JUPITER SEA & AIR SERVICES PVT. LTD, EGMORE – CHENNAI, INDIA.
E-MAIL : Robert.sands@jupiterseaair.co.in Mobile : +91 98407 85202
Corporate News Letter for Wednesday October 29, 2025
Today’s Exchange Rates
CURRENCY▲ | PRICE | CHANGE | %CHANGE | OPEN | PREV.CLOSE | |
88.24 | 0.379997 | 0.432503 | 87.87 | 87.86 | ||
1.1657 | 0.003 | 0.258012 | 1.1627 | 1.1627 | ||
117.7624 | 0.732994 | 0.626333 | 117.0918 | 117.0294 | ||
102.6908 | 0.6838 | 0.670346 | 102.206 | 102.007 | ||
152.407 | 0.453003 | 0.296352 | 153.01 | 152.86 | ||
1.3353 | 0.0042 | 0.315527 | 1.3315 | 1.3311 | ||
98.831 | 0.121002 | 0.122284 | 98.844 | 98.952 | ||
0.5776 | 0.0023 | 0.399796 | 0.5747 | 0.5753 |
/// Sea Cargo News ///
Shipping Corporation
of India invites bids for $200 million VLCCs as fleet expansion gains steam
State-run
Shipping Corporation of India Ltd (SCI) has invited bids to acquire one firm
and one optional second-hand very large crude carrier (VLCC) — oil supertankers
worth an estimated $200 million in the current market — as the national carrier
accelerates its fleet renewal and expansion plans.
The
move follows the government’s intent to drop the privatisation process for SCI,
launched in December 2020, amid changing circumstances and a renewed focus on
strengthening the country’s strategic shipping capacity. According to
tender documents, SCI is seeking to acquire 10-year-old VLCCs with a deadweight
tonnage (dwt) of about 310,000 tonnes. The company currently operates five oil
super tankers and remains India’s only domestic fleet owner in this segment.
The
timing of SCI’s tender coincides with a shart surge in VLCC freight rates,
which have recently climbed above US$ 80,000 per day on major routes – the
highest levels in over five years. Analysts attribute the rally to higher crude
output from OPEC+ and other major producers, tightening.
Tanker supply and disruptions caused by the new U.S. Port fees on Chinese vessels which have forced ship owners to reroute or seek alternative cargoes.
Adani Vizhinjam Port and BPCL to establish India’s first LNG bunkering hub
In
a landmark development for India’s maritime sector, Adani Vizhinjam Port
Private Limited (AVPPL) and Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) have
signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to launch the country’s first
ship-to-ship LNG bunkering operations at Vizhinjam Port.
The
agreement was inked on the eve of India Maritime Week 2025, marking a major
step toward advancing clean energy adoption in shipping.
Strategically
positioned on the East–West global shipping corridor, Vizhinjam Port is set to
emerge as a pivotal hub for LNG refuelling. The initiative aligns with the
International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) decarbonization goals and
underscores India’s commitment to promoting sustainable and environmentally
responsible maritime practices.
With
this milestone, Adani Ports and BPCL aim to strengthen India’s role in the
global green shipping transition, positioning Vizhinjam as a key destination
for LNG bunkering and eco-friendly port operations.
Mitsui OSK Lines, SCI
team up to expand green tug operations in India
Mitsui
OSK Lines (MOL) and the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI) have signed a
memorandum of understanding (MoU) to collaborate on tugboat operations in
India. The agreement was formalised on October 27 during the India Maritime
Week 2025 held in Mumbai.
The
partnership aims to address the growing demand for tugboat services as India’s
port activity increases. With the country’s economic expansion expected to
drive annual growth of 6–8 per cent in container cargo and 3–5 per cent in
energy cargo over the next decade, ports are anticipating a rise in vessel
traffic. The need for additional tugboats to assist in the berthing and
unberthing of ships is expected to grow accordingly.
The
collaboration aligns with the Indian government’s Green Tug Transition
Programme which seeks to convert all tug boats operating at all
Major
ports to low emission “green tugs” by 2040. The initiative forms part of
efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions from port operations.
MOL
currently operates tugboat businesses in Japan, Hong Kong and Vietnam. Under
the new partnership, the company plans to use its experience in safe operations
and alternative fuel technologies while working with SCI’s local network to
strengthen tugboat services in India.
MOL
said that the cooperation would support the safe handling of vessels at ports
and contribute to reducing emissions from port operations.
Boosting regional port capacity is vital, says Sri Lanka’s port minister
Enhancing
regional port capacities is essential for mitigating supply chain bottlenecks
and ensuring the rapid movement of cargo, Anura Karunathilaka, Sri Lanka’s
minister of ports and civil aviation said at the India Maritime Week on
Monday.
Addressing
the ministerial plenary session Karunathilaka said joint efforts between
India, Sri Lanka, and our neighbouring partners can create a resilient,
interconnected network of ports that will benefit the broader South Asian
economy and support the seamless flow of trade across our region.
Acknowledging
India’s leadership in the region, the minister called for deepening of dialogue
and exchange of expertise to tackle challenges of climate change, marine
pollution among others.
“Through
the development of deep-water ports, modernised logistics and advanced
automation, India is creating one of the most efficient port ecosystems in the
world. For Sri Lanka this vision represents not only a model of maritime
excellence but also a critical framework for regional collaboration – one that
strengthens trade, connectivity and shared prosperity across the Indian ocean,”
Karunathilaka said.
India issues clarification on silver jewellery import restrictions
The
government has clarified that the recent restrictions on the import of silver
jewellery will not apply to 100% Export Oriented Units (EOUs) and units
operating in Special Economic Zones (SEZs).
According
to the clarification, these entities can continue to import silver jewellery
without restriction, provided that the imported goods are not sold in the
Domestic Tariff Area (DTA).
Additionally,
imports of silver jewellery under the Advance Authorisation and Duty-Free
Import Authorisation (DFIA) schemes have been exempted from the import curbs.
These schemes allow duty-free import of inputs used in the production of export
goods, subject to specific conditions.
The
clarification aims to ensure that export linked and authorised import schemes
continue to operate smoothly, even as the government regulates overall imports
to manage trade balance and domestic supply.
Pune Airport records highest cargo movement this Diwali season
Pune
Airport has witnessed a remarkable surge in air cargo movement during the
Diwali festive period, marking one of the highest volumes recorded in recent
years. Data released by airport authorities shows a sharp increase in air
freight activity since early October 2025, driven by festive demand and robust
import-export operations from Pune.
The
airport recorded significant cargo traffic across multiple days. Between
October 15 and 16, 2025, Pune Airport handled 108,601.96 kg (108.60 metric
tons) of inbound cargo and 113,866.12 kg (113.86 metric tons) of outbound cargo
— one of the busiest 24-hour periods this year.
Earlier,
on October 9–10, 2025, the airport registered its highest inbound cargo at
131,608.81 kg (131.60 metric tons), while October 14–15 saw a combined handling
of 113,464 kg (113.46 metric tons).
US forwarders warn of cargo delays amid ongoing shutdown
The US
Airforwarders Association (AfA) has expressed its disappointment at the
continuing Federal Government shutdown, warning it could create backlogs and
disrupt supply chains. Last week, Congress was unable to come to an
agreement to end the shutdown, meaning that millions of workers would not have
been paid.
There are
concerns that absence rates could rise if essential workers across the
Transportation Security Administration (TSA), Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA), and US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) do not start getting paid
soon.
“Air cargo
depends on a functioning federal government,” said Brandon Fried, executive
director, Airforwarders Association. “TSA, FAA, and CBP employees are
showing extraordinary dedication in difficult circumstances, but they cannot be
expected to continue indefinitely without pay.
“Congress
must find a way forward to end the shutdown, pay these essential workers and
restore confidence in the system that keeps goods and commerce moving”. The AfA
said that TSA officers are responsible for screening cargo and CBP officers
“play a critical role” in processing import and export clearances.
“Reduced staffing will slow these operations, creating backlogs that damage supply chains and the wider US economy,” the AfA said.
Glasgow Prestwick boosts exports with China Southern Air Logistics
Glasgow
Prestwick Airport (PIK) hosted a senior delegation from China
Southern Air Logistics for a two-day visit aimed at strengthening collaboration
and supporting Scotland’s export growth.
The visit
gave the airline direct insight into Scotland’s high-value industries,
including whisky and seafood, helping to deepen understanding of producers’ and
freight forwarders’ needs.
“We were
pleased to welcome the delegation from China Southern Air Logistics to
Prestwick,” said Ian Forgie, Chief Executive Officer, Glasgow Prestwick
Airport. “The visit provided an excellent opportunity to explore how we
can work together for mutual benefit and continue to strengthen Scotland’s
global export connections.”
During the
visit, the airport hosted meetings and site tours highlighting its cargo
expertise, connectivity, and ability to deliver a fully in-house service, from
handling to fuelling.
The visit
followed a similar engagement with Air China Cargo earlier this month,
reinforcing Prestiwick’s commitment to developing long term partnerships that
drive growth in Scotland’s air cargo sector.
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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