data sources for maritime risk metrics, establishing a centralized location for completed assessments, and enhancing training for waterway managers. They also suggested making the WAMS process more risk-based to focus resources on waterways with more navigational challenges.
The report emphasizes several practical suggestions made repeatedly by local port stakeholders, such as additional dredging, improved oil spill response capabilities, increased tug and escort requirements, better bridge protection systems, and the installation of real-time sensors for currents, tides, weather, and bridge clearances.
“The tragic Key Bridge incident highlights the urgent need to improve our approach to port safety and risk management,” said Rear Admiral Wayne Arguin, chair of the Board of Inquiry. “The findings and recommendations serve as a roadmap to strengthen our ports and ensure the continued security of the Marine Transportation System.”
The Coast Guard is currently inviting comments on the report's findings until February 28, 2027.
These comments will help shape the Commandant's Final Action Memorandum, which will outline how the Coast Guard will respond to the Board's recommendations. The final memorandum is expected to be publicly available in August 2027.