Do big container ships like this typically just have a standard propeller/rudder without some kind of directional thruster to assist in maneuvering?
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MV_Dali
Propulsion Single shaft; fixed pitch propeller
The release was the decision of the pilot, who remaining in charge of the ship till the accident. If pilots are too liberal in their use of tugs, the ship owner becomes unhappy (because the ship owner ends up paying for them), and if they become unhappy enough, will stop using the port. I.e., pilots are under some pressure to keep the use of tugs to a minimum.
Note that it is probably the pilot who advised authorities to stop cars from entering the bridge minutes before the accident, which is why the only deaths were a team of 6 construction workers working on the bridge.
https://youtu.be/gafDs7sxJqg?si=hvLselyX9FQSczOH&t=98
MDoT == Maryland Department of Transportation. Note that the pilots in command of the ship were also employed by the Maryland state government.