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Argosy Cruises

Argosy Cruises has been Seattle’s friend with a boat since 1949, offering narrated sightseeing cruises, private charters, and community events like the annual Christmas Ship™ Festival for over 70 years.

We believe the best way to experience Seattle is on the water. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or looking for a new way to enjoy the city, there’s no better friend to have than Your Friend with a Boat. Check out our two sightseeing cruises:

Harbor Cruise (1-hour) | Hop on this popular, live narrated tour around Elliott Bay to enjoy up close and sweeping views of the city. Learn Seattle history, be dazzled by the Emerald City skyline, explore the workings of our shipping port, and cruise alongside the historic waterfront.

Locks Cruise (2-hours): Get double the sightseeing on this one-way cruise and venture beyond the Seattle harbor into Lake Union thru the Ballard Locks. You’ll be surrounded by floating homes and houseboats, large fishing vessels, seaplanes, and more!

• Address 1101 Alaskan Way, Pier 55, Ste 201, Seattle, WA 98101
• Phone (206) 623-1445

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• Family Fun , Outdoor Activities in Seattle , Sightseeing & Tours

Argosy Cruises

See and know seattle like a local.

For over 70 years Argosy Cruises has been proud to be Seattle’s “friend with a boat,” showing locals and visitors a side of Seattle they rarely get to see. Come discover and celebrate the beauty, tradition, and history of the Pacific Northwest by boat for fully-narrated, family-friendly tours. Your tickets to spectacular views and majestic backdrops await!

Harbor Cruise – 1 hour tour The quintessential Seattle cruise experience. Learn Seattle history, be dazzled by the ever-evolving Emerald City skyline, explore the workings of our shipping port and get a close-up view of Seattle’s historic waterfront. All this while surrounded by the beauty of Elliott Bay and the Olympic and Cascade Mountain ranges.

Locks Cruise – 2 hour tour Travel from salt to fresh water – through the beating workboat heart of Seattle – and become the attraction to those on shore as your vessel raises up or lowers with the ever-changing tides of Puget Sound. Between Elliott Bay and Lake Union you’ll be surrounded by floating homes and houseboats, large fishing vessels, seaplanes, majestic city parks, and more. Get double the narration and sightseeing as you explore three Seattle neighborhoods in one go.

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Parking & Directions for all of our boarding locations: https://www.argosycruises.com/parking-directions/#SeattleWaterfront

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Exploring Seattle’s Cultural Tapestry: Embracing Diversity and Equity through Museum Visits

Introduction Seattle, a city known for its vibrant cultural scene, offers an array of museums that showcase the diverse heritage and history of the region.

Exploring Seattle’s Marvels with Conservation and Sustainability in Mind

Introduction Seattle, the Emerald City, is not only renowned for its stunning natural beauty and vibrant urban culture but also for its commitment to conservation

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Argosy Cruises

Argosy Cruises 1101 Alaskan Way Pier 55 Seattle, Washington 98101

For 60 years this family-owned and Seattle-operated company has become the Northwest’s premier cruise company. Currently, Argosy operates nine vessels providing private and public cruises around the Puget Sound area. Argosy Cruises offers must-see tourist attractions, such as the Lakes, Locks Cruises and Harbor Cruises, and hosts countless weddings, parties, corporate events and community activities, including the Christmas Ship™ Festival, Murder Mystery Series and other themed and holiday events.

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Seattle Harbor Tour

About this tour, argosy cruises.

With Argosy Cruises, guests embark live narrated tours around Seattle Harbor or the Ballard Locks. Learn about the history and culture of the area while taking in the magnificent views of the city skyline and surrounding Olympic Mountains. Marine wildlife also may make an appearance during the tour along with glimpses of Mount Rainier on perfect weather days.

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MUST SEE SEATTLE

Hop-on, hop-off route.

Our Must See Seattle Pass is a fun and flexible way to see the best of Seattle! Our 24 or 48 Hour ticket gives you unlimited access to all of the highlights and stops available along our route —a total of 17 stops!

ROUTE (First tour starts at 10:00 am, last pick-ups of the day start at 4:00 or 5:00 pm - season dependent)

Are there restrooms on the boat?

• Yes, all of the vessels are equipped with single stall restrooms.

Can I get seasick?

• It is highly unlikely. The boats sail in the calm waters of the inner harbor of Elliott Bay as well as the protected waters of Lake Union and Lake Washington. They do not go out into open ocean water.

Does the boat tour accept wheelchairs, scooters or strollers?

• Yes the vessels are larger and can accommodate wheelchairs and scooters to 41" wide and offer an accessible restroom. Note that Pier 55 is a floating dock that moves with the tide.

Does the harbor cruise travel in rainy weather?

• Yes! Vessels are fully enclosed and climate-controlled for guest comfort. The tour will go rain or shine!

How long is the harbor boat cruise?

• The harbor cruise is 1 hour long (not including boarding and disembarking time) .

Is food and drink available on the boat?

• Yes, there is a full service bar onboard including alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks. (Guests must be 21 years old to consume alcohol)

Is the harbor cruise good for children?

• Yes! Children of all ages are welcome for the public tours.

What Hop-On, Hop-Off Stop is nearest to Argosy Cruise check in?

• Get off on Stop #5 and Argosy Cruises is right there at Pier 55.

What should I wear?

• As the docks and boats move around, wear comfortable shoes (no heels) and bring a light jacket or coat for strolling the outer decks.

When should I arrive for boarding the boat?

• Please be checked in at the dock at least 20 minutes prior to scheduled departure. The boarding gate closes 5 minutes prior to departure.

Where does the harbor cruise depart?

• Cruises Depart from Pier 55 (on the Seattle Waterfont). 1011 Alaskan Way, Seattle, WA 98101.

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From Sound to Shore: Where to Watch the Christmas Ship Festival

The holidays may be months away, but the Seattle Christmas Ship Festival will be here before you know it. Get tickets while you can

The Seattle Christmas Ship Festival is back in 2022! One of the city’s most beloved holiday traditions , if you can’t wait to experience this dose of holiday cheer, you’re in luck. Whether you want to catch a ride with St. Nick on the The Spirit of Seattle or want to listen to the choir, gathered ’round a bonfire at a local beach, there are tons of ways families can enjoy this Pacific Northwest tradition. Remember that this super popular event sells out quickly, as do reservations at local restaurants. So if you want to get in on the singing, Santa , lighted boat action, now is the time to do it.

Experience the Seattle Christmas Ship Festival

Ride the Christmas Ship Lead Boat

Every year  Argosy Cruises  pulls out all the stops with the spectacularly decorated Spirit of Seattle, the designated Christmas Ship that all the other boats follow. During the 90-minute cruise, a local choir sings at scheduled shore side locations (see schedule below) and Santa mingles with the kids and smiles for holiday pictures. While on board you can expect some holiday sing-alongs and a very special reading of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas with Santa. The boat has two fully enclosed, heated decks, one outside deck, restrooms and a cash bar. While cruisin’ the waters, you and your little elves can enjoy snacks, chowder and beverages available for purchase. Reserve online .

Cost: $54/Adult; $40/Kid (4–12); $50/Senior; Free, kids 3 & under; $72/person for Opening Night (Nov. 25) & Grande Finale (Dec. 23)

Follow the Christmas Ship Boat

Being on the Christmas Ship is quite a treat, but so is riding the Follow Boat that (you guessed it) follows the lead ship. Not only will you get fantastic photos of the Spirit of Seattle, but you’ll get many of the Christmas Ship perks, too. Fully enclosed with outside areas, restrooms and food and drink for purchase, the follow boat cruise is a bit longer and includes a broadcast of the choir aboard The Spirit of Seattle. So far the Follow Boat will run on two nights—

Good to Know:  This year the Follow Boat is 21 and over. Maybe a great date night?

Cost: $57/Person

Related: Can't-Miss Holiday Attractions in Downtown Seattle

Dine at a Waterfront Restaurant

Because sitting down to dinner at a restaurant with a view is always in season, here’s a fun idea: check the sailing schedule below and pick a primo viewing location with nearby waterfront restaurants, like Lake Union, Alki, Redondo Beach or Leschi. Places like Duke’s ,  Anthony’s ,  Salty’s  and Ivar’s Salmon House are all great options with covered outdoor seating and viewing decks, so you and the fam can feast your eyes on a panorama of glowing boats while also enjoying a fine meal.

Watch from the Shore at Local Beaches & Parks

Whether it’s your neighborhood beach park or a stunning downtown location like the Olympic Sculpture Park, when the Christmas Ships sail past it’s a truly spectacular sight. Many locations will have a bonfire going, which are noted below. Bundle up the kiddos, grab a thermos of hot cocoa and go! Times listed below detail when the parade will stop and broadcast choir performances over their state-of-the-art sound system. The full schedule includes sailing departure times, private events and bonfire details.

Related: Where to Find the Best U-Cut Tree Farms near Seattle

Christmas Ship Sailing Schedule

Friday, November 25:  Pier 55 (Opening Night/First Sailing) Choir: The Dickens Carolers 5:35 p.m. Don Armeni Park 

Friday, November. 25:  Pier 55 (Opening Night/Second Sailing) Choir: The Dickens Carolers 8:35 p.m. Elliott Bay Marina 

Saturday, November 26: Pier 55 (First Sailing) Choir: The Dickens Carolers 2:35 p.m. Olympic Sculpture Park Sailing includes cookies with Santa

Saturday, November 26: Pier 55 (Second Sailing) Choir: The Dickens Carolers 5:35 p.m. Salty's on Alki Beach

Saturday, November 26: Pier 55 (Third Sailing) Choir: The Dickens Carolers 8:35 p.m. Alik Beach Park (bonfire)

Sunday, November 27:  Shilshole Bay Marina (First Sailing) Choir: The Dickens Carolers 5:35 p.m. Carkeek Beach Park (bonfire)

Sunday, November 27:  Shilshole Bay Marina (Second Sailing) Choir: The Dickens Carolers 8:35 p.m. Golden Gardens Park (bonfire)

Related: The Best Holiday Light Displays in the City

Friday, December 2: Hyatt Regency Lake Washington (First Sailing) Choir: Master Chorus Eastside 5:35 p.m. Ferdinand State Park (bonfire)

Friday, December 2: Hyatt Regency Lake Washington (Second Sailing) Choir: Master Chorus Eastside 8:10 p.m. Gene Coulon Memorial Park (bonfire)

Saturday, December 3: Hyatt Regency Lake Washington (First Sailing) Choir: PrimeTime Quartet 2:35 p.m. Pritchard Island Beach (bonfire)

Saturday, December 3: Hyatt Regency Lake Washington (Second Sailing) Choir: PrimeTime Quartet 5:35 p.m. Seward Park (bonfire) Sailing includes cookies with Santa

Saturday, December 3: Hyatt Regency Lake Washington (Third Sailing) Choir: PrimeTime Quartet 8:40 p.m. Stan Sayers Memorial Park (bonfire)

Sunday, December 4: Hyatt Regency Lake Washington (First Sailing) Choir: Peninsula Community Chorus 5:35 p.m. Mercer Shore Club (private)

Sunday, December 4: Hyatt Regency Lake Washington (Second Sailing) Choir: Peninsula Community Chorus 8:35 p.m. Mt. Baker Beach (bonfire)

Related: Ho, Ho, Ho! Your Guide to Santa Photos in Seattle

Friday, December 9: Lake Union Park (First Sailing) Choir: PrimeTime Quartet 5:35 p.m. ASUW Shell House (bonfire)

Friday, December 9: Lake Union Park (Second Sailing/Parade of Boats) Choir: PrimeTime Quartet 8:20 p.m. Fremont Cut (rolling show/bonfire)

Saturday, December 10: Kirkland City Dock (First Sailing) Choir: Puyallup HS Norselanders 2:10 p.m. Marina Park (1st performance/bonfire) 2:50 p.m. Magnuson Park (2nd performance/bonfire) Sailing includes cookies with Santa

Saturday, December 10: Kirkland City Dock (Second Sailing) Choir: Puyallup HS Norselanders 5:35 p.m. Juanita Beach Park (bonfire)

Saturday, December 10: Kirkland City Dock (Third Sailing) Choir: Puyallup HS Norselanders 5:35 p.m. Seattle Tennis Club (private)

Sunday, December 11: Kirkland City Dock (First Sailing) Choir: The Dickens Carolers 5:35 p.m. Laurelhurst Beach Club (private)

Sunday, December 11: Kirkland City Dock (First Sailing) Choir: The Dickens Carolers 8:35 p.m. Houghton Beach

Friday, December 16: Carillon Point Marina (First Sailing) Choir: Master Chorus Eastside 5:35 p.m. Madrona Park (bonfire)

Friday, December 16: Carillon Point Marina (Second Sailing) Choir: Master Chorus Eastside 8:35 p.m. Denny Blaine Park (bonfire)

Saturday, December 17: Carillon Point Marina (First Sailing) Choir: Vocal Vintage 2:35 p.m. Waverly Beach Park Sailing includes cookies with Santa

Saturday, December 17: Carillon Point Marina (Second Sailing) Choir: Vocal Vintage 5:35 p.m. Madison Park (bonfire)

Saturday, December 17: Carillon Point Marina (Third Sailing) Choir: Vocal Vintage 8:40 p.m. Meydenbauer Bay Park

Sunday, December 18: Carillon Point Marina (First Sailing) Choir: Touchstone Quartet 5:35 p.m. Windermere Park (private)

Sunday, December 18: Carillon Point Marina (Second Sailing) Choir: Touchstone Quartet 8:40 p.m. Luther Burbank Park

Monday, December 19: Kirkland City Dock (First Sailing) Choir: Bellevue Youth Choir 5:35 p.m. OO Denny Park (bonfire)

Monday, December 19: Kirkland City Dock (Second Sailing) Choir: Master Chorus Eastside 8:40 p.m. Log Boom Park 

Tuesday, December 20: Kirkland City Dock (First Sailing) Choir: The Dickens Carolers 8:40 p.m. Lake Forest Park Civic Club (private)

Wednesday, December 21: Kirkland City Dock (First Sailing) Choir: Holy Names Vocal Ensemble 5:35 p.m. Carillon Point (bonfire)

Wednesday, December 21: Kirkland City Dock (Second Sailing) Choir: The Dickens Carolers 8:40 p.m. Sheridan Beach Club (private)

Thursday, December 22: Kirkland City Dock (First Sailing) Choir: The Dickens Carolers 5:35 p.m. Medina Beach Park

Thursday, December 22: Kirkland City Dock (Second Sailing) Choir: The Dickens Carolers 8:35 p.m. Yarrow Point (bonfire)

Friday, December 23: Lake Union Park (First Sailing) Choir: The Dickens Carolers 2:40 p.m. The Ballard Locks (bonfire) Sailing includes cookies with Santa

Friday, December 23: Lake Union Park (Second Sailing) Choir: The Dickens Carolers 5:35 p.m. Ivar's Salmon House

Friday, December 23: Lake Union Park (Third Sailing) Choir: The Dickens Carolers 8:30 p.m. Seattle Yacht Club (1st performance/private) 9:10 p.m. Gas Works Park (2nd performance/bonfire)

Good to Know: Argosy Cruises donates a portion of all ticket sales to The Seattle Times’ Fund for Those in Need , an annual program that raises money for several charitable organizations in the Puget Sound area.

Online : argosycruises.com

All photos courtesy Argosy Cruises

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Seattle’s evolving waterways offer old favorites and new discoveries

Early success as a busy port opened up to support a thriving tourist trade, tech sector and more.

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Seattle’s waterways have weathered waves of change over the years. The once rough-and-tumble port city has evolved into a hub not only for shipping, but also for the tech sector, food and wine, and, thanks to the area’s natural beauty, tourism.

The city’s shipping roots run deep and reach into many aspects of local business. For example, in 1901, Pier 4 was built at the end of Seneca Street by the Northern Pacific Railroad. It handled both cargo and passenger service over the years, and was renumbered as Pier 55 during World War II. Today, Pier 55 is used as the Seattle terminal for Argosy Cruises , which offers a variety of recreational cruises around the area.

After World War II, Piers 54, 55 and 56 shifted from handling shipping cargo to catering to the growing tourist trade. Local landmarks like Ivar’s Acres of Clams restaurant, the Seattle Aquarium and Ye Old Curiosity Shop helped bring visitors to enjoy the city’s offerings.

A catalyst for some of those changes was Captain Lynn Campbell, who founded the company that would eventually evolve into Argosy Cruises, now celebrating their 70 th anniversary.

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Campbell, who passed away at age 101 in 2013, helped develop Seattle’s tourist trade. He formed the Spring Street Water Taxi company. The organization initially transported crews and supplies to ships in Puget Sound. Three years later, Campbell offered harbor tours to visitors and his cruise boats became a civic fixture. The thriving business was sold in 1990 and renamed Argosy Cruises, which continues to run a variety of tours from Pier 55.

The demolition of the Alaskan Way Viaduct is the latest ripple in the ebb and flow of changes to the land and seascape of Seattle over the years, opening up access to waterfront to visitors and businesses alike. “I couldn’t believe how large the viaduct footprint was until it was gone,” Argosy Captain and Director of Vessel Operations Chris House says. “The waterfront looks so different now.”

Argosy Cruises Captain Paul Dudley concurs. “It’s absolutely amazing now that the viaduct is gone,” Dudley says. “The constant rattle and hum with the viaduct is history. That area is now tremendously open. But the viaduct or the lack of the viaduct is only one of many changes on the waterfront.”

Dudley and House have experienced countless changes over the years. “I have so many great memories of how Seattle has changed from the vantage point of being out in the water on a cruise,” House says. “The cool thing about experiencing the development of our city is going on multiple trips over the months and over the years. I remember back when Bill Gates was building his house on Lake Washington . We would cruise by it every day and watch it morph. Now all these years later the vegetation practically covers it.”

And then there is the evolution of Lake Union. “Not much went on there back in the day,” House says. “But now it’s a recreational hub with people on paddle boards and sea planes landing. There are wine-tasting cruises headed to Lake Union. It’s hard to believe it’s the same place it was years ago.” Locals and visitors alike flock to events like the SLU Block Party, South Lake Union Saturday Market, and attractions like the Center for Wooden Boats and MOHAI, the Museum of History and Industry.

Argosy Cruises and Lynn Campbell’s fleet have had an unusual vantage point while the city has morphed around its vessels over the past 70 years.

“Who knows what’s ahead of us,” Dudley says. “I’m sure 20 years from now this city will look very different but we’ll still be out there on a cruise and the city will still be Seattle.”

Argosy Cruises, your “friend with a boat,” has your ticket to the best views and history of Seattle.

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• Sightseeing Cruises

Seattle's Original Harbor Cruise™ is the quintessential Seattle experience for both locals and tourists alike. For 1-hour, be dazzled by the storied history and magical skyline of the Emerald City.

Ride the boat elevator, see two sides of the Seattle skyline, and feel the breeze off fresh and saltwater. This 2-hour, one-way cruise takes you on a journey through Seattle's waterfront neighborhoods.

Argosy Cruises Christmas Ship™ Festival

For more information on the annual Christmas Ship™ Festival and to purchase tickets, visit our website . 

Light Up the Holidays for the Seattle Times Fund For Those In Need

Argosy Cruises is proud to donate  a portion of ticket proceeds to participating non-profits and  The Seattle Times Fund For Those In Need , an annual program that raises money for several local charitable organizations in the Puget Sound area, allowing them to continue to provide valuable programs and services.

This year, increase your impact by donating to Light Up the Holidays . Each donation level corresponds to the light bulbs that light up Seattle's waterways throughout the Christmas Ship ™. All proceeds go to the Fund for Those In Need and are tax-deductible. 

Order Pick-up 

Like in 2022, guests of the Christmas Ship™ Festival will have the option to pick up their order at check-in prior to their departure. This option will be available at checkout beginning November 1st when the full Argosy Cruises Christmas Store opens. 

Shipping to addresses within the United States is always available. Orders over $50 ship for free. 

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Who Will Pay for the Baltimore Bridge Collapse?

Disputes over liability and the cost of claims could take years for insurers to resolve and result in billions of dollars in payouts.

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By Jenny Gross ,  Michael Forsythe ,  Emily Flitter and Peter Eavis

Jenny Gross reported from London. Michael Forsythe, Emily Flitter and Peter Eavis reported from New York.

On the day the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore collapsed, President Biden said the federal government would pay the “ entire cost ” of rebuilding it, which some suggest could run to more than $1 billion. Washington will foot the bill so the bridge and nearby port can reopen “as soon as humanly possible,” he said.

The hope is that much of the cost will be recouped from insurers, but determining who is ultimately on the hook for the deadly disaster is set to become one of the messiest and most expensive disputes of its kind. Rebuilding the bridge, repairing the cargo ship that hit it and compensating companies for the disruption at one of the nation’s busiest ports may take years to resolve.

“We’re not going to wait,” said Mr. Biden, who plans to visit Baltimore on Friday to survey the damage.

The legal wrangling began this week when the shipowner, Grace Ocean Private Ltd., and the ship manager, Synergy Marine, both based in Singapore, filed a petition in U.S. District Court to limit their liability to $43.7 million. They cited an 1851 law that allows a shipowner to cap financial damages mostly to the value of a ship after a crash, if the owner is determined not to have been at fault.

Claims against the ship’s owner and manager must be filed to the federal court in Baltimore by Sept. 24, a judge said.

Experts in maritime law and insurance said determining liability was particularly complex because of the many parties involved, from shipowners in Asia to insurers in Europe to companies around the world that move goods in and out of Baltimore. Numerous lawsuits are expected, and the six deaths caused by the disaster add a grim layer of complications.

“You can’t just necessarily settle with one party and make it go away,” said Franziska Arnold-Dwyer, a senior lecturer in insurance law at Queen Mary University of London.

Investigators are still determining what caused such a catastrophic failure on the cargo ship, the Dali; why the massive vessel appeared to lose power and propulsion before hitting the bridge; and whether negligence was involved. The answers will have implications for who is liable for damage that may cost insurers and reinsurers up to $4 billion, according to industry experts.

“You’re looking at historic, record losses” for maritime insurers, said Sean Kevelighan, chief executive of the Insurance Information Institute, a trade group. The higher estimates could exceed the roughly $1.5 billion paid out after the Costa Concordia crisis in 2012, when 32 people were killed as the cruise ship ran aground off the Italian island of Giglio .

Losses are accumulating, with the Port of Baltimore, a top destination for car shipments , largely closed. Officials said this week that they had opened a channel around the wreckage for limited traffic. A full reopening of the port is expected in late May .

Very little is known about the owner of Grace Ocean, a Japanese businessman named Yoshimasa Abe, except that he is very wealthy.

Most of his known wealth comes from his fleet of more than 50 vessels, including container ships, bulk carriers, tankers and refrigerated cargo ships. They are owned by two Singapore-based companies, Grace Ocean Private and Argosy Pte., that Mr. Abe controls through an offshore company. VesselsValue , which compiles shipping data, estimates that those ships, including the damaged Dali, are worth a combined $2.9 billion.

Shipowners often borrow large amounts of money to buy their fleets. There is little public information about Mr. Abe’s debts, but in 2010 Grace Ocean borrowed $250 million from Mitsui & Company, a Japanese trading firm.

Mr. Abe is also the majority owner of two Chinese shipyards on islands off the coast of Ningbo, according to Sayari and WireScreen , companies that compile and analyze corporate data. Combined, the two shipyards can repair more than 200 vessels a year.

It is unusual for foreign companies to control Chinese shipyards, especially in recent years as industry consolidation in the country has favored state-owned companies, said Matthew Funaiole, who has written about Chinese shipyards for the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies. “There’s really not much space for there to be foreign ownership,” he said.

Among the 68 member companies, schools and associations focused on ship repair that belong to the China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry, a trade group, three are foreign-owned shipyards, of which Mr. Abe has a majority interest in two.

Mr. Abe did not respond to a request for an interview or answer written questions about his business. “Out of respect for the investigation and the legal process we will not be making additional public statements,” Jim Lawrence, a spokesman for the Dali’s management company and for Grace Ocean, said in an email. He confirmed earlier that Mr. Abe owned Grace Ocean Investment Limited, a company based in the British Virgin Islands that owns both Argosy Pte. and Grace Ocean Private.

If the shipowner is found liable, its insurer, a mutual association called Britannia P&I Club, will cover the first $10 million of claims, which could include coverage for loss of lives, debris removal, property damage and cargo damage. The Dali was carrying products including paper, U.S. soybeans destined for China and some hazardous materials, according to Concirrus, a marine insurance data provider, and DG Global, an agricultural exporter with goods on the ship.

Beyond $10 million, the 12 clubs including Britannia that make up the London-based International Group of P&I Clubs, which collectively insure about 90 percent of the world’s oceangoing tonnage, would share the cost of claims of up to $100 million. For claims above $100 million, dozens of reinsurers will cover costs up to roughly $3 billion.

The $3 billion figure is so widely known that it could become a target for businesses making damage claims. “There are some reinsurers expecting the worst,” said Hugo Chelton, a managing director at Howden Re, a reinsurance broker.

The global reinsurance industry ended last year with $670 billion in capital, according to Aon , an insurance broker. Though the bridge damage promises to be costly, it is not likely to be among the largest payouts reinsurers have faced recently. Hurricane Ian, which hit Florida in 2022, caused more than $50 billion in insured losses.

Sridhar Manyem, an analyst for AM Best, a ratings agency for insurers, said the potential losses from the bridge collapse did not seem large enough to do long-term damage to any insurers or reinsurers. “It should not affect their balance sheets,” he said.

While a significant share of the claims may be directed at the ship’s insurers, other businesses affected by the bridge and port closure could make claims on other policies to cover their losses, adding to the insured losses caused by the incident.

Scott Cowan, the president of International Longshoremen’s Association Local 333, the union representing Baltimore dockworkers, said on Tuesday that nearly 2,000 workers were still doing jobs at the port, like unloading cargo that arrived before the bridge collapsed.

Mr. Cowan said union leaders had asked for help from the federal and state governments. “The longer the channel’s closed and the longer we’re out, the bigger the problem is going to be,” he said. Many jobs at the port are considered daily hire jobs rather than full-time positions, so they will last only as long as work remains to be done.

Government funds for companies whose operations have been disrupted may not be fully recouped from insurers, said Oscar Seikaly, chief executive of NSI Insurance Group, an insurance broker.

In recent years, when Washington has stepped in with emergency aid after a commercial disaster, taxpayers have later largely recovered the costs, although the international scope of claims in the Baltimore bridge collapse will add complexity to the process.

Representative Dan Meuser, Republican of Pennsylvania, said he was outraged that Mr. Biden had immediately offered to use federal money to pay for the bridge’s reconstruction without considering other sources of funds, including from the owners and insurers of the Dali.

“Insurance payouts could potentially cover the entire cost of rebuilding the bridge without any taxpayer dollars being spent,” he said.

Robyn Patterson, a White House spokeswoman, said the responsible party or parties must be held accountable, but added, “We’re not waiting to get started on this critically important infrastructure project.”

Alain Delaquérière contributed research.

An earlier version of this article misstated a division of an insurance broker. It is Howden Re, not Howden.

How we handle corrections

Jenny Gross is a reporter for The Times in London covering breaking news and other topics. More about Jenny Gross

Michael Forsythe a reporter on the investigations team at The Times, based in New York. He has written extensively about, and from, China. More about Michael Forsythe

Emily Flitter writes about finance and how it impacts society. More about Emily Flitter

Peter Eavis reports on business, financial markets, the economy and companies across different sectors. More about Peter Eavis