Federal prosecutors charged Singapore-based Synergy Marine Pte Ltd., its related company Synergy Maritime Pte Ltd., and Radhakrishnan Karthik Nair, a technical superintendent for the Dali, in connection with the 2024 collapse of Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge.

The charges allege safety violations tied to the Dali cargo ship crash and accuse the companies of falsifying safety inspection records and lying to investigators.

Prosecutors say the defendants relied on an inadequate fuel-supply process and that improper fuel pumps could have allowed the Dali to regain power and navigate safely under the bridge.

Authorities contend two electrical blackouts—one from a loose wire and another from a faulty fuel pump—disabled the Dali’s controls, contributing to the bridge collision as steering failed under power loss.

The indictment includes conspiracy, misconduct or neglect of ship officers resulting in death, obstruction of an agency proceeding, and false statements; the Synergy entities are also charged with pollution-related offenses for discharges into the Patapsco River.

Investigators noted evidence that the pumps were used on the Dali and other ships under Synergy Marine’s control, fueling ongoing safety-violation probes.

The incident caused at least $5 billion in damage and significant environmental harm, according to federal prosecutors.

Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge is slated for replacement, with estimated costs between $4.3 and $5.2 billion and a projected reopening by late 2030, reflecting broader disruption to shipping and local economies.

Opened in 1977, the Key Bridge has been a critical transportation link; the rebuild timetable and costs underscore the long-term economic impact on Maryland.

Maryland officials describe the disaster as preventable and highlight the wide-reaching impact on shipping, local economies, and community burdens caused by the bridge’s collapse.

Context notes indicate the Key Bridge opened in 1977, with investigations including FBI inquiries into vessel operations and crew knowledge of critical system issues before departure.

Investigators found that pumping equipment was used on the Dali and other ships, tying into broader maritime-safety inquiries under Synergy Marine’s operations.