Baltimore port bridge collapse: Global ocean carriers put U.S. companies on hook for urgent cargo pickup

Ocean carriers are declaring "force majeure" due to the Baltimore port bridge crisis, telling logistics companies and U.S. shippers including retailers that once cargo is dropped off at alternate ports, it becomes their responsibility to pick up.

In an alert to customers Tuesday, CMA CGM wrote, "Those (containers) on the water will be discharged at an alternate port where they will be made available for pick-up, and CMA CGM's bill of lading will terminate."

It was the first ocean carrier to declare force majeure — the provision in a contract that frees parties from an obligation due to events beyond their control.

COSCO announced Wednesday morning that its services would "be concluded" once the diverted container arrives at the alternate port. Evergreen announced the same measure.

In contrast, Maersk is providing transport. "For cargo already on water, we will omit the port, and will discharge cargo set for Baltimore, in nearby ports. From these ports, it will be possible to utilize landside transportation to reach final destination instead," Maersk said in an alert to customers. Though it noted that the situation remains fluid. "We are still working through the various contingencies with our customers and will continue to provide both specific and general customer advisories as the matter progresses," it said.

Ocean carriers Hapag Lloyd and MSC did not respond to requests for comment about their plans.

Logistics executives tell CNBC the next 36 hours will be critical in the movement of the diverted trade away from the Port of Baltimore after the deadly accident of the 10,000-container capacity containership Dali crashed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in the early hours of Tuesday.

According to ImportGenius, the Dali