JUPITER SEA & AIR
SERVICES PVT. LTD, EGMORE – CHENNAI, INDIA.
E-MAIL : Robert.sands@jupiterseaair.co.in Mobile : +91 98407 85202
Corporate News
Letter for Saturday - May 31,
2025
Today’s Exchange Rates
|
CURRENCY |
PRICE |
CHANGE |
%CHANGE |
OPEN |
PREV.CLOSE |
DAY's LOW-HIGH |
|
85.57 |
0.050003 |
0.058469 |
85.35 |
85.52 |
85.24- 85.65 |
|
|
1.1323 |
-0.0047 |
-0.413364 |
1.137 |
1.137 |
1.1323- 1.139 |
|
|
115.2823 |
0.094505 |
0.082045 |
115.0201 |
115.1878 |
114.8428- 115.3836 |
|
|
96.9375 |
0.479897 |
0.497521 |
96.914 |
96.4576 |
96.7676- 97.0747 |
|
|
143.988 |
-0.222 |
-0.153942 |
144.21 |
144.21 |
143.442- 144.225 |
|
|
1.3463 |
-0.0029 |
-0.214943 |
1.3492 |
1.3492 |
1.3455- 1.3511 |
|
|
99.589 |
0.310997 |
0.313259 |
99.244 |
99.278 |
99.129- 99.632 |
|
|
0.5944 |
0.0039 |
0.660456 |
0.5931 |
0.5905 |
0.5926- 0.5962 |
/// Sea Cargo News ///
VOC Port completes dredging and enhances its capacity to
handle bigger ships
V.O. Chidambaranar Port has successfully completed a major dredging in-front of North Cargo Berth-III to a draft of 14.20 metres and has also widened the Turning Circle diameter of the inner harbour from 488 metres to 550 metres. The dredging project commenced on 05.04.2025 and was completed on 16.05.2025, marking a significant step in its efforts to expand capacity by facilitating berthing of larger size bulk carriers and container vessels.
The dredged material generated from the dredging
activity was reclaimed in rubble bund dyke on the identified locations near
Coal yard and east of Windmill blade storage yard. The dredged material
consisting of Calcareous sandstone sand stones and Calcarenite, totalled
approximately 8,00,000 cubic meters, resulting in the formation of 11.5
hectares of new land designated for efficient cargo storage.
Traditionally, sediments removed during dredging
are considered waste. However, VOC Port has adopted a "Waste to
Wealth" approach by effectively utilizing these materials to create land
masses, utilizing it for berth backup yards and storage yards.
This sustainable strategy not only supports the
growing demands of maritime infrastructure but also demonstrates environmental
responsibility by repurposing dredged materials that would otherwise be
discarded.
VOC Port has carried out multiple capital dredging
projects in the years 1999, 2010, 2015, and 2018 to enhance the draft of
various berths, the approach channel, and the turning circle.These efforts have
resulted in the reclamation of approximately 146 hectares of land.
Notable reclaimed areas include the Tuticorin
International Container Terminal and the Dakshin Bharat Gateway Terminal, which
together provide a backup area of 20 hectares, coal storage yard covering 57
hectares, a windmill blade storage yard with 13 hectares, proposed multi-cargo
Berth- 10 & storage yard of 8.6 Hectares and 17 Hectares for the upcoming
Green Hydrogen /Ammonia Storage firms.
In his message, Shri Susanta Kumar Purohit, IRSEE,
Chairperson of V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, highlighted that the
strategic utilization of dredged material has significantly contributed to the
creation of valuable land for new berths and storage yards.
He emphasized that this approach also supports
environmental conservation by reducing ecological impact, enhances resource
efficiency by lowering dependence on conventional construction materials,
ensures cost- effectiveness by replacing traditional landfill materials which
costs around Rs.600/- Cubic Metre, and promotes regulatory compliance in line
with environmental standards.
Indian Government sets out $10bn tanker building strategy
The world’s third largest importer of crude oil
plans to ship crude oil in Indian-built tankers with a target of more than a
hundred home-built vessels over the next 15 years.
The Indian Government has earmarked capital
investment of INR850 billion ($10 billion), to build 112 tankers in domestic
yards by 2040, according to reports. A first phase would be made up of 79
ships, of which 30 would be medium range (MR) tankers. The first orders could
be announced within the next few weeks, sources said, and are likely to be
supported by long-term charters to support financing.
The Indian economy currently ranks fifth in the
world but is expected to overtake Japan and Germany to become global number
three in the near future. However, it relies on foreign-flagged ships, built
elsewhere, for most of its imports. The
plans for tankers are similar to the announcement in February by the government
to develop Bharat Container Line with a fleet of 100 container ships.
On the tanker front India is heavily dependent on
Russian crude, followed by Iraq, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE: MR tankers are
well-suited to these relatively short-haul trades. Domestic refining capacity
is growing fast. From around 250 million tonnes a year, it is projected to
reach 450 million tonnes by 2030. There is barely a nod to
decarbonisation sustainable fuels – it’s a full-blown oil rush.
According to reports in the country’s press, the
tanker-building drive will focus directly on domestic shipyards, but joint
ventures with overseas shipbuilding groups will be possible.
In fact, some observers believe there is no chance
that the targets can be met without support from overseas builders. Some even
question whether the plans are even achievable on the basis that the
far-reaching construction programme has been revealed from what is,
effectively, a standing start.
The Indian Government is understood to have
approached shipbuilding groups in both Japan and South Korea to sound them out
for possible joint ventures.
World’s most powerful methanol engine set for delivery
MAN Energy Solutions reports that it will deliver
the world’s most powerful methanol engine in June 2025. Rated at 82,440 kW @ 80
rpm, the engine, an MAN B&W 12G95ME-C10.5-LGIM (-Liquid Gas Injection
Methanol) type, is currently being built by Chinese licensee, CSSC-MES Diesel Co., Ltd.
(CMD).
The engine poised to take the “most powerful methanol engine” crown is the first of 12 being built to power a series of twelve 24,000 TEU container vessels currently under construction: seven at Nantong COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co., Ltd. (NACKS) for shipowner, Orient Overseas Container Line Ltd. (OOCL); and five at Dalian COSCO KHI Ship Engineering Co., Ltd. (DACKS) for shipowner, COSCO Shipping Lines Co., Ltd.
Each engine will feature MAN Energy Solutions’
proprietary EGRTC (exhaust gas recirculation turbocharger cut-out)
emissions system, the largest two-string EGR system on a two-stroke engine to
date.
“At MAN Energy Solutions, our vision of ‘Moving Big
Things to Zero’ motivates everything we do in developing the engine technology
to operate on those fuels vying for prominence in the future market,”
said Bjarne Foldager, head of two-stroke business
at MAN Energy Solutions.
“This latest, remarkable milestone – the world’s
most powerful methanol engine – is just the latest fulfillment of that. By
harnessing the potential of methanol, we are bringing the maritime industry
closer to zero-emission solutions and we fully expect methanol to figure
prominently as a future-fuel across all segments. Our thanks go to CMD, OOCL
and COSCO Shipping, valued partners with whom we continue to share so many
highlights.”
“...With ME-LGIM technology reaching 10 years in
the market, it represents mature, proven technology and reflects MAN Energy
Solutions’ ability to develop attractive technology to enable shipping’s carbon
transition.
Furthermore, while methanol produced from renewable
sources is an attractive marine-fuel option due to its low carbon-intensity, an
engine using green methanol can even provide carbon-neutral propulsion – adding
to the benefits the ME-LGIM brings to the table.” MAN Energy Solutions
developed the ME-LGIM dual-fuel engine for operation on methanol, as well as
conventional fuel.
The engine is based on the company’s proven
ME-series, with its approximately 8,500 engines in service, and works according
to the Diesel principle. When operating on green methanol, the engine
offers carbon-neutral propulsion for large merchant-marine vessels.
Maharashtra onion prices plunge on oversupply
In Vashi's Agricultural Produce Market Committee
(APMC), wholesale onion prices have dropped from approximately US$0.42–$0.48
per kilogram in February to around US$0.08–$0.16 per kilogram in
May. Retail prices have also fallen from roughly US$0.55 per kilogram to
about US$0.30–$0.36 per kilogram.
Traders anticipate further price drops due to
continued high arrivals and subdued demand. Ashok Karpe, a wholesaler at
Vashi APMC, explained that farmers increased onion cultivation after earning
strong prices last year, expecting similar returns this season. As a result,
production has nearly doubled, with daily market arrivals reaching 100 to 150
vehicles, compared to the usual 90 to 100.
Additionally, unseasonal rain in rural Maharashtra
has forced farmers to offload stored onions quickly to prevent spoilage,
exacerbating the surplus. The main supply areas include Nashik, Ahmednagar,
Sangamner, and Pune.
On the export front, conditions remain
challenging. Although the Indian government removed the 20% export duty on
onions in April, many farmers believe the decision came too late. Sachin More,
a farmer from Nashik, commented that the waiver should have been implemented in
January or February when export deals were being finalized.
Exporters and industry representatives have also
raised concerns about the shrinking international market. Sanjay Pingle,
president of the Kanda-Batata Aadat Vyapari Sangh at APMC, emphasized the need
for a stable export policy and suggested government incentives to help keep the
market viable for exporters.
While falling prices have hurt growers and traders,
consumers are benefiting. Pradeep Sawant, a retailer, noted that the abundance
of supply has allowed retailers to dictate purchase prices, resulting in
increased consumer buying.
Brazil approves MSC’s Acquisition of Wilson Sons, paving the way for USD 1.35 Billion Deal
Brazilian regulators have given the green light to
MSC’s planned acquisition of Wilson Sons, clearing the final regulatory hurdle
and setting the stage for the deal’s completion.
In October 2024, MSC announced its intention to
acquire a 56% stake in Wilson Sons from Ocean Wilson Holdings, a move long
rumoured in the industry since at least 2023.
Although other bidders expressed interest, MSC
ultimately secured the deal for $760 million. Following the completion of the
initial purchase, MSC will launch a public tender offer for the remaining
shares, bringing the total transaction value to approximately at USD 1.35
Billion.
The acquisition complements MSC’s earlier entry into
Brazil’s coastwise cabotage market through its 2021 purchase of
Log-in-Logistics, enhancing the company’s domestic and regional transport
capabilities.
Georgia Ports
Authority launches new GPA trucker app to enhance driver experience
The Georgia Ports Authority has officially launched
the GPA Trucker Mobile App, designed to streamline and improve the trucking
experience at Port of Savannah terminals.
Handling between 14,000 and 16,000 gate moves daily
from 4 am to 6 pm, Monday through Friday, the Port of Savannah continues to
prioritize efficiency. Truck turn times average 35 minutes for a single move
and 53 minutes for dual transactions at Garden City Terminal.
The new GPA Trucker App empowers drivers with real
time information, enabling them to reduce drive time, simplify paperwork and
receive key updates like gate hour changes helping them better plan their day.
For added convenience and security, the app supports facial recognition and
fingerprint login.
Griff Lynch, GPA President and CEO noted that
providing tools that help solve challenges before drivers arrive at the gates
improves efficiency for both drivers and cargo owners.
Lynch noted that thanks to improved efficiency,
drivers can often make 6 to 8 turns daily to local warehouses and still be home
in time for dinner. This supply chain velocity contributes to reduced inventory
carrying costs for cargo owners. The app’s initial focus is to simplify
container transaction processes.
Georgia Ports uses 72 hour PIN codes to track
container movements. Drivers present these PINs at terminal gates to receive
tickets indicating container pick up or drop off locations. The app now provides a digital version of the
ticket, which can be saved or shared with the driver’s trucking company. The
GPA Trucker app is free to download on both the Apple APP Store and Google
Play.
Emirates unveils A380 in stunning Emirates Courier Express livery
On April 2, Emirates officially launched Emirates Courier Express, an international, cross-border, and integrated parcel solution for business-to-business services, utilising its extensive passenger fleet. The announcement followed an April Fools' Day prank in which the airline teased the introduction of a service called VIPs – Very Important Parcels.
The launch of this new service, which promised to treat parcels like passengers, featured an Emirates crew member holding a parcel while standing in the walkway beside an Airbus A380 parked on a residential street. As part of the promotion, it had also released a computer-generated video of an Emirates A380 aircraft painted in the Emirates Courier Express brand colours.
But this week, Emirates unveiled an A380
aircraft featuring a special livery dedicated to its new door-to-door delivery
solution, Emirates Courier Express. The Emirates Courier Express A380 then took
off for O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, transporting both
passengers and parcels directly to their destination.
“The iconic passenger aircraft will take to
the skies, reinforcing Emirates’ commitment to redefining the express delivery
experience by merging its four-decade experience of moving people and goods
worldwide,” said an official release from the carrier. Inspired by brown paper
packages, the aircraft’s nose and fuselage are wrapped in kraft paper, torn to
reveal the UAE flag on the tailfin and the Emirates Courier Express logo
emblazoned on each side.
The logo also adorns each of the four
engines, while the belly features the classic red Emirates branding. A large
‘special delivery’ stamp, coupled with instantly recognisable handling stamps,
decorate the body, bringing the design to life.
The striking nose-to-tail livery highlights
exactly what makes this door-to-door express delivery solution so innovative:
the seamless integration between Emirates’ fleet of over 250 widebody aircraft
and high-frequency global network, with Emirates SkyCargo’s world-class
infrastructure and deep understanding of logistics.
It also marks the first cargo-inspired livery
on an Emirates passenger aircraft. According to Emirates, the project was
managed in-house at Emirates Engineering. “The Emirates Courier Express livery
required the A380 to undergo a full repaint, as part of an expansive project
encompassing design, production, installation and painting of the livery to
bring the customised aircraft to life.”
Astral
Aviation begins Hong Kong–Brisbane freighter ops for Aus Air
In a major milestone, Nairobi-based cargo airline Astral Aviation has launched a Boeing 767-300 freighter service from Hong Kong to Brisbane, Australia, on behalf of Aus Air Cargo, a registered Australian company aiming to become the country’s leading air freight carrier with both international and domestic operations.
The aircraft, registered as 5Y-SVR (MSN
24146), was formerly operated by Qantas as a Boeing 767-300 before being
acquired by Cargo Aircraft Management (CAM) and converted into a Boeing 767-300
freighter in March 2011. It landed in Brisbane from Hong Kong on May 27 and
returned to Hong Kong on May 28, according to data from Flightradar24.
The aircraft was earlier ferried from
Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport to Edinburgh Airport, and then to Nairobi,
Kenya, between April 24 and 26, 2025. Aus Air Cargo's current agreement with
Astral is based on an ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance)
arrangement.
Satvir Kalsi, CEO, Aus Air Cargo, mentioned
that the plan is to extend operations to Melbourne, Sydney, and Perth in the
coming months. Aus Air holds an Australian Air Operator’s Certificate (AOC)
issued by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) and is now seeking further
approval from CASA and the Department of Transport to operate routes using
Boeing 737, 757, and 767 aircraft.
Kalsi, an Australian citizen, is the founder
of Aus Air Cargo and currently serves as the Commercial Director for Astral
Aviation in the UAE. “The launch of our Hong Kong-Brisbane route is a testament
to our dedication to enhancing trade connectivity between Australia and Asia.
We are excited to support Australian
exporters by providing a seamless and efficient airfreight solution for
perishable goods, while also preparing to expand our footprint across major
Australian cities,” said Kalsi of Aus Air Cargo.
“This new service is a welcome development
for Australian exporters, offering faster access to lucrative Asian and Middle
Eastern markets. Aus Air Cargo’s expansion will further strengthen Australia’s
position as a leading supplier of premium perishable goods.”
The Boeing 767-300F, known for its
versatility and payload capacity, will support the transport of general cargo,
e-commerce shipments, and perishables, strengthening supply chains for
businesses across both regions.
The new service is expected to play a pivotal
role in facilitating the export of high-quality Australian perishable goods,
including fresh seafood, meat, dairy, and horticultural products, to key
markets in China, Asia, and the Middle East.
“We are excited to expand our operations with
this new route, offering enhanced cargo capacity and flexibility for our
partners," said Sanjeev Gadhia, CEO, Astral Aviation. "This service
underscores our commitment to supporting the Aus Air Cargo network and
delivering seamless logistics solutions.”
Boeing
CEO confident of 777F deliveries before 2027 cutoff deadline
In his first in-depth interview since taking the helm as president and CEO of Boeing in August 2024, Kelly Ortberg addressed concerns about the production timeline for the 777F freighter.
Speaking to Aviation Week editors at Boeing’s
737 final assembly plant in Renton, Washington, Ortberg affirmed the company’s
confidence in delivering the remaining backlog of metal-wing 777F freighters
before the International Civil Aviation Organisation’s (ICAO) emissions rule
deadline in 2027. As of April 30, 2025, Boeing’s orders and deliveries data
shows an unfulfilled backlog of 74 Boeing 777 freighters.
“We’re quite comfortable in being able to
deliver the metal-wing freighters and meet the certification timeline,” Ortberg
said. He added that the company’s freighter manufacturing flow is “going quite
well,” reinforcing Boeing’s readiness to meet customer expectations as the
clock ticks on the regulatory cutoff.
Boeing is also preparing for a shift in its
freighter portfolio. Ortberg mentioned the upcoming Boeing 777-8 Freighter,
which will feature composite wings and is slated to arrive by the end of 2028.
This next-generation freighter will compete directly with the Airbus A350F.
This new variant is expected to be part of
Boeing’s broader strategy to comply with evolving environmental regulations
while maintaining a competitive edge in the cargo market. Ortberg’s remarks
come at a pivotal moment for Boeing as the company works to stabilise
operations and rebuild trust following several turbulent years.
Speaking at the Bernstein 41st Annual
Strategic Decisions Conference in New York on Thursday, 29 May 2025, he
underscored the importance of cultural transformation and operational
efficiency in navigating ongoing challenges, improving cash flow, and positioning
Boeing for sustained growth amid a complex global trade environment.
The 777F, which remains a popular choice
among global cargo carriers for its payload capacity and range, is facing a
regulatory phase-out due to ICAO’s environmental compliance framework. The air
cargo and aviation sectors will closely watch Boeing as it manages the final
run of production and prepares the market for its next-generation freighter
offerings in the months ahead. For now, Ortberg’s assurance provides some
relief to customers relying on timely deliveries of the 777F, even as the
company steers through transformation and a changing regulatory landscape.
Etihad Q12025 cargo revenue at $261mn, total
revenue at $1.8bn
Etihad Airways reported an eight percent increase in cargo revenue at AED 958 million ($261 million) for the first quarter of 2025 on improved yield. Cargo tonnes (leg tonnes) declined four percent to 154,000 tonnes from 160,000 tonnes in the same period last year, says an official release.
Total revenue increased 15 percent to AED 6.6 billion ($1.8 billion). Net profit was up 30 percent at AED 685 million ($187 million), driven by strong demand and efficiency gains. "We are proud to deliver a record-breaking quarter - both in profitability and in guest satisfaction," says Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Airways. "Achieving our highest-ever Q1 profit of AED 685 million and our best-ever customer satisfaction scores reflects the strength of our business and the dedication of our people.
"We’re
executing a clear strategy: grow sustainably, operate efficiently and never
lose focus on delivering remarkable experiences to our guests. From continued
refinements to our onboard offering to improved airport services and the debut
of our A321LR with a market-leading narrowbody product, we’re raising the bar
in every part of the journey.
"Our network
continues to expand with 16 new routes announced for 2025 and additional
aircraft joining our fleet. As we grow, we remain disciplined and focused on
quality, efficiency, and creating value for our customers and
stakeholders."
Passenger revenue
grew by 16 percent to AED 5.5 billion ($1.5 billion), driven by increased
capacity, continued network expansion and increased flight frequencies. Etihad
operated 80 destinations as of March 2025, with 16 new routes launching this
year to support continued growth, the release added.
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 1Branches : Chennai, Bangalore,
Mumbai, Coimbatore, Tirupur and Tuticorin.
Associate Offices : New
Delhi, Kolkatta, Cochin & Hyderabad.
Thanks to : Container News, Indian Seatrade, Cargo Forwarder Global & Air Cargo News.
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