JUPITER
SEA & AIR SERVICES PVT. LTD, EGMORE – CHENNAI, INDIA.
E-MAIL : Robert.sands@jupiterseaair.co.in Mobile : +91
98407 85202
Corporate News
Letter for Tuesday - October 01,
2024.
Today’s
Exchange Rates
CURRENCY |
PRICE |
CHANGE |
%CHANGE |
OPEN |
PREV.CLOSE |
DAY's LOW-HIGH |
83.8 |
0.090004 |
0.107519 |
83.71 |
83.71 |
83.71- 83.81 |
|
1.119 |
0.0028 |
0.25085 |
1.1161 |
1.1162 |
1.1155- 1.1209 |
|
112.2442 |
0.224304 |
0.200236 |
112.0114 |
112.0199 |
112.0114- 112.4671 |
|
93.7682 |
0.354706 |
0.379716 |
93.4266 |
93.4135 |
93.4266- 93.9409 |
|
142.592 |
0.381989 |
0.268609 |
142.14 |
142.21 |
141.649- 142.952 |
|
1.3407 |
0.0033 |
0.246753 |
1.3371 |
1.3374 |
1.3371- 1.3423 |
|
100.318 |
-0.062996 |
-0.062757 |
100.439 |
100.381 |
100.179- 100.483 |
|
0.5878 |
0.0008 |
0.136288 |
0.5884 |
0.587 |
0.5861- 0.5916 |
/// Sea
Cargo News ///
CMA CGM buys significant
stake in Santos Brazil
French shipping group CMA CGM will acquire a 48% stake in Santos
Brasil, a major Brazilian multi-terminal operator.
The CMA CGM Group announced the signing of a definitive and
irrevocable agreement to buy a c.48% stake in Santos Brasil Participações S/A
from funds managed by Opportunity.
“I am pleased that the CMA CGM Group has concluded this strategic agreement for the acquisition of Santos Brasil, which operates five terminals in Brazil, including the largest container terminal in the Port of Santos, handling 40% of Brazilian volumes, as well as a logistics company,” confirmed Rodolphe Saadé, CEO of CMA CGM Group.
Closing of the transaction with Opportunity Funds is expected to
occur in the first quarter of 2025, subject to regulatory approvals from
relevant Brazilian authorities. Following completion of the acquisition, CMA
CGM will launch a mandatory tender offer on all other Santos Brasil shares, on
same terms, in line with Brazilian market rules.
It is important to note that Santos Brasil manages a portfolio
of eight assets on the Brazilian coast, including three container terminals,
one vehicle terminal, one liquid bulk terminal and three logistic facilities.
These assets are located in the Ports of Santos, Imbituba, Vila do Conde,
Itaqui and Sao Paulo.
Over the 12 months ending 30 June 2024, Santos Brasil generated
revenues of BRL 2,549 million (US$458 million) and EBITDA of BRL 1,284 million
(US$230 million).
Santos Brasil operates the Tecon Santos terminal through a
long-term concession agreement until 2047. Tecon Santos is the largest box
terminal in South America, with a strategic location in the Port of Santos and
benefits from first-class infrastructure. The terminal has a capacity of 2.5
million TEUs and is expected to reach 3 million TEUs in the near future.
Additionally, Tecon Sanots has three berth slots enabling to handle 14,000 TEU
vessels.
CMA CGM intends to further develop its line calls in the various
Brazilian terminals and further improve its offering to Brazilian exporters and
importers. To meet global demand, the Marseille-headquartered company said it
aims to accelerate investments in Santos Brasil terminals to increase the
combined capacity in the coming years, in line with the commitments undertaken
by Santos Brasil with port authorities.
“These strategic facilities will continue to operate as
multi-user terminals under the leadership of the current management team and
will continue to focus on improving the quality of their services to satisfy
the expectations of their customers,” noted CMA CGM in a release.
It is noteworthy saying that the CMA CGM Group has been
operating in Brazil for over 20 years, with currently eight offices and over
10,000 staff members. The company has developed its activities in Brazil
organically as well as through the acquisition of Mercosul, a historic shipping
line in the region.
WEC Lines launches fast weekly call between Hamburg
and Portugal
As from September 23rd, WEC Lines adds Hamburg to its
NWC-Portugal service. With this new addition, Dutch shipping liner and owner
establishes a fast weekly sailing route from Hamburg to Leixões and Setúbal in
Portugal. By departing from Hamburg on Sundays and arriving in Leixões on
Saturdays and Setúbal on Mondays, this service offers an eco-friendly
alternative to truck transport from Germany into Portugal.
The ports of call include Rotterdam, Hamburg, Antwerp, Leixões,
Setúbal and Montoir, forming a well-connected bridge between these vital trade
hubs. The new weekly service will be performed by two dedicated 1,000-TEU
vessels in a 14-day fixed day rotation, with optimal short sea and hinterland
linkages, provide customers with a heightened level of flexibility and
efficiency.
“By adding Hamburg to our short sea services, we offer a fast
and reliable solution for our Portuguese clients into Northwestern Europe and
vice versa”, stated Caesar Luikenaar, Managing Director WEC Lines. “This
underlines our commitment to respond to market demand while offering continued
optimal solutions for our existing client base.
Lawyer: Evergreen Marine Corporation could incur losses if cross-affiliate deals are invalidated
Evergreen Group scion Chang Kuo-wei’s lawyer said that his
client is suing the executors of his father’s will, which named him the
successor to the late Chang Yung-fa’s business empire.
As a consequence, Evergreen Marine Corporation’s transactions
with Panama-incorporated Evergreen International S.A. (EIS) could be nullified,
resulting in losses over US$900 million.
EIS represents the interests of late Evergreen group founder
Chang Yung-fa and his sons, Chang Kuo-hua, Chang Kuo-ming, Chang Kuo-cheng and
Chang Kuo-wei – the older three borne of the patriarch’s first wife, and the
youngest of his second wife. Chang Yung-fa and his sons each had a 20% stake,
but it is not clear who the patriarch’s stake went to after his death in
January 2016.
Speaking at a media briefing, Chang Kuo-wei’s lawyer, Chen
You-liang, said: “After Chang Yung-fa passed away, the executors not only
maliciously violated the will and appointed Chang Kuo-hua as EIS’ PP (permanent
representative). Ke Li-ching (one of the executors) is also the president of
EIS. How many assets does Evergreen Group have at home and abroad? Ke knows
better than the Chang brothers.”
Chen alleged that since 2012, before Chang Yung-fa’s death, EMC
has executed a number of equity and real estate transactions with EIS,
resulting in the outflow of tens of billions of Taiwanese dollars from EMC and
its subsidiaries.
Chen said: “I believe that Chang Kuo-hua and Ke have sold assets
of around TW$30 billion (US$930 million), infringing on the heirs’ interests.
Now that Chang Kuo-wei wants to pursue the case, is it possible that the
transactions could be invalidated, causing EMC to suffer huge losses of tens of
billions of dollars?”
The latest twist in the fallout between the Chang brothers comes
after the Taiwanese courts upheld the late Chang Yung-fa’s will. The
patriarch’s death precipitated a battle between Chang Kuo-wei and his
half-brothers for control over the Evergreen group, which includes Evergreen
Marine Corporation and EVA Airways. In the past decade, EIS has sold many
shares in EVA Airways in a move that was perceived to separate the shipping and
aviation businesses. Kuo-hua is said to be keen on controlling the shipping business.
Kuo-Wei was EVA Airways’ chairman, but was pushed out of the
Evergreen group by his brothers. He went on to establish Starlux Airlines, but
is thought to retain shares in EIS. With his brothers, he also inherited shares
in EVA Airways and hotels in Taiwan, China, Paris and Bangkok. In
September 2022, Kuo-cheng, appeared to ally with Kuo-hua and joined the board
of EVA Airways in 2023.
EMC has not responded to Container News’ requests
for comment.
Maersk reinstates Charleston port on Oceania service
Maersk has decided to reintroduce Charleston as a port of call
on its Oceania service, replacing the port of Savannah in the service rotation.
OC1 Service
·
Current Rotation: Philadelphia (US) > Savannah (US) >
Panama Canal (Panama) > Balboa (Panama) > Tauranga (New Zealand) >
Sydney (Australia) > Melbourne (Australia) > Port Chalmers (New Zealand)
> Tauranga (New Zealand) > Panama Canal (Panama) > Manzanillo (Panama)
> Cartagena (Colombia) > Philadelphia (US)
·
New Rotation: Philadelphia (US) > Charleston (US) > Panama
Canal (Panama) > Balboa (Panama) > Tauranga (New Zealand) > Sydney
(Australia) > Melbourne (Australia) > Port Chalmers (New Zealand) >
Tauranga (New Zealand) > Panama Canal (Panama) > Manzanillo (Panama) >
Cartagena (Colombia) > Philadelphia (US)
“As we are constantly maintaining the integrity of our service
offerings, and with the operational situation improving in Charleston Wando
terminal despite the ongoing toe wall construction, we have taken the decision
to re-instate the Charleston call on our Oceania service. We will therefore
replace Savannah with Charleston Wando terminal,” said Maersk in a statement.
The Danish carrier believes that the operational situation in
Cristobal does not support a return of the Oceania service. “We will continue
to monitor the situation in Cristobal and review a return of the service once
operationally feasible. The first vessel to call at Charleston will be
announced shortly”, according to Maersk.
Trade Disputes between EU, US and China: Analysis
As ongoing trade disputes between the European Union, the United
States and China shape future container market dynamics, Container
News analyzed the impact of these disputes on global scape.
In 2023, China solidified its role as a key player in global trade, particularly as the EU’s largest goods importer. This is evidenced by a robust 8.4% increase in China’s cargo and container throughput, amounting to 15.51 billion tonnes. Such growth not only highlights China’s growing influence in maritime logistics but also strengthens its economic ties with Europe.
However, the Port of Rotterdam faced challenges in the first
half of 2024, with a slight 0.3% decrease in cargo throughput. Despite this,
container throughput witnessed a recovery, increasing by 4.2% in tonnage and
2.2% in TEUs to 6.8 million, driven by heightened demand for consumer goods and
adaptations in importer strategies.
Notably, disruptions in the Red Sea leading to the avoidance of the Suez Canal since late 2023 have significantly influenced these dynamics.
Connectivity trends in major European ports like Rotterdam and
Hamburg have also shifted. While Rotterdam experienced connectivity
fluctuations, possibly due to broader economic and geopolitical pressures,
Hamburg displayed relative stability, indicating varied strategic responses to
global trade tensions.
In contrast, ports in China showed strong connectivity growth
through 2024, with only minor setbacks. Shanghai, despite slight decreases,
maintained a general uptrend in connectivity, while Ningbo showed consistent
growth.
The US ports, particularly Long Beach, experienced stability in
connectivity through 2023 and 2024, although there were notable challenges in
early 2024 which were subsequently overcome in the next quarters.
The backdrop of these developments is the trade war initiated in
the previous year between the United States and China.
The US imposed increased tariffs on over a thousand Chinese
products, citing unfair trade practices, which prompted China to reciprocate
with increased duties on American products.
This cycle of retaliatory actions suggests a likely escalation
of sanctions as neither side shows a willingness to compromise in negotiations.
The above-mentioned facts drove to the conclusion that China’s
significant role in global trade, underscored by its impact on maritime
logistics, affected its relationship with Europe, as European ports adjusted to
new trade patterns that impacting their connectivity, according to the metrics.
Despite challenges, ports like Rotterdam and Long Beach
demonstrate resilience and strategic adaptation to maintain their operational
levels.
Overall, it seems that the increased tariffs have directly
impacted the operations of ports that heavily handle US and Chinese trade
goods, as they are experiencing fluctuations in cargo volumes.
In response to the trade war, some shipping companies and port
operators may seek to enhance their efficiency or expand their capabilities to
handle goods from other regions, reducing dependence on the US-China trade
axis.
This has to be linked with the new announcements of the European
shipping companies of new trade services, involving African, Middle Eastern and
South Asian ports, as Europe may should reshape its overall maritime shipping
strategy, amid a growing trade tension between the United States and China.
Cambodia demonstrates competitive edge amidst regional developments
On behalf of the inauguration of Cambodia’s Sihanoukville Port’s new 450,000 TEU box terminal, Container News conducted a comparative analysis to assess the competitive dynamics of Cambodia and its neighboring countries.
Thailand possesses, by far, the largest port capacity compared
to the others. However, with Sihanoukville’s announced capacity expansion, both
The analysis considered two main indicators: the most recent data on shipping
connectivity and the estimated overall TEU capacity for Thailand, Cambodia, and
Vietnam. The data on main container port capacities, derived from various open
sources, are estimated values.
This synthesis revealed some interesting conclusions about the
maritime trade dynamics among these three nations. Vietnam and Cambodia are
poised to enter a highly competitive state, as their capacities are nearly
level.
However, the Shipping Connectivity Index paints a different
picture. Vietnam leads in terms of connectivity capabilities, maintaining a
significant lead over both Thailand and Cambodia. This advantage could be
attributed to its more extensive port facilities, boasting at least five major
container ports.
Meanwhile, Cambodia saw a notable increase in its connectivity
in 2024, with an annual change of 9.7%, indicating a major improvement. Vietnam
also experienced a growth trend with a 5.2% increase, although the changes have
been modest so far. Thailand faced a slight decrease due to a moderate annual
change of 3.3%.
Overall, the analysis concludes that Cambodia has notably
improved both its connectivity and capacity, signaling its ambition to compete
with Vietnam, at least in terms of capacity.
However, Vietnam’s integrated port infrastructure and extensive
network provide it with a significant competitive edge. Both Cambodia and
Vietnam face challenges in competing with Thailand in terms of volume handling.
Additionally, Thailand’s strategic location in the Straits of Malacca offers it
an undisputed logistical advantage.
In response, Vietnam has heavily invested in connectivity to
counterbalance this. On the other hand, Cambodia appears focused on competing
with Vietnam in capacity while also striving to enhance its connectivity. Improving
connectivity is crucial for Cambodia as its limited coastline restricts further
capacity expansion.
COSCO SHIPPING unveils two
vessels for QatarEnergy’s Gas Expansion Project
On 10 September, a naming ceremony took place on Changxing
Island, Shanghai, for two vessels – Rex Tillerson and Umm Ghuwailina – both
part of QatarEnergy’s LNG transportation project.
The construction contract for seven 174,000-cubic-meter LNG
carriers was awarded in 2022 to a partnership between COSCO SHIPPING LNG
Investment (Shanghai), a subsidiary of COSCO SHIPPING Energy, and Mitsui O.S.K.
Lines (MOL).
The vessels were built by Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group)
for QatarEnergy’s Northern Gas Field Expansion Project (NFXP).
Throughout the project, COSCO SHIPPING, MOL, and Hudong-Zhonghua
have worked closely to ensure the ships are constructed to the highest
standards of quality, safety, and progress. The first two ships will soon be
delivered, marking the inaugural additions to the NFXP’s new building fleet.
These vessels represent the fifth generation of
Hudong-Zhonghua’s independently developed “Changheng series” of
174,000-cubic-meter LNG carriers. The vessels incorporate cutting-edge design,
boasting superior hydrodynamic performance and versatility.
Measuring 299 meters in length, with a beam of 46.4 meters and a
depth of 26.25 meters, they are built to meet the stringent technical standards
set by QatarEnergy for managing the world’s largest LNG fleet.
Equipped with the latest double stern fin line technology and a
range of low-carbon and digital features, the vessels offer enhanced
performance, reduced emissions, advanced automation, and greater cargo
capacity.
Maersk withdraws peak season surcharge from China to Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei
Maersk has decided to remove the Peak Season Surcharge (PSS) for
both dry and reefer cargo departing from all ports in China and destined for
Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Brunei.
The Danish ocean carrier will withdraw the following peak season
surcharge from 1 October 2024.
Origin |
Destination |
Effective Dates |
Container Type |
Currency |
New tariff levels |
All China Ports, Including Hong Kong |
Indonesia/Malaysia/ Singapore/Brunei |
1 October 2024 |
All Dry and Reefer Containers |
US$ |
0/20’ & 20RF 0/40’ & 40RF 0/45HQ |
Ocean carriers change Middle East – Indian Subcontinent services
CStar, CU Lines and UGL have expanded their cooperative efforts, forming a joint service known as the IMR, which CStar brands as MER1. This service has been enhanced to a weekly schedule, covering key ports including Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Jebel Ali, Djibouti, Jeddah, and Aden, before looping back to Nhava Sheva.
Additionally, MSC has adjusted its Upper Gulf Express service by
removing UAE’s Jebel Ali port from the service. The revised route now includes
Mundra, Nhava Sheva, Abu Dhabi, Dammam, Umm Qasr, and Sohar, returning to
Mundra, which streamlines the service’s operations and might reflect strategic
realignments in MSC’s network.
/// Air Cargo News ///
Alaska Airlines completes acquisition
of Hawaiian Airlines
Alaska
Air Group, Inc. announced it has completed its acquisition of Hawaiian
Holdings, Inc., a combination that expands guests’ access to domestic and
international destinations, including through the oneworld Alliance and a
vast network of global partners, and offers a remarkable guest experience
through two strong brands with deep legacies serving local communities.
“This
is a historic day for Alaska Airlines as we officially join with Hawaiian
Airlines. Alaska and Hawaiian share tremendous pride in connecting communities
with award-winning service, and we look forward to inviting more guests on
board to experience what makes both brands unique. Among Alaska, Hawaiian and
Horizon Air, we have more than 230 years of history flying guests and serving
communities. I know we will build on that legacy and become stronger together –
providing the excellent operation guests have come to expect, expanding options
to seamlessly travel nearly anywhere in the world, and securing the financial
stability and value that inspires investment.”
Ben
Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group says,
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines now begin the work to secure a
single operating certificate with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA),
which will allow the two airlines to operate as a single carrier with an
integrated passenger service system.
In
the interim, the airlines will continue to operate as separate carriers with no
immediate changes to operations and will maintain separate websites,
reservation systems and loyalty programs until later in the integration
process. Guests can book and travel with confidence knowing their trips will
occur as planned with the corresponding airline.
Cathay Cargo signs agreement with
Northlink for cargo terminal access
Cathay
Cargo has announced a long-term agreement with NorthLink Aviation to use
NorthLink’s “state-of-the-art” air-cargo terminal and aircraft stands at Ted
Stevens Anchorage International Airport, scheduled to start from October 2025.
This investment in the airport that serves as a vital technical stop for its
transpacific Boeing 747 freighter and cargo operations will strengthen Hong
Kong’s status as an international aviation hub.
The
new deal will grant Cathay Cargo access to cargo terminal capacity with customs
clearance for cargo entering the United States, 11 power-through hardstands for
aircraft to park and depart without ground-tug assistance, and four additional
push-back hardstands. Each of the parking stands will offer dual-hydrant
fueling systems, lighting towers for enhanced ground safety and ground power
systems that will use renewable energy. Importantly for winter operations there
will be infrastructure in place to support the recovery and recycling of
de-icing fluid.
The
access to guaranteed stand parking will help minimise disruption and strengthen
schedule resilience during periods of intense winter weather that are
inevitable for operations at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport.
Cathay Cargo currently uses stands provided by the airport authority that are
shared with other carriers operating to/from Anchorage. During disruptions that
are typically caused by inclement weather, these stands can become occupied and
blocked leading to diversions and flight cancellations.
This
agreement also enhances the safety of Cathay Cargo’s employees and reflects
Cathay Cargo’s commitment to sustainability, with the collection and recycling
of the de-icing fluid used on the stands prior to departure. This initiative
will prevent de-icing fluid from entering the important environmental waters of
the Cook Inlet.
Tom
Owen, Cathay Director Cargo, said: “Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
has been a cornerstone in Cathay Cargo’s successful transpacific operations
over many decades, serving as a stopover for our freighters en route to and
from the Americas. Our partnership with NorthLink further strengthens
Anchorage’s strategic significance within our network.
Leveraging
NorthLink’s privately developed stands through this long-term agreement helps
Cathay Cargo address the challenges posed by severe winter storms by ensuring
dedicated gate access is available and offering a dependable supply of hard
stand parking spaces, thereby enhancing operational resilience and service
reliability for our customers’ shipments.”
Sean
Dolan, Chief Executive Officer of NorthLink Aviation, said: “NorthLink is
honoured to establish a long-term relationship with Cathay Cargo and provide
the infrastructure needed to support the continued growth of the airline’s
transpacific operations. NorthLink intends to not only provide world-class
infrastructure, but partner in helping Cathay Cargo expand commercial
opportunities and capture sustainability gains at Ted Stevens Anchorage
International Airport.”
IATA, FIATA to strengthen global air cargo standards
The
International Air Transport Association (IATA) and FIATA International
Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations announce FIATA’s endorsement of
the IATA Cargo Handling Manual (ICHM). This follows an extensive one-year
process of discussions, review and collaboration between the two organisations,
says an official release from FIATA.
"The
ICHM provides standardised procedures for airlines, ground handling agents
(GHAs) and freight forwarders, ensuring consistency and efficiency throughout
the cargo process. By adopting these standards, freight forwarders, airlines
and GHAs will better align their operations, by leveraging their respective
expertise in order to improve efficiency across the supply chain."
MSC Air Cargo gets IATA CEIV Pharma certification
MSC Air Cargo has been awarded the IATA CEIV Pharma certification, recognising the company’s strong commitment to quality and expertise in the safe and compliant handling of pharmaceutical and healthcare shipments.
“The
certification highlights our commitment to quality and to our dedication to
continuously challenging the status quo, enhancing our quality standards, and
our reliability as a trusted partner in pharmaceutical logistics," says
Joern Roehl, Head of Product, Quality , and Transformation, MSC Air Cargo.
"We
continuously develop our global pharma solution to help our customers grow
their business with a focus on quality and reliability." IATA CEIV
Pharma certification sets a benchmark for the handling, storage and
transportation of pharmaceutical products, ensuring adherence to the strictest
industry guidelines, says an official release.
By
achieving this certification, MSC Air Cargo joins a select group of global
companies recognised for their expertise in handling temperature sensitive and
time critical shipments across a global network spanning the Americas, EMEIA
and APAC, the release said.
AF KLM Cargo returns to Hong Kong as carriers add Asia freighter
capacity
Air France KLM Martinair Cargo (AFKLMP) last week launched a new freighter flight to Hong Kong after an absence of nine years as a number of carriers have moved capacity to the Asia Pacific market to capitalise on strong cargo demand. The flight was operated by Martinair on behalf of KLM between Schiphol and Hong Kong utilising a 110 tons capacity Boeing 747-400 freighter.
The
service will initially operate three times per week before increasing to four
weekly flights at the start of the winter season on October 27. “This
arrival marks our return to HKG for freighter operation after nine years,
representing a significant milestone in our operations,” the company said in a
LinkedIn post.
“The
occasion was commemorated with a ceremony attended by a diverse delegation,
including customers, airport authorities, ground handling agent
representatives, and colleagues, who all gathered to celebrate this momentous
event.”
AFKLMP
announced its return to Hong Kong in July, with the company noting a steadily
growing e-commerce market out of east Asia. As a result of the new Hong Kong
flights, some of its freighter services to Latin America will be suspended.
Menzies expands presence in Africa with new cargo facility
Menzies
Aviation, the leading service partner to the world’s airports and airlines, has
announced the official opening of its new cargo facility at Maputo
International Airport (MPM) in Mozambique.
The
state-of-the-art facility means that Menzies can now handle cargo at MPM,
increasing Mozambique’s freight capacity. This represents a significant
expansion in Menzies’ footprint across East Africa, with the company’s regional
customer portfolio set to increase over the coming months and years.
I hope you have enjoyed reading the above news letter.
Robert Sands
Joint Managing Director
Jupiter Sea & Air
Services Pvt Ltd
Casa Blanca, 3rd Floor
11, Casa Major Road,
Egmore
Chennai – 600 008. India.
GST Number :
33AAACJ2686E1ZS.
Tel : + 91 44 2819 0171
/ 3734 / 4041
Fax : + 91 44 2819 0735
Mobile : + 91 98407
85202
E-mail : robert.sands@jupiterseaair.co.in
Website : www.jupiterseaair.com
Branches :
Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai, Coimbatore, Tirupur and Tuticorin.
Associate Offices : New
Delhi, Kolkatta, Cochin & Hyderabad.
Thanks to : Container News, Indian Seatrade & Air Cargo News.
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