Reviews & Ratings for the Federal-Champlain

Two of the three vessels stranded at Toledo's port due to a labor dispute finally set sail on May 16, 2018. This resolution came after the U.S. Coast Guard sanctioned a plan that involved using tugs to guide the ships into open waters, circumventing the need for port pilots who had refused to cross a picket line established by a local longshoremen's union. The vessels in question, the 'Federal Champlain' and 'Federal Kumano', are managed by Fednav, a Montreal-based shipping company. Prior to the green light for the tug-assisted maneuvering, Fednav had sought a waiver from the Coast Guard to allow for direct, pilot-less navigation away from the dock, but this request was turned down. Subsequently, a revised plan was approved, which allowed tugs to help pull the vessels approximately 500 feet from the dock before pilot transfer occurred. The 'Federal Champlain' experienced a delay of nearly 10 days, while the 'Federal Kumano' faced a shorter wait as the pilots upheld their stance against crossing the International Longshoremen's Association Local 1982 picket line. The local union is embroiled in a protracted conflict with Midwest Terminals of Toledo International, the stevedoring company contracted by the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. By keeping the ships docked, the union aimed to strengthen its negotiating position against Midwest. Upon departing, the 'Federal Kumano' moved downriver towards Maumee Bay, en route to Sarnia, Ontario, while the 'Federal Champlain' traveled up the Maumee River towards the ADM grain elevator on Miami Street to load a cargo of soybeans destined for Italy. For further details, visit: http://www.toledoblade.com/local/2018/05/16/Two-of-3-delayed-ships-leave-Toledo-cargo-dock.html