Officials involved in the Key Bridge Response Unified Command are working diligently to refloat the ship, named the Dali, which led to the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March, resulting in the tragic loss of six construction workers. The ship's relocation is a crucial step in reopening the Patapsco River's main shipping channel, which has been closed since March 26. The blocked Fort McHenry Channel has caused disruptions to marine traffic into the Baltimore Harbor, prompting the opening of alternate paths in recent weeks to allow the Port of Baltimore to operate.

Earlier this week, crews successfully used precision explosive charges to break up a section of the bridge that was weighing on the top of the Dali's bow, marking a significant milestone in the refloating process. Although there is still some large bridge debris on the ship's deck, plans for the refloat have been progressing. Coast Guard Vice Admiral Peter Gautier informed a congressional committee that the ship is expected to be refloated and removed from its current location early next week.

The next major steps involve diving and clearing wreckage around the Dali. Detailed surveys will be conducted using sonar and light detection and ranging imagery to assess the post-detonation wreckage more thoroughly. The underwater wreckage from the controlled demolition, as well as unstable debris such as the destroyed section of roadway hanging off the edge of the ship's bow, will need to be cleared for safe diving operations. Some damaged containers will also be secured or removed, while some bridge pieces may be left on the bow for future removal.

Once it is deemed safe, divers will inspect the Patapsco riverbed next to the ship. This dive survey is crucial in mitigating risks to the vessel during the refloating process. Additionally, it may uncover the need for additional measures, such as dredging, to facilitate the refloating.

The logistics of moving the Dali also present challenges. Assessments will consider the ship's readiness after being idle with its crew onboard for over 50 days, as well as its position on the riverbed and the presence of any remaining wreckage. The existence of a Baltimore Gas and Electric Co. pipeline beneath the riverbed and an old water main nearby will also be taken into account. To ensure a safe journey, the freighter, weighing over 95,000 metric tons when empty, will likely be escorted to Seagirt Marine Terminal by tugboats.

Temporary channels that have allowed limited vessel transit will be closed again once the refloating operations commence, as stated by the Coast Guard. Following the ship's mooring at Seagirt, further debris removal and repairs will be conducted. The National Transportation Safety Board investigators will gain access to the ship before inspections from parties with claims against the ship's owner and manager. These visits will be limited and subject to restrictions due to salvage work.

Coast Guard Capt. David O'Connell shared that the ship is expected to stay at Seagirt for four to six weeks before heading to Norfolk, Virginia. From there, it is likely to go to a shipyard for more permanent repairs, as confirmed by a Unified Command spokesperson.

Efforts are ongoing to ensure the safe refloating and removal of the Dali, allowing for the reopening of the main shipping channel in the Patapsco River. The completion of these operations will bring significant relief to marine traffic and restore normalcy to the Port of Baltimore.