Coal Exports Face Setback After Baltimore Bridge Collapse

The recent collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge into the Patapsco River on March 26 has caused a temporary halt to all shipping traffic from the Port of Baltimore. A reader recently asked me how this might impact the energy markets. First, the closure should have minimal impact on the transportation of more commonly used petroleum products.

Ship tracking data indicates limited activity, with only one shipment of gasoline and three petroleum-related export cargos recorded at the port in 2023. The port receives a modest quantity of refined petroleum…