3-28-2024 4:06am

AREA JOBS &

Jeff Barto Editor

photo: Reuters

Jobs In Limbo, Supply Chain Resilient After Baltimore Bridge Collapse

Thousands of shipping jobs are in limbo after the Key Bridge collapse. Car companies are rerouting shipments as port traffic is suspended.

Jacob Baumgart,Patch PUBLISHING Staff

BALTIMORE, MD — Thousands of jobs are in limbo as the Baltimore Harbor remains blocked by the shipwreck that toppled the Francis Scott Key Bridge on Tuesday. The Port of Baltimore is now sealed off from the Chesapeake Bay, as bridge debris blocks the Patapsco River's channel.

That's forcing shipping companies to re-route away from one of Maryland's biggest job sources. Eleven vessels are stuck inside the port, and 12 are anchored outside waiting to enter.

Experts don't expect major supply chain disruptions, but they anticipate employment struggles during the port blockage. Car shipments will be among the most affected, but manufacturers are confident buyers won't be inconvenienced.

"Everyone is kind of trying to figure out what the heck is going on. The bigger question is when will we be able to get back to work, let alone in that timeframe do we get paid or not," Phillip Evers, an associate professor of supply chain management at the University of Maryland, told Patch.

Jobs In Limbo

The Port of Baltimore generates about 15,300 direct jobs. Another 140,000 jobs are linked with the port. This includes everybody from crane operators to truck drivers and rail conductors.

The port is also responsible for nearly $3.3 billion in salaries, $2.6 billion in business revenues and $395 million in taxes.

"We do not know how long vessel traffic will be suspended," the port said on Facebook. "As soon as that is determined we will provide an update. Until then please keep those involved in your prayers."