JUPITER SEA & AIR SERVICES PVT. LTD, EGMORE – CHENNAI, INDIA.

E-MAIL : Robert.sands@jupiterseaair.co.in   Mobile : +91 98407 85202

Corporate News Letter for  Thursday  April 25,  2024.

                     

::               Today’s Exchange Rates           :: 

Source : The Economic Times RATS

 

CURRENCY	PRICE	CHANGE	%CHANGE	OPEN	PREV.CLOSE	DAY's LOW-HIGH
USD/INR	83.32	-0.029999	-0.035991	83.30	83.35	83.26- 83.335
EUR/USD	1.0693	-0.0008	-0.074749	1.0702	1.0701	1.0678- 1.0714
GBP/INR	103.5543	0.540298	0.52449	103.7622	103.014	103.4924- 103.7829
EUR/INR	89.0308	0.195503	0.220074	89.1852	88.8353	88.985- 89.2186
USD/JPY	154.978	0.147995	0.095585	154.83	154.83	154.735- 155.172
GBP/USD	1.2447	-0.0002	-0.016068	1.2449	1.2449	1.2423- 1.2465
DXY Index	105.861	0.185997	0.176009	105.694	105.675	105.592- 105.89
JPY/INR	0.5378	-0.0006	-0.111438	0.5383	0.5384	0.5376- 0.5386

///                     Sea Cargo News          ///

European Parliament passes law requiring zero-emission trucks by 2040

The green organization Transport & Environment (T&E) said this law was reached through negotiations between Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) and governments and will support European manufacturers in competing with foreign electric truck producers.

“European truck manufacturers now have a clear roadmap towards producing only zero-emission vehicles. EU governments already have to charge targets that will enable the transition. Hauliers and the freight industry will have the supply of electric and hydrogen trucks they need to live up to their climate responsibilities,” stated Fedor Unterlohner, freight manager at T&E.

The European Parliament has approved legislation mandating that nearly all newly sold trucks by 2040 must be zero-emission.

According to the guidelines, manufacturers are mandated to progressively reduce the average emissions of new trucks, aiming for a 45% reduction by 2030, 65% by 2035, and 90% by 2040. Starting from 2035, these targets will extend to vocational vehicles such as garbage and construction trucks.

Additionally, trailer manufacturers are required to enhance the emissions performance of truck trailers by 10% by 2030. By 2030, 90% of new buses must be zero-emission, with complete adoption by 2035.

Furthermore, the law requires that the European Commission must explore synthetic fuels for trucks. As per the agreement between governments and MEPs, the Commission will evaluate the possibility of proposing the registration of heavy-duty vehicles exclusively running on e-fuels within the coming year.

“The law agreed is a compromise that gives one of Europe’s biggest polluters a path to go green. Long-term investment certainty has been given to manufacturers which are facing electric competition from foreign rivals. They must not be diverted into dead-end technologies for trucks, such as biofuels and e-fuels, that cannot compete on efficiency and cost," added Fedor Unterlohner.

T&E forecasts that the EU objectives will lead to approximately 31% of new trucks and buses sold in 2030 being zero-emission, with this figure rising to over three-quarters (77%) by 2040. When considering the entire fleet, it is anticipated that 30% of heavy-duty vehicles in Europe will be zero-emission by 2040. Following cars, heavy-duty vehicles represent the largest source of transportation pollution in Europe.

FBI opens investigation into Baltimore bridge fatal accident

Photo taken from the X feed @HarforCoFireEMS Harford County, MD Volunteer Fire & EMS showing a portion of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, US, collapsed after a large boat collided with it. Source: AAP / Harford County, MD Volunteer Fire & EMS/PA/Alamy.

 

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is conducting a criminal investigation into the fatal accident of the 10,000 TEU container vessel Dali, which destroyed Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge.

FBI's investigation is focused on the circumstances leading up to the bridge collapse and whether all federal laws were followed, according to an Associated Press report.

The FBI was present aboard the boxship conducting court-authorized law enforcement activity.

MSC-operated ship captured by Iranian forces

MSC Aries / Source: VesselFinder.

 

MSC told Container News that it is working to secure the release of one of its operated ships that was seized by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in the Persian Gulf on 13 April.

The 2020-built 15,000 TEU MSC Aries, which the Swiss/Italian liner operator had bareboat-chartered from UK-based Zodiac Maritime for 10 years, was boarded by “Iranian authorities” via helicopter around 2.43 am local time. The ship has been diverted towards Iran.

Security company Ambrey Analytics said it had seen a video of three men fast-roping from a helicopter hovering above MSC Aries, which was originally heading for Jawaharlal Nehru Port after departing from Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa Port on 12 April.

United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) stated that an “unidentified vessel” had been boarded and captured by “regional forces” about 50 nautical miles northeast of Fujairah.

MSC Aries was crewed by 25 men and the Philippines’ foreign ministry said it is trying to confirm if any of the seafarers are Filipinos.

MSC said, “We’re working closely with the relevant authorities to ensure their wellbeing, and safe return of the vessel.”

Zodiac Maritime told Container News’ that MSC is responsible for the MSC Aries’ management and operations. The company explained, “Title to the vessel is held by Gortal Shipping Inc as financier and she has been leased to MSC on a long-term basis. Gortal is affiliated with Zodiac Maritime.”

It is likely that MSC Aries, which has the Portuguese flag of Madeira, was targeted as Zodiac Maritime is owned by Israeli billionaire Eyal Ofer.

Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been targeting ships with links to Israel and its ally, the United States, in the Red Sea, causing many ships to reroute around the Cape of Good Hope. In November 2023, Houthis captured and detained the NYK Line-operated car carrier Galaxy Leader, which the Japanese group chartered from tonnage provider Ray Car Carriers, which is owned by Israeli tycoon Abraham Ungar.

Several of MSC’s ships have been targeted before, without any casualties.

On 26 December 2023, the 8,204 TEU MSC United VIII was attacked while transiting the Red Sea, en route from Saudi Arabia to Pakistan. The crew notified a nearby coalition taskforce warship and undertook evasive manoeuvres.

More recently, on 7 April, the 4,056 TEU MSC Gina and MSC Grace F, a multi-purpose vessel, had missiles fired at them, but dodged.

Xeneta’s chief analyst, Peter Sand, said that the capture of MSC Aries will threaten Middle East trade lanes.

“An already bad situation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden has just got worse and could put ocean freight container imports and oil exports in the Middle East at risk,” he noted.

Sand added, “We don't yet know the full details of the incident in the Strait of Hormuz, but any widening of the conflict which has already resulted in huge disruption to ocean freight services in the Red Sea region would be extremely concerning.

Dubai is a regional hub for imports as well as sea-air corridors, with containers arriving by ocean via the Strait of Hormuz for onward travel by air to Europe and North America. If ships are impacted from sailing into the Arabian Gulf then the disruption would be considerable.”

Wan Hai Lines names new boxships

Wan Hai Lines held ship naming ceremonies for WAN HAI 372 and WAN HAI 376 accompanied by a charity donation event at Japan Marine United Corporation ARIAKE Shipyard.

WAN HAI 372 and WAN HAI 376 are two vessels in the series of 3,055 TEU containerships built by Japan Marine United Corporation ARIAKE Shipyard. Ms. TSENG, LING-LIN, spouse of Mr. Steve Chang, Executive Vice President Commercial Department of Oriental Petrochemical (Taiwan) Co., Ltd. and Ms. YINGYING CHENG, spouse of Mr. AKITATSU SUZUKI, President of UNEI SHOJI CO., LTD, christened these two vessels respectively during the ceremony.

Wan Hai Lines has ordered a third batch of 3,055TEU series vessels from Japan Marine United Corporation. This batch totals twelve vessels. WAN HAI 372, and WAN HAI 376 are the 8th and 11th vessels in this series of 3,055 TEU vessels. They are all built by Japan Marine United Corporation ARIAKE Shipyard.

This vessel series uses LSFO (Low Sulfur Fuel Oil) and is equipped with new energy-saving equipment, it takes energy efficiency and environment friendly aspects into account. Besides, all the ships delivered are also certified with “Smart Ship” notations. These new smart vessels are part of Wan Hai’s efforts to pursue fleet upgrading and enhance their commitment to quality and eco-friendly shipping services. In addition to naming the newbuilding,

Addressing pest threats in global container transport

Industry is increasingly focusing on contamination from reefer cargoes and other containers that may in advertently transport pests.

 

Each year, 250 million containers are transported across the globe carrying essential goods such as food, clothing, and electronics. While vital for global trade, these containers can inadvertently transport pests, threatening ecosystems and industries worldwide.

Recognizing the collective responsibility of all parties involved in the supply chain the "Prevention of Pest Contamination of Containers: Joint Industry Guidelines for the Cleaning of Containers" offers practical recommendations for maintaining cleanliness and preventing pest transfer.

International Cargo Handling Coordination Association (ICHCA) is a new partner, joining the Bureau International des Containers (BIC), the Container Owners Association (COA), the Institute of International Container Lessors (IICL), and the World Shipping Council (WSC) in this collaborative endeavour.

The latest update of the Joint Industry Guidelines for the Cleaning of Containers, published in 2023, was warmly received by regulators and industry and has become a valued source of guidance when it comes to preventing pest contamination. It outlines the inspections and actions each party in the supply chain should undertake while the container is under their care.

Additionally, it emphasizes the obligation of the receiving party to promptly notify the sender of any visible pest contamination on the container or its contents. These guidelines serve as a valuable resource for regulators and industry stakeholders in safeguarding global trade from the risks associated with pest contamination.

"Each party in the international container supply chain has a custodial responsibility to make sure cargo and containers are clean when they arrive and when they leave their care. If we all live up to these standards, containers will reach their destination faster and our agriculture, forestry and natural resources will be protected,” stated Lars Kjaer, senior vice president of WSC.

Experience has shown that the introduction of new pests can significantly disrupt an established ecosystem, leading to serious ecological repercussions and potentially causing billion-dollar impacts on a nation's economy.

While regulators and national authorities play pivotal roles in curbing the spread of pests, the sheer scale of global trade underscores the importance of prevention—preventing pests from infiltrating cargo or containers in the first place is paramount.

With the updated "Prevention of Pest Contamination of Containers: Joint Industry Guidelines for the Cleaning of Containers," BIC, COA, ICHCA, IICL, and WSC aim to enhance the level of prevention throughout the supply chain, thereby stopping the transfer of pests.

All parties in the supply chain - from manufacturers and exporters to packers, freight forwarders, inland logistics providers, warehouse storage providers, ocean carriers, and importers - bear the responsibility of maintaining the cleanliness of cargo and containers under their purview.

By adhering to the best practices outlined in this guide, these stakeholders can uphold their custodial duty, ensuring containers and their contents remain clean and minimizing the risk of pest contamination and transmission.

Long Beach sees over 2 million TEUs in first quarter

In March, trade flowing through the Port of Long Beach saw a boost thanks to rising consumer confidence, marking the seventh straight month of year-over-year cargo growth.

During the initial quarter of 2024, the Californian port handled 2,002,820 TEUs, reflecting a 16.4% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2023. Furthermore, dockworkers and terminal operators handled 654,082 TEUs last month, reflecting an 8.3% rise compared to March 2023.

"Consumer demand remains strong and continues to drive cargo through this vital gateway for trans-Pacific trade. We will continue to build the infrastructure that will allow us to grow our trade strategically and sustainably," stated Mario Cordero, CEO of Port of Long Beach.

In addition, import volumes increased by 8.4% to reach 302,521 TEUs, while exports experienced a decline of 21.3% down to 105,099 TEUs. The movement of empty containers through the Port surged by 28.9% to 246,464 TEUs.

"Steady cargo flows lead to steady jobs for our dedicated workforce. We will continue our role as the Port of Choice by moving cargo quickly, reliably and sustainably while providing outstanding customer service," stated Bobby Olvera Jr, president of the Long Beach Harbor Commission.

Bangladeshi ship hijacked, crew released from Somalia

          Warships of EUNAVFOR ATALANTA escort the MV ABDULLAH after the release.

The hijacked Bangladeshi ship Abdullah and its crew were released from Somalia in the early hours of Sunday after US$5 million was paid as ransom.

The ship is now returning to the United Arab Emirates, before the crew members fly to Bangladesh, to meet their nearest and dearest ones who have been anxiously waiting for them since the ship was hijacked on 12 March in the Indian Ocean by a group of Somalian pirates.

The ship was heading towards Al Hamriyah Port of UAE carrying coal from Mozambique's Maputo port before being attacked by armed Somalian pirates and hijacked.

After the ransom was given and the ship freed, Somalian police arrested eight pirates as they landed on the shore, local media reported. Two Navy ships of the European Union have been escorting the ship from Somalian water, shows a photo released by EU Naval Force.

“Operation ATALANTA confirms the release of the 23 crew members of the Merchant Vessel ABDULLAH and the ship,” the European agency said in a statement.

“Operation ATALANTA was the first actor to respond to the hijacking of the vessel on 12 March, where one ATALANTA vessel, started shadowing the alleged pirated vessel. Throughout the 32 days of captivity of the sailors, Operation ATALANTA has been actively engaged monitoring the situation,” added EU Naval Force.

The ship owner did not disclose how much money was paid as ransom. However, a Somalian daily namely Somali Online in a post in X said the pirates were given US$5 million approximately to free the ship and the seafarers.

The money was thrown near the hijacked ship on Saturday afternoon in three bags. The pirates left the ship eight hours after they received the money.

A representative of the ship owner said the ship was freed in line with the legal measures in Kenya, Somalia, US and UK laws.

Port of Los Angeles surpasses 740,000 TEUs in March

Port of Los Angeles.

 

In March, the Port of Los Angeles saw a remarkable surge, handling 743,417 container units, marking a 19% increase compared to the same month in the previous year.

This achievement marked the eighth consecutive month of year-over-year growth at the busiest port in the United States.

During the first quarter ending on 31 March, local dockworkers facilitated the movement of 2,380,503 TEUs across Los Angeles marine terminals, representing a nearly 30% rise from 2023. This performance ranks among the Port’s strongest first-quarter starts, second only to the import surge witnessed during the pandemic in 2021 and 2022.

"Moving into April and the second quarter, I expect robust cargo flow to continue here. A strong job market and continued consumer spending, along with our ability to handle additional volume, will help drive cargo to Los Angeles in the coming months," stated Gene Seroka, executive director of Port of Los Angeles.

Seroka, accompanied by Anne Neuberger, deputy national security advisor for Cyber and Emerging Tech, addressed the Port's media briefing. Neuberger, in her role as deputy assistant to President Biden, provides counsel on cybersecurity, digital innovation, and emerging technologies.

During the briefing, Neuberger discussed President Biden's recent executive order aimed at strengthening cybersecurity measures at US ports.

In March 2024, loaded imports at 379,542 TEUs rose by 19% compared to the previous year. Loaded exports amounted to 144,718 TEUs, marking a notable 47% increase from the previous year. This month's export performance was the Port's strongest since January 2020, extending a streak of 10 consecutive months of year-over-year export growth.

The Californian port also handled 219,158 empty containers, reflecting a 7% increase over the figures from 2023.

///                     Air Cargo News            ///

CMA CGM AIR CARGO set to expand with Transpacific route launch in summer

CMA CGM AIR CARGO is set to launch a transpacific route linking Asia to North America in the summer of 2024, signalling a significant advancement in its air freight services.

To facilitate operations to new destinations, the company will take delivery of two Boeing B777-200F aircraft this year. The first aircraft, expected in June, will kickstart operations on the transpacific route during the summer peak season, with the second aircraft slated for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2024.

These aircrafts will enhance connectivity, with the first B777-200F serving airports in Hong Kong, Chicago, and Seoul, while the second will focus on mainland China to North America routes. Operations will be carried out by Atlas Air.

The addition of these two new aircrafts to its fleet and their deployment on the transpacific route signifies a significant milestone in CMA CGM AIR CARGO's network expansion strategy, setting the stage for further advancements in the months ahead.

In the first quarter of 2025, CMA CGM AIR CARGO plans to acquire a third B777-200F, enhancing its fleet's capabilities and extending its reach to better serve its customers' needs for capacity and connectivity.

Looking ahead to 2026, the delivery of eight Airbus A350F aircraft will enable CMA CGM AIR CARGO to establish a comprehensive global network, addressing the evolving logistics requirements of air freight customers worldwide.

As the pioneering customer for the cargo variant of the A350, CMA CGM AIR CARGO has opted for the most environmentally efficient aircraft available, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable transportation. The A350F model is distinguished by its 20% reduction in CO2 emissions compared to similar aircraft, making it the sole large freighter capable of meeting the CO2 standards set by ICAO, effective from 2028.

Just three years following its launch, CMA CGM AIR CARGO has established itself as a reputable authority in the three primary air transport solutions: scheduled flights (with 12 departures weekly from Paris to Greater China and India), charter flights, and third-party companies. These solutions are bolstered by a fleet comprised of industry-leading aircraft and a proficient team of air freight experts.

With its own booking system and dedicated commercial teams, CMA CGM AIR CARGO offers a comprehensive array of solutions for transporting sensitive goods, including hazardous materials, temperature-sensitive cargo, perishables, live animals, and high-value products.

Presently, the CMA CGM AIR CARGO fleet consists of 2 B777F and 3 A330F aircraft, all stationed at the Paris-Charles de Gaulle (CDG) hub.

The two B777F aircraft facilitate connections between Europe and Greater China, operating 5 flights weekly to Hong Kong and 4 flights weekly to Shanghai. As for the three A330F aircraft in the current fleet, two are chartered for third-party use, while the third operates routes connecting Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Mumbai, and Guangzhou three times per week.

"Our expansion into the Transpacific Lane marks a turning point in the company’s history by connecting a new continent to our network and aligns with the ambition of the CMA CGM Group to offer a range of solutions to its customers.

This lane opening will enable us to offer even more destinations to our customers on major routes. Today’s announcement represents a new step in the development of our business, which we aim to make global, and will take another step forward again in 2026 with the arrival of the A350F, the most environmentally friendly aircraft on the market," commented Damien Mazaudier, CEO of CMA CGM AIR CARGO.

HKIA crowned world’s busiest cargo airport again in 2023

Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) has been named once again the world’s busiest cargo airport for 2023 in terms of total volume, according to the latest data released by Airports Council International (ACI). The airport handled 4.3 million tonnes of cargo during the year. It is the 13th time since 2010 that HKIA is named the busiest cargo airport in the world.

Jack So, Chairman of Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK), said, “We are proud to have claimed once again the top spot for air cargo throughput. This accomplishment demonstrates HKIA’s resilience, unparalleled efficiency and world-class cargo services. Air cargo is a key driver of the growth of Hong Kong’s logistics industry and overall economic development. AAHK shall continue to work tirelessly with our air cargo community to further strengthen HKIA’s competitiveness as a global cargo hub.”

To ensure adequate capacity to meet long-term demand, HKIA is expanding into a Three-runway System (3RS), with which the airport will be able to handle 10 million tonnes of cargo annually.  The 3RS is targeted to complete by the end of this year, with all three runways operating.

To capture future growth opportunities, HKIA is focusing on the high-value and fast-growing segments. HKIA is the first airport in the world to attain the full suite of Center of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) certifications from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) for the handling of high-value goods including pharmaceuticals, perishables, live animals and lithium batteries.

In response to the rapid rise of e-commerce, an array of developments are progressing full steam at HKIA to capture the tremendous opportunities. In 2023, HKIA saw the completion of the Cainiao Smart Gateway, developed by Alibaba Group’s logistics arm, and the expansion of DHL’s Central Asia Hub which increases its capacity by 50%. Meanwhile, United Parcel Service has announced their plan to establish a new hub facility at HKIA.

To enhance connectivity with the Greater Bay Area (GBA), HKIA has launched a novel cargo sea-air transshipment operation which enables security screening, palletisation, cargo acceptance and other services to be completed upstream at the HKIA Dongguan Logistics Park before the cargo is shipped to HKIA by sea for air transshipment to worldwide destinations.

Conversely, a similar process is in place for international imports to the Mainland. The new model revolutionises the way HKIA supports transshipment, and will reinforce HKIA’s role as the most important international cargo gateway for the GBA.

DHL Express introduces dedicated flight between Sydney and Hong Kong

DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, has introduced a dedicated flight between Hong Kong and Sydney, Australia. This direct flight replaces the current Hong Kong-Singapore-Sydney route to meet the rise in shipment volume between Hong Kong and Australia. Departing from DHL’s Central Asia Hub in Hong Kong, the dedicated flight leaves for Sydney Airport five times a week.

Supplied by Kalitta Air, the Boeing 777-200 is wet leased into Tasman Cargo Airlines which operates the flight. The freighter offers a maximum capacity of 105 tons, raising customers' weekly total payload by over 500 tons.

The recent DHL Global Connectedness Report 2024 reveals that Australia has firm connections with North Asia countries, where China, India, Japan, and South Korea are among their top 10 global connections. Additionally, at least 70 percent of the countries in Asia Pacific are closely connected with their Asian counterparts, including Australia and Hong Kong.

To tackle these increasing demands of intra-Asia trade, the dedicated flight from Sydney offers next-day delivery services to Mainland China, India, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam, upon shipment arrival in Hong Kong. Customers who want to expand their reach within Asia Pacific can expect quicker and more efficient shipping services.

“Australia has signed several agreements with its Asian counterparts, and this has played an important role in enhancing the competitiveness of Australian exports. As trade flows continue to expand beyond countries and continents, the need for more efficient logistics solutions become more crucial,” said Phil Corcoran, Managing Director for Australia and Papua New Guinea, DHL Express. “More than ever, we are focused on network optimization to ensure our customers benefit from the robust demand of cross-border trade within the region. The launch of this Boeing 777 flight also marks DHL’s commitment to continuously improve trade flows.”

“Hong Kong continues to hold a strategic position as a crucial regional logistics hub, instrumental in facilitating trade flows across Asia Pacific. By introducing new direct flights to Sydney, we are fortifying our network and responding to the robust demand from cross-border trade. This strategic move enables our customers to access the Oceania market faster, reaffirming DHL's commitment to continually enhance connectivity and facilitate global trade. At DHL, we are not just delivering packages, we are delivering prosperity and growth,” said Andy Chiang, Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Hong Kong and Macau, DHL Express.

“Tasman Cargo Airlines is proud to introduce another flight operation to our expanding aircraft network. The B777-200 freighter is a modern aircraft that delivers reliability, great capacity and transport options for different special commodities on top of general cargo and express products,” said Kim Rasmussen, Chief Executive Officer, Tasman Cargo Airlines. 

In addition to the new dedicated B777f flight from Sydney to Hong Kong, DHL also has a B777f flight to between Sydney and Singapore. This direct flight flies six times a week and offers next-day delivery services to Malaysia and Indonesia, upon shipment arrival in Singapore, fortifying intra-Asia trade.  

Committed to delivering fast and reliable international time-definite shipments, DHL Express’s robust aviation network in Asia Pacific comprises over 30 dedicated aircraft, key partner airlines including Tasman Cargo Airlines and Air Hong Kong. Together, DHL Express operates over 710 daily flights across more than 220 countries and territories. The company also recently expanded its Central Asia Hub – one of its three global hubs – to facilitate the growth of intercontinental trade demand.

DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, has introduced a dedicated flight between Hong Kong and Sydney, Australia. This direct flight replaces the current Hong Kong-Singapore-Sydney route to meet the rise in shipment volume between Hong Kong and Australia. Departing from DHL’s Central Asia Hub in Hong Kong, the dedicated flight leaves for Sydney Airport five times a week.

Supplied by Kalitta Air, the Boeing 777-200 is wet leased into Tasman Cargo Airlines which operates the flight. The freighter offers a maximum capacity of 105 tons, raising customers' weekly total payload by over 500 tons.

The recent DHL Global Connectedness Report 2024 reveals that Australia has firm connections with North Asia countries, where China, India, Japan, and South Korea are among their top 10 global connections. Additionally, at least 70 percent of the countries in Asia Pacific are closely connected with their Asian counterparts, including Australia and Hong Kong.

To tackle these increasing demands of intra-Asia trade, the dedicated flight from Sydney offers next-day delivery services to Mainland China, India, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam, upon shipment arrival in Hong Kong. Customers who want to expand their reach within Asia Pacific can expect quicker and more efficient shipping services.

“Australia has signed several agreements with its Asian counterparts, and this has played an important role in enhancing the competitiveness of Australian exports. As trade flows continue to expand beyond countries and continents, the need for more efficient logistics solutions become more crucial,” said Phil Corcoran, Managing Director for Australia and Papua New Guinea, DHL Express. “More than ever, we are focused on network optimization to ensure our customers benefit from the robust demand of cross-border trade within the region. The launch of this Boeing 777 flight also marks DHL’s commitment to continuously improve trade flows.”

“Hong Kong continues to hold a strategic position as a crucial regional logistics hub, instrumental in facilitating trade flows across Asia Pacific. By introducing new direct flights to Sydney, we are fortifying our network and responding to the robust demand from cross-border trade. This strategic move enables our customers to access the Oceania market faster, reaffirming DHL's commitment to continually enhance connectivity and facilitate global trade. At DHL, we are not just delivering packages, we are delivering prosperity and growth,” said Andy Chiang, Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Hong Kong and Macau, DHL Express.

“Tasman Cargo Airlines is proud to introduce another flight operation to our expanding aircraft network. The B777-200 freighter is a modern aircraft that delivers reliability, great capacity and transport options for different special commodities on top of general cargo and express products,” said Kim Rasmussen, Chief Executive Officer, Tasman Cargo Airlines. 

In addition to the new dedicated B777f flight from Sydney to Hong Kong, DHL also has a B777f flight to between Sydney and Singapore. This direct flight flies six times a week and offers next-day delivery services to Malaysia and Indonesia, upon shipment arrival in Singapore, fortifying intra-Asia trade.  

Committed to delivering fast and reliable international time-definite shipments, DHL Express’s robust aviation network in Asia Pacific comprises over 30 dedicated aircraft, key partner airlines including Tasman Cargo Airlines and Air Hong Kong. Together, DHL Express operates over 710 daily flights across more than 220 countries and territories. The company also recently expanded its Central Asia Hub – one of its three global hubs – to facilitate the growth of intercontinental trade demand.

New US rules implemented to tackle rise in low-value import shipmentsDHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, has introduced a dedicated flight between Hong Kong and Sydney, Australia. This direct flight replaces the current Hong Kong-Singapore-Sydney route to meet the rise in shipment volume between Hong Kong and Australia. Departing from DHL’s Central Asia Hub in Hong Kong, the dedicated flight leaves for Sydney Airport five times a week.

Supplied by Kalitta Air, the Boeing 777-200 is wet leased into Tasman Cargo Airlines which operates the flight. The freighter offers a maximum capacity of 105 tons, raising customers' weekly total payload by over 500 tons.

The recent DHL Global Connectedness Report 2024 reveals that Australia has firm connections with North Asia countries, where China, India, Japan, and South Korea are among their top 10 global connections. Additionally, at least 70 percent of the countries in Asia Pacific are closely connected with their Asian counterparts, including Australia and Hong Kong.

To tackle these increasing demands of intra-Asia trade, the dedicated flight from Sydney offers next-day delivery services to Mainland China, India, Korea, Japan, Malaysia, Taiwan, Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam, upon shipment arrival in Hong Kong. Customers who want to expand their reach within Asia Pacific can expect quicker and more efficient shipping services.

“Australia has signed several agreements with its Asian counterparts, and this has played an important role in enhancing the competitiveness of Australian exports. As trade flows continue to expand beyond countries and continents, the need for more efficient logistics solutions become more crucial,” said Phil Corcoran, Managing Director for Australia and Papua New Guinea, DHL Express. “More than ever, we are focused on network optimization to ensure our customers benefit from the robust demand of cross-border trade within the region. The launch of this Boeing 777 flight also marks DHL’s commitment to continuously improve trade flows.”

“Hong Kong continues to hold a strategic position as a crucial regional logistics hub, instrumental in facilitating trade flows across Asia Pacific. By introducing new direct flights to Sydney, we are fortifying our network and responding to the robust demand from cross-border trade. This strategic move enables our customers to access the Oceania market faster, reaffirming DHL's commitment to continually enhance connectivity and facilitate global trade. At DHL, we are not just delivering packages, we are delivering prosperity and growth,” said Andy Chiang, Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Hong Kong and Macau, DHL Express.

“Tasman Cargo Airlines is proud to introduce another flight operation to our expanding aircraft network. The B777-200 freighter is a modern aircraft that delivers reliability, great capacity and transport options for different special commodities on top of general cargo and express products,” said Kim Rasmussen, Chief Executive Officer, Tasman Cargo Airlines. 

In addition to the new dedicated B777f flight from Sydney to Hong Kong, DHL also has a B777f flight to between Sydney and Singapore. This direct flight flies six times a week and offers next-day delivery services to Malaysia and Indonesia, upon shipment arrival in Singapore, fortifying intra-Asia trade.  

Committed to delivering fast and reliable international time-definite shipments, DHL Express’s robust aviation network in Asia Pacific comprises over 30 dedicated aircraft, key partner airlines including Tasman Cargo Airlines and Air Hong Kong. Together, DHL Express operates over 710 daily flights across more than 220 countries and territories. The company also recently expanded its Central Asia Hub – one of its three global hubs – to facilitate the growth of intercontinental trade demand.

New US rules implemented to tackle rise in low-value import shipments

Credit: one photo/ Shutterstock

Customs technology provider Hurricane Commerce has warned that stricter customs requirements for low-value imports could result in delays to e-commerce shipments to the US.

The tech firm said that from April 13, low-value Entry Type 86 shipment data sets have been required to be filed prior or on arrival of the imported cargo.

Previously filing could take place up to 15 days after the arrival of the shipment.

If filed after the cargo has arrived, the entry will be rejected and the cargo will be held until a separate entry or appropriate entry type is made.

The cargo will no longer be eligible for Entry Type 86 clearance, which covers shipments up to a value of $800.

Hurricane said that to comply, customs brokers will have to file complete, accurate and timely data sets including full product descriptions and HS codes.

Laurie Cieciuch, partnership director at Hurricane Commerce, said: “Failure to meet the new Entry Type 86 requirements could result in customs brokers having to manage massive volumes of formal and informal entry clearances, something that is hugely labour intensive and time consuming and ultimately impacting their clients and end consumers.”

If misconduct is identified and/or failure to exercise reasonable care in the execution of Type 86, penalties, administrative sanctions and liquidated damages may be imposed under any statutory authority or CBP regulations, the company said.

The CBP said that it had implemented the new requirement to help manage challenges associated with the rapidly rising number of small packages being imported into the US.

“These changes are being made in response to enforcement challenges surrounding low-value shipments entered via the ACE Entry Type 86 Test,” the CBP said.

“Such challenges include, but are not limited to, CBP’s efforts to prevent the importation of illicit substances like fentanyl and other narcotics, counterfeits and other intellectual property rights violations, and goods made with forced labor.

“CBP’s enforcement efforts for merchandise entered using entry type 86 have brought to light violations such as entry by parties without the right to make entry, incorrect manifesting of cargo, misclassification, misdelivery ( e.g., delivery of goods prior to release from CBP custody), undervaluation, and incorrectly executed powers of attorney.”

Hurricane added: “The changes also come at a time when a growing number of brokers, which have traditionally operated in the Business to Business (B2B) space, are moving into Business to Consumer (B2C) to take advantage of the opportunities for growth afforded by the huge volumes of consumer goods being shipped globally.”

The software firm added that from April 1, CBP had also implemented cargo messaging to communicate with the entry filer on shipments that have vague, non-compliant cargo descriptions.

Title 19 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) requires a “precise or specific description of the merchandise” being imported. Carriers and other parties electing to file electronic cargo information data to CBP are required to provide a precise description of the cargo.

The update is part of the drive by CBP to “address vague cargo descriptions including, but not limited to, ‘gift’, ‘daily necessities’, ‘accessories’, ‘parts’ and ‘consolidated’, the latter only being acceptable at master bill level.

“While this update is not Type 86 titled, it is intended to address many of the issues that have been impacting CBP surrounding Type 86 non-compliant descriptions,” Hurricane said.

Etihad Cargo deploys cool dollies at Abu Dhabi

Source: Etihad Cargo

Etihad Cargo has begun using cool dollies at its Abu Dhabi hub to protect pharmaceutical and perishable shipments when being transported around the airport.

The cool dollies, launched in partnership with Etihad Airport Services Cargo, offer a closed, temperature-controlled system for the movement of cargo between the carrier’s aircraft and cool chain warehouse.

They can be set to a range of temperatures anywhere between 2 and 25 degrees Celsius, and an in-built alarm system sends alerts if the temperature fluctuates beyond the set parameters

The refrigeration cell is made with a single-piece fibreglass panel and reinforced wall, roof and floor panels.

Thomas Schürmann, head of cargo operations & delivery at Etihad Cargo, said: “Etihad Cargo is committed to the safe, reliable and robust transportation of temperature-sensitive cargo via its IATA CEIV Pharma-certified PharmaLife and IATA CEIV Fresh-certified products.

“Part of this commitment is ensuring cargo is transported between the aircraft and cool chain facilities as fast as possible and mitigating the risks associated with outdoor and environmental conditions during the cargo’s journey.

“Etihad Cargo and Etihad Airport Services Cargo have partnered to introduce dedicated cool dollies at the carrier’s Abu Dhabi Airport hub to minimise the time that temperature-sensitive cargo is exposed to external factors, such as high temperatures.”

The deployment of cool dollies is the latest in a series of investments made by the carrier since launching its PharmaLife service.

This includes the use of thermal covers and the opening of the carrier’s dedicated pharma hub.

The 3,300 sq m facility offers Road Feeder Service loading docks with levellers, insulation and floor work for faster loading with stricter temperature controls, increased storage space, additional build-up and breakdown zones and upgraded cool chain facilities for pharma handling and storage operations.

Last year, the carrier reported a 37% year-on-year increase in pharma volumes.

 

Liebherr becomes P2F conversion distributor for LHColus

Cabin interior view of passenger aircraft converted into cargo aircraft by LHColus' Class F Quick Change Solution. Photo: LHColus

US firm Liebherr Aerospace Saline is set to enter the passenger to freighter (P2F) supply chain following an agreement to become the exclusive international distributor for LHColus’ quick conversion passenger to freighter cargo solution.

The Michigan-based company and LHColus Tecnologia Ltd, based in São José dos Campos, Brazil, have recently signed an agreement for Liebherr-Aerospace Saline to act as the exclusive international distributor of the quick conversion passenger to freighter cargo aircraft solution – also known as Class F Quick Change – developed and certified by LHColus.

Liebherr will be responsible for the global distribution (excluding Brazil) through its worldwide customer services network, that will provide sales and technical support.

“We are excited about our entry into the booming air cargo market and the possibility to bring to our customers such an easy, fully reversible and cost-effective solution,” commented Alex Vlielander, chief customer officer of Liebherr-Aerospace & Transportation SAS.

“We are very happy about this agreement with Liebherr, a leading global OEM that has shown keen interest in our cargo conversion kit, contemplating its distribution worldwide as well as looking forward to developing this project for other aircraft models like the Airbus A320 and Boeing’s 737. This partnership will surely enhance our market reach and enable us to offer cost-effective cargo conversion solutions on a global scale,” said Luís Henrique Colus, LHColus executive director.

Flávio Costa, technical vice-president of Azul, added: “We are the first company in the world to have installed this system. In our fleet, we have converted five Embraer E-Jets E1 with the Class F Quick Change Solution, and we are very excited about the agility and versatility that this change has given us. It is a constant improvement that allows us to serve our customers better.”

The Class F Quick Change is implemented with a fully reversible modification on the aircraft. The solution is currently certified for Embraer E190 aircraft but can be extended to other single-aisle aircraft types.

The conversion requires the removal of all main cabin seats to make room for aluminium frames and independent fire-proof and smoke-contained cargo nets. The cargo is monitored by two fully independent IR cameras, which are designed to detect any heat sources, alerting the pilots in the cockpit.

The system also features a smoke barrier to isolate the main cabin from the front galley/cockpit area (a mandatory requirement) and cargo placards, which are used to indicate the maximum load height.

 

I reckon you have enjoyed reading the above useful information.

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Jupiter Sea & Air Services Pvt Ltd

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