Baltimore, MD News (5/20/2024) – The M/V Dali was successfully refloated this morning at approximately 6:40 a.m., following extensive preparations by the Unified Command. By 7:00 a.m., the vessel, aided by favorable environmental conditions, began its transit towards a local marine terminal, escorted by tugboats.
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The intricate operation, which has been in planning and execution for nearly eight weeks, marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to clear the Fort McHenry Federal Channel. Unified Command officials had meticulously designed the refloat and transit sequence to ensure the safety and control of the vessel throughout the process.
The preparations for the refloat began in earnest midday on Sunday, May 18. A series of critical tasks were completed in an 18-hour countdown leading up to the high tide at 5:24 a.m. this morning. These tasks included the release of some of the vessel’s anchors and mooring lines, de-ballasting of up to 1.25 million gallons of water that had been pumped onto the M/V Dali to stabilize it during previous operations, and thorough inspections by dive teams to ensure all obstructions on the port side were cleared.
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At the peak of high tide, the M/V Dali was successfully refloated, and the five tugboats assigned to the operation began the careful 2.5-mile journey to the marine terminal. The vessel is being moved at a controlled speed of approximately 1 mph to ensure safety and stability.
Earlier in the week, a survey vessel confirmed a clear path for the M/V Dali’s transit, eliminating any potential hazards along the route to the terminal. The terminal itself is a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) controlled facility, ensuring strict access control.
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The Unified Command, emphasizing safety throughout the operation, has coordinated closely with all response personnel to maintain control over the vessel. The objective has been to mitigate any risks during the refloat and transit phases and ensure a smooth docking at the marine terminal.
Time-lapse cameras positioned along the route will provide a visual record of the operation. A montage from these cameras will be released to the media once available.
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The preparations and refloat are part of the broader Key Bridge Response 2024 initiative, which includes ongoing efforts to clear the Fort McHenry Federal Channel. This operation has seen the removal of significant wreckage and debris, including a 34,000-pound piece of the Key Bridge from the bow of the M/V Dali. The goal is to reopen the channel safely and efficiently, allowing for the resumption of normal maritime traffic in and out of the Port of Baltimore.
With nearly 50% of the channel already cleared to an operational depth of 48 feet, the federal channel is expected to support commercial vessels to a depth of 50 feet in the coming weeks. The reopening of this crucial channel is anticipated to significantly enhance maritime operations and economic activities in the region.
Story by multiple RFHC contributors.
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