The trial over the containership Dali and the collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge is scheduled to begin on 1 June 2026, more than two years after the incident killed six people and disrupted regional transport and trade.
Judge James K. Bredar will oversee the case as a bench trial, meaning the decision will be made by the judge rather than a jury. The trial is expected to run for much of June, with 18 court days planned.
The first phase will determine whether the vessel’s owner and operator can use an 1851 U.S. maritime law to limit liability. If successful, claims could be capped at the reported value of Dali and its cargo, estimated at around $44 million.
A second phase would address individual claims linked to the bridge collapse.
Claimants include the families of the six road workers who died, cargo owners, parties claiming property damage, private and economic loss claimants, and government entities. The State of Maryland has settled with insurers, but the City of Baltimore and Baltimore County remain parties to the case.
During Tuesday’s pretrial hearing, Judge Bredar reviewed witness lists, evidence lists, and procedural matters involving a large group of attorneys. Local reports said at least 35 lawyers were present in court.
According to WBAL TV Baltimore, the owner and operator made a late argument that Dali’s voyage should be defined as starting in Newark, New Jersey, rather than Baltimore. The judge has not yet ruled on that issue.
Judge Bredar also ruled that the NTSB report will not be admissible, although evidence collected by the agency may still be used.
At least one claimant group is expected to focus on vibration, arguing that it caused a critical electrical wire to disconnect. Reports said that the group plans to call the pilot and the second officer to testify.
The extent of crewmember participation remains unclear. CBS News Baltimore and WJZ reported that Dali’s captain invoked Fifth Amendment protections during questioning before the trial.
Reports also indicated that several engineering personnel may not testify. Some individuals refused to come to the U.S. and gave depositions in London.
Key issues in the trial are expected to include the vessel’s seaworthiness and negligence allegations against the owner and operator.
Settlement discussions are continuing under a separate magistrate judge. Several claimants reportedly remain open to settlement before the trial starts.
The next pretrial hearing is scheduled for 20 May 2026.
