Key Bridge collapse: Judge rules on request to delay civil trial

Maggie Trovato, The Baltimore Sun on May 20, 2026

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BALTIMORE — A federal judge on Wednesday denied a motion to delay an upcoming civil trial tied to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, keeping the case on track to begin June 1 in U.S. District Court.

“Staying the current course is the most efficient use of judicial resources,” Judge James Bredar said from the bench, rejecting a request by ship owner Grace Ocean Private Limited and operator Synergy Marine Private Limited to pause the proceedings.

The ruling came as attorneys were set to continue pretrial proceedings after a brief recess.

The high-stakes case centers on whether Grace Ocean and Synergy can limit their liability under a centuries-old maritime law that could cap damages at about $44 million — far short of the billions sought to rebuild the Key Bridge and compensate victims.

Six men were killed when the Dali struck the bridge.

Plaintiffs in the suit include Baltimore City, Baltimore County and families of the victims of the bridge collapse.

The argument for a delay

The companies had argued in a Monday filing that a delay was necessary because a parallel federal criminal case involving Synergy and an employee could compromise their defense strategy and deter key witnesses from traveling to the United States.

They had asked for at least a 90-day postponement, or a longer stay until the criminal matter is resolved.

Grace Ocean and Synergy said in their filing that the criminal indictment filed against Synergy and an employee in connection with the bridge collapse has caused other Synergy employees to say that they won’t travel to the U.S. to testify in the civil case.

The companies called these employees “central” to their case.

Lawyers for families of the victims and other claimants opposed the request, arguing the criminal case is still in its early stages and could take years to resolve. They also said employees were aware of a federal investigation before the indictment was unsealed and that delaying the civil trial would further prolong closure for families and government plaintiffs, including Baltimore City and Baltimore County.

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