Proposed Legislation Holds Foreign Shipowners Liable in US Waters

U.S. Representative John Garamendi (D-CA-08), ranking member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, introduced a new bill aimed at holding foreign shipowners accountable for maritime disasters in U.S. waters. The legislation was prompted by the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore in March 2024, caused by the M/V Dali container ship, resulting in six deaths and closure of the Port of Baltimore for months. Co-sponsored by U.S. Representative Hank Johnson (D-GA-04), the bill, titled the Justice for Victims of Foreign Vessel Accidents Act (HR9348), seeks to increase financial responsibility for foreign-flagged vessels, including liability up to ten times the vessel and cargo value.

Under current U.S. law, foreign shipowners can limit their liability for damages following a maritime accident. This was evident in the case of the Dali, whose owners sought to cap their liability for the bridge collapse at $43.7 million, despite the ship’s value being $90 million. The proposed legislation would amend previous laws, ensuring foreign shipowners bear a greater financial burden in the event of accidents in U.S. waters, with the aim of providing more support to victims and their families.

The bill has garnered support from various quarters, including U.S. lawmakers, who believe it is a crucial step towards enhancing accountability in maritime liability. Additionally, families of the victims of the Baltimore Key Bridge collapse have expressed strong support for the legislation, emphasizing the importance of protecting Americans from preventable disasters caused by foreign vessels. The bipartisan nature of the bill underscores the broader aim of safeguarding U.S. interests and ensuring justice in the aftermath of tragic maritime incidents.

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