Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine Seek Delay in Civil Trial Due to Unsealed Criminal Charges
Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine have petitioned the U.S. District Court in Baltimore to delay a civil trial concerning the destruction of Baltimore's Francis Scott Key Bridge by the containership Dali. The companies argue that the recent unsealing of criminal charges by the Department of Justice (DOJ) has significantly impacted their ability to defend themselves in the civil case. The DOJ unsealed the indictment against Synergy Marine and its port technical supervisor on May 12, just weeks before the civil trial was set to begin. The companies claim that the criminal and civil cases are based on the same facts and circumstances, and they deny the allegations in the criminal indictment. The civil trial, scheduled to start on June 1, involves claims from the families of six roadworkers killed in the bridge collapse, the City of Baltimore, and other affected parties. The companies are seeking to limit their liability to the value of the vessel and its cargo. 
