Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine Seek Delay in Civil Trial Amid Criminal Charges
Grace Ocean and Synergy Marine, the owner and operator of the containership Dali, have petitioned the U.S. District Court in Baltimore to delay a civil trial concerning the destruction of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge. The request comes after the Department of Justice unsealed criminal charges against Synergy Marine and its port technical supervisor. The companies argue that the unsealing of the indictment so close to the trial date has significantly impacted their ability to defend themselves. The civil case, which has been pending for two years, involves claims from the families of six roadworkers killed in the bridge collapse, the City of Baltimore, and other affected parties. The State of Maryland recently settled its portion of the civil claim for $2.25 billion. The trial is scheduled to begin on June 1, with U.S. District Court Judge James K. Bredar presiding. 
