THE US Justice Department has filed a lawsuit against the owner and operator of the container ship that rammed into the Francis Scott Key Bridge in March, according to CBS News.

Justice Department officials say they are seeking US$100 million in damages for the structure's collapse, which killed six construction workers and led to massive economic losses.

The officials said the Singapore-based companies, Grace Ocean Private Limited and Synergy Marine Private Limited, were "well-aware" of issues on the ship, the Dali, that could cause power outages before the accident.

The massive vessel struck one of the bridge's columns in the early morning hours of March 26 after it lost power, causing a section of the structure to collapse into the water.

"The civil claims filed today alleges that the collision was caused by a series of catastrophic failures on board the Dali in the minutes before impact, all as a consequence of the alleged negligence," US Attorney Erek Barron for the District of Maryland.

Justice Department officials said the US government spent more than $100 million to respond to the disaster and reopen the Port of Baltimore. The state of Maryland, the officials said, may seek damages for rebuilding the bridge.

Darrell Wilson, a spokesperson for the Singapore-based companies, said the Justice Department's legal action was "anticipated" as there is a September 24 court deadline for those with claims against the owner and operator of the Dali.

"The owner and manager will have no further comment on the merits of any claim at this time, but we do look forward to our day in court to set the record straight," Mr Wilson said.

The families of three of the construction workers who died on March 26 announced they would seek to hold the Singapore-based company legally liable, a request that, if granted, could allow them to receive monetary compensation.