Disaster Avoided in Another Baltimore Power Loss Incident

Another cargo vessel experienced a power failure while departing from the Port of Baltimore, but fortunately, this one did not result in disaster.

On Monday, July 1st, at approximately 2:30 am local time, the cargo ship Bellavia set off from the Seagirt Marine Terminal at the Port of Baltimore. Shortly after its departure, the vessel lost power. Initially moving at a speed of 1.5 knots, the ship's speed reduced to 0.4 knots, causing it to drift.

The Liberia-registered vessel managed to regain power and safely returned to its berth at the Seagirt Terminal. Tugboats remained attached to the ship to provide additional assistance.

Following the power loss incident, Bellavia underwent repairs at the Port of Baltimore. After 18 hours of maintenance, the U.S. Coast Guard cleared the vessel for departure. The cargo ship departed Baltimore once again on Monday evening. By 8 pm local time, it had passed under the Chesapeake Bay Bridge in Annapolis.

Built in 2005, the vessel is owned and operated by Herm Dauelsberg GMBH & CO, Germany. According to marine traffic data, it arrived in New York on July 3rd.

The power loss incident of Bellavia brings to mind the disaster involving the Dali containership. On March 26th, the Dali lost power and collided with the Francis Scott Key Bridge, resulting in the deaths of six construction workers and causing a months-long blockage of the shipping channel in the Patapsco River, Baltimore, Maryland.