U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to dredge Baltimore Harbor and its channels

BALTIMORE -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is set to dredge the Baltimore Harbor and its channels to allow for container ships to safely pass to and from the Port of Baltimore.

The project, which is funded by a $33.5 million contract awarded to Curtin Maritime Corp, is expected to be complete by March 2025.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers plans to use a hybrid-powered clamshell dredge to excavate 2.3 million cubic yards of material from federal navigation channels, which are used by ships traveling between Port of Baltimore facilities.

The last time officials dredged Baltimore's channels was in 2019 due to a record amount of rainfall in 2018. Officials said the rain brought millions of tons of sediment into the Chesapeake Bay and shipping channels. 

Port of Baltimore and the Economy 

The Port of Baltimore is a hub for the Baltimore economy and consumer supply chain. 

In October, President Joe Biden announced $3 billion in federal funds will be used to improve ports across the U.S. 

According to Maryland Governor Wes Moore, a portion of the $147 million from the federal investment will go toward creating more than 350 manufacturing jobs for the Port of Baltimore. 

The announcement came nine months after the Francis Scott Key Bridge was struck by a container ship, causing it to collapse. 

During his visit to Baltimore, President Biden praised the city for how quickly the port was reopened. 

"When I see this port now, cranes in the air, ships and cargo on the move, I hope and feel what I hope you feel a real sense of pride," Biden said.

President Biden's visit also came a month after Port of Baltimore workers went on a strike that lasted three days. 

During the International Longshoreman's Association strike, which represents 25,000 workers at 14 ports along the East and Gulf coast, many raised concerns about consumer price hikes if the strike lasted between two and three weeks.