OPEN WITH RESTRICTIONS.

Toward the end of March, our post on the ongoing process worship accompanying the clearing of wreckage and reopening Baltimore's harbor noted hopes of having a shipping channel available within a month.  And so it has come to pass.  "According to Coast Guard Sector Maryland, the status of the port is now 'Open with Restrictions.' A new, fourth, Baltimore temporary channel to the port, the Fort McHenry Limited Access Channel, is now open."

Shallower draft ships requiring less vertical clearance have been able to pass under the approach spans on either side of the Francis Scott Key Bridge's main spans that were knocked down.  There's enough of the fallen span removed that part of the main channel is again available for use, although Dali has not yet been moved.  The first ship through had tugs fore and aft and probably underwent a serious inspection of the engineering spaces before she sailed.  Mariners have been notified that transits might have to be suspended whilst crews prepare to move the ship.

“We’re working to strike a balance between enabling temporary access to support commercial activity and undertaking necessary measures to fully reopen the Fort McHenry Channel,” said U.S. Coast Guard Capt. David O’Connell, Captain of the Port and Federal On-Scene Coordinator, Key Bridge Response 2024. “This limited access deep draft channel will provide a window for five of the deep draft vessels currently unable to depart the port as well as some smaller deep draft vessels to transit. Meanwhile, the Unified Command personnel continue to work full speed ahead to safely and efficiently finish operations.”

The current 2,000-yard safety zone around the Francis Scott Key Bridge remains in effect and is intended to protect personnel, vessels, and the marine environment. No vessel or person will be permitted to enter the safety zone without obtaining permission from the COTP or a designated representative.

Translation: don't go joyriding in there with your cabin cruiser for a look around.