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

 

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

 

 

Corporate News Letter for  Monday  December 01,  2025

Today’s Exchange Rates

CURRENCY▲	PRICE	CHANGE	%CHANGE	OPEN	PREV.CLOSE
USD/INR	89.4775	0.167503	0.187553	89.41	89.31
EUR/USD	1.1574	0.0022	0.189721	1.1596	1.1596
GBP/INR	118.1567	0.153503	0.130084	118.3774	118.0032
EUR/INR	103.5404	0.147499	0.142659	103.5596	103.3929
USD/JPY	156.31	0.00	0.00	156.31	156.31
GBP/USD	1.3213	0.0027	0.203925	1.324	1.324
DXY Index	99.748	0.211998	0.212986	99.57	99.536
JPY/INR	0.5723	0.0009	0.157513	0.5713	0.5714

///                   Sea Cargo News            ///

Government names CISF as the lead security agency for India’s 250 seaports

In a move aimed at strengthening security across all major and minor Indian seaports, the Centre has designated the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) as the new safety regulator for about 250 facilities located along the country's maritime borders, officials said on Friday.

The categorisation of the central paramilitary force (under the Union Home Ministry) has been done by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways through an order issued on November 18, CISF Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Ajay Dahiya said. 

The paramilitary force has been designated as a Recognised Security Organisation (RSO) for seaports under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) code. An RSO acts as a regulator for seaport security. ISPS is a mandatory security regime for international shipping.

SITC Container Lines launches new Far East–India Express (FIE) Service, strengthening Asia–India connectivity

SITC Container Lines has announced a major expansion of its regional network with the launch of the new Far East – India Express (FIE) service, further strengthening maritime connectivity between key Asian origins and the fast-growing Indian market. 

The newly introduced FIE service is designed to provide faster, more reliable, and direct connections between major ports in the Far East and India, reflecting SITC’s strategy to enhance service efficiency and support escalating demand for containerised trade across the region.

The service is expected to boost supply chain fluidity, offering customers improved transit times and greater schedule stability. With India emerging as a vital manufacturing and consumption hub, SITC’s latest network enhancement is poised to facilitate smoother cargo movement for industries including consumer goods, retail, electronics, chemicals and industrial commodities.

The launch of the FIE service underscores SITC Container Lines’ commitment to expanding its footprint in South Asia while delivering tailored, customer-centric shipping solutions. The company stated that it will continue assessing market needs and redefining its service offerings to support the dynamic growth of regional trade.

The new service is now fully operational, marking another milestone in SITC’s integrated Asia-wide logistics network.

VOC Port Authority, Tuticorin announces enhanced concession scheme to boost container shipping

V.O.C. Port Authority, Tuticorin, has unveiled strengthened Container Vessel Concession and Incentive Schemes aimed at promoting both global and coastal shipping, further positioning the port as a competitive and reliable maritime hub in South India. 

Under the enhanced initiative, vessels calling at V.O.C. Port can now benefit from up to 15% Vessel Related Charges (VRC) concessions, awarded based on improved voyage frequency, higher TEU volumes handled, and expanded service connectivity.

The scheme is designed to reward shipping lines that demonstrate consistent commitment to the port, while also supporting the growth of regional trade.

Port officials highlighted that the revised incentives have already contributed to increased service calls and growing container throughput, reinforcing the port’s role as a key gateway for EXIM cargo. By offering structured concessions, the port aims to encourage more mainline and feeder operations to include Tuticorin in their rotations.

With upgraded facilities, digital initiatives and industry friendly policies, VOC Port continues to expand its influence as a preferred destination for containerised  cargo movement across India and beyond.

India is projected to surpass its previous banana export record this year

India's banana export sector is reflecting a strong growth trajectory with recent years delivering impressive gains, says Shvam Dhumal, Director at Agroindi EXIM Pvt Ltd, a fresh produce exporter based in Maharashtra.

"India banana exports grew by 70% in the year 2023-24 to USD 272 million. For 2024-25, the sector expects to maintain similar growth and surpass USD 451 million in exports, with overseas buyers showing sustained interest." 

According to Dhumal, production volumes have increased over the previous season, with consistent export quality. "Maharashtra's Solapur and Jalgaon districts remain key banana hubs, with Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat supplementing supply, especially of the G9 variety.

While Jalgaon and Solapur offer year-round availability, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat harvest primarily between November – February and July – September, respectively.

Export prices have moderated this year as a result of higher production. “The average banana box of 13.5 Kg net fetched $6 to $8 last season, while this year’s boxes average between $4 and $5 in India. Packaging formats also adapted to regional requirements, with certain countries requesting 7 Kg boxes.

India launches anti-dumping probe into Polyester Textured Yarn imports from China

India has begun an anti-dumping investigation on imports of Polyester Textured Yarn (PTY) originating in or exported from China, based on an application filed by Reliance Industries Limited and Well-known Polyester Limited, the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) said Thursday. 

“The applicants have alleged that PTY originating in or exported from China has caused material injury to the domestic industry,” it said. The application has been supported by Filatex India Limited, Madelin Enterprises Private Limited, Garden Silk Mills Limited, Indorama Synthetics Limited, and Sanathan Textiles Ltd.

The DGTR said that there is “sufficient prima facie evidence” that the product is being dumped in the domestic market of India by the exporters from China. The period of investigation for the present investigation is April 01, 2024 to June 30, 2025. The injury period for the investigation will cover the periods FY22-24 and the period of investigation.

Shipping Lines advance December rate hike on Asia–North Europe route amid strong demand

Mid-November FAK [freight all kinds] price hikes continued to strengthen container freight spot rates on the Asia-Europe trades this week. As per Drewry’s World Container Index (WCI) yesterday, the Shanghai-Rotterdam leg gained 8% on the week before, to finish at $2,193 per 40ft, while the WCI’s Shanghai-Genoa route was up 6% week on week, to end at $2,319 per 40ft. 

And Drewry warned that new FAK rate levels advised by carriers for implementation on 1 December could see rates further strengthen over the forthcoming fortnight.  Carriers on the Asia–Europe trade route are trying to push spot rates up by introducing higher FAK rates, ranging from $3,100 to $4,000 per 40ft, effective December 01 in an attempt to elevate spot rates before the start of the new annual contract negotiation season,” the analyst noted.

 

“We see pretty dead” volume to the east coast, which is why the USEC premium over USWC has compressed to roughly US$ 700.  “Carriers are actively hunting for USEC volumes, keeping those rates under heavier pressure,” Freight Right noted.

/////       AIR  CARGO   NEWS   /////

Air charter firms coordinate Hurricane Melissa relief flights

Three major charter operators mobilised emergency relief operations to support 600,000 affected residents across Jamaica's hurricane-damaged infrastructure.

Loading relief goods in Antigua bound for Montego Bay, post-Hurricane Melissa

Air charter companies, Air Charter Service, Air Partner Cargo and Chapman Freeborn have coordinated emergency aid flights to support communities in Jamaica devastated by Hurricane Melissa.

Hurricane Melissa formed in mid-October near West Africa, grew rapidly over the Caribbean, and followed an erratic path through Jamaica, Cuba, and the Bahamas before dissipating near Iceland in early November.

Jamaica bore the brunt of the destruction – entire communities were devastated, with widespread flooding, building collapses, and infrastructure failures. Overall, some 600,000 people in Jamaica were affected and relief operations are expected to last several months.

Air Charter Service (ACS) arranged post-hurricane charters carrying more than 200 tons of aid. Due to prior weather warnings, the company had been in touch with NGOs and governments in preparation for potential relief flights before the disaster. 

So far, ACS has provided multiple charter flights and supported evacuation efforts using passenger aircraft.

Ben Dinsdale, ACS director for government and humanitarian services, commented: “The air charter industry is always the first port of call when such disasters occur, and this was no different, with plans put in place before and directly after.

“We arranged the first non-military aid flight in last week, which was a Boeing B737-400F from Antigua into Montego Bay with 16 tons of shelter kits and blankets.

“Since then, we have booked charters through our London, Florida, California and Spanish offices, with several flights transporting more than 200 tons of aid in total throughout this week.

“Three of the island’s five airports are small, and not suitable for aircraft any larger than a private jet or turboprop, so we are utilising Kingston’s Norman Manley International and Montego Bay’s Sangster International, despite the latter sustaining some damage.

“We have also been involved in evacuations from the island on passenger aircraft, flying people to safety, and in some cases home, this past week. Once again we're proud to work alongside our colleagues in the air charter industry, who always step up to the challenge during these times of need."

Cardiff Airport to welcome Canadian connection

Four-times weekly service targets £300m annual export market as Welsh government highlights trade opportunities with 35 Canadian firms.

Cardiff International Airport in Wales, UK will boost its air cargo prospects with WestJet passenger flights to Toronto, Canada from 23 May next year.

The four times a week service will be the first direct air connection between Wales and Canada to be operated since 2008. The aircraft type has not yet been confirmed.

Jon Bridge, chief executive of Cardiff Airport; Rebecca Evans, member of the Welsh Senedd (MS) and cabinet secretary for economy, energy and planning; and Cardiff Devils ice hockey players

He also pointed to the “new opportunities for trade and investment” that the service will facilitate.

Eluned Morgan MS (member of the Senedd, the Welsh parliament), the first minister of Wales, said that the announcement represents “welcome news” for businesses both in Wales and Canada.

“With good connections to other Canadian cities, the new Toronto route will open up new economic opportunities for Wales in North America,” Morgan continued.

“We have around 35 Canadian companies in Wales, employing around 6,500 people, while Canada is an export market worth over £300m a year,” she pointed out.

Last year, UK freighter operator European Cargo, which is based at Bournemouth Airport in the south of England, expanded its operations to Cardiff with the addition of new flights to China. The flights are operated with four European Cargo A340-600 converted freighters.

Jon Bridge, chief executive of Cardiff Airport, said that the new Toronto connection “marks an exciting milestone in our growth and major step forward in reconnecting Wales with North America”.

Delta Aeromexico JV wins temporary reprieve

Eleventh Circuit ruling halts DOT directive targeting nine-year partnership as US-Mexico aviation tensions escalate over cargo operations.

AeroMexico and Delta aircraft

The United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit has temporarily halted a Department of Transportation (DOT) order of 15 September to force Delta Air Lines and Aeromexico to unwind their joint venture (JV) by 1 January.

The airlines had gone to court to block the DOT order to repeal the nearly nine-year-old JV in which the carriers coordinate on US-Mexico flights.

The DOT order was issued in September as part of several actions taken by the US aimed at Mexico’s aviation sector in light of its anti-competition concerns.

The order would terminate antitrust immunity and withdraw the approval the DOT had previously given to the Joint Cooperation Agreement between Aeromexico and Delta.

An Aeromexico statement noted that the effectiveness of the DOT’s order is now “stayed pending resolution of the judicial review”. This is the latest move in a long-running saga.

In July this year, the US government placed restrictions on Mexico’s air cargo and passenger operations in response to what it said was “abuse” of the 2015 US-Mexico Air Transport Agreement and ongoing anti-competitive behaviour.

According to the DOT, Mexico has not been in compliance with the agreement since carriers were required to move cargo operations from Benito Juarez International Airport, known as Mexico City International Airport (MEX), to Felipe Angeles International Airport (AFIA).

Cargo operations were moved from MEX to AFIA to reduce congestion, a decision that was criticised by IATA and the DOT said the action served to disrupt the market.

It said: “In 2023, Mexico unilaterally forced all U.S. all-cargo carriers out of MEX under the same saturation pretences with only 108 business days advance notice.

“Mexico has not taken any action to restore the operating rights of U.S. all-cargo carriers guaranteed in the U.S.-Mexico Air Transport Agreement.”

A couple of months later, the US government ordered Delta and Aeromexico to dissolve their JV, part of that ongoing disagreement with Mexico over the 2015 U.S.-Mexico Air Transport Agreement.

The country’s behaviour is anti-competitive and disadvantages U.S. carriers, and means Delta and Aeromexico have an unfair advantage, the US DOT said then in a press release.

“Mexico’s non-compliance intervenes in the market to provide an unfair advantage to Delta and Aeromexico, who operated a price- and capacity-setting joint venture with conditional approval by USDOT,” it declared.

The Delta-Aeromexico JV must wind down by 1 January 2026, the DOT urged, saying that Delta/Aeromexico would be required to discontinue competitively sensitive activities such as common pricing, capacity management and revenue sharing that require antitrust immunity.

However, Delta and Aeromexico would be able to continue their partnership through arms-length activities such as codesharing, marketing, and frequent flyer cooperation, it conceded.

But the decision of the Eleventh Circuit Court puts all that in some doubt, at least for the moment.

Earlier this month, the Airforwarders Association (AfA) warned against the reduction in air cargo capacity and of disruption in supply chains that is likely to follow the US government’s withdrawal of 13 routes operated by Mexican airlines.

US Transportation Secretary, Sean Duffy, announced the decision to prevent several Mexican carriers from operating passenger flights into the US at the end of October, removing valuable bellyhold capacity.

But Brandon Fried, AfA executive director, said: “The loss of these flights won’t just affect passengers; it pulls critical cargo capacity out of the market.”

UPS MD-11 crash report found abnormal takeoff and fatigue cracks

National Transportation Safety Board investigation finds aircraft failed to achieve normal climb rate before left engine detached from wing

Still images from an airport surveillance video showing the left engine and left pylon separation from the left wing

The UPS MD-11 freighter that caused 14 fatalities when it crashed shortly after takeoff in Louisville did not have a normal climb rate and began to lose altitude, while fatigue cracks were also found on the aircraft.

These findings were outlined in the preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) for domestic cargo flight 2976, which crashed at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) in Kentucky on 4 November.

The three-engined widebody aircraft, N259UP, which was due to fly to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), Honolulu, Hawaii, "initially climbed but did not get higher than about 30 ft above ground level”, found the report.

Further detail provided stated: "A witness in the SDF ATC tower reported that the takeoff speed appeared normal for that type of aircraft; however, the climb rate was not normal, as the airplane did not climb above the tower’s height of approximately 200 ft above ground level. Another witness reported that the airplane stopped climbing and began to lose altitude before rolling slightly to the left.”

An airport surveillance video of the airplane showed the left (No. 1) engine and pylon separating from the wing shortly after airplane rotation, with a fire igniting on the left engine while it traversed above the fuselage and subsequently impacted the ground, as depicted in the still images from the airport surveillance video.

The aircraft impacted several building structures before reaching the ground.

Stress fractures were also discovered on the components of the aircraft. The report stated that "examination of the left pylon aft mount lug fractures found evidence of fatigue cracks in addition to areas of overstress failure".

The report added: "On the aft lug, on both the inboard and outboard fracture surfaces, a fatigue crack was observed where the aft lug bore met the aft lug forward face.

For the forward lug’s inboard fracture surface, fatigue cracks were observed along the lug bore."

he left (No. 1) and right (No. 3) engines of the MD-11 airplane are attached to the underside of pylons that are in turn attached to the underside of each wing.

The center (No. 2) engine is attached to the base of the vertical stabilizer. The left and right pylon attaches to their respective wing via a forward mount bulkhead, a thrust link assembly, and an aft mount bulkhead.

The flight had received takeoff clearance and the flight crew acknowledged this takeoff clearance, found the report.

As well as the fatalities of the three crew aboard the freighter and 11 people on the ground, there were another 23 others on the ground that were injured.

Earlier this month, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued an Emergency Airworthiness Directive (AD) ordering owners and operators of MD-11 freighters to ground their aircraft and inspect them for faults.

Heathrow Airport Limited’s new runway plan selected by government

                                        HAL's Heathrow third plan

HAL scheme featuring 3.5km runway and M25 tunnel selected to shape the Airports National Policy Statement review, though planning approval is still required.

Heathrow Airport Limited’s (HAL) scheme for a new runway at the airport has been selected by the government.

Two proposals had been put forward to develop a third runway at Heathrow, but in the end, the government selected the HAL scheme, which involves moving part of the major M25 motorway.

The plans include a 3.5 km runway and building a tunnel under the development through which the M25 motorway will run.

An alternative proposal from the Arora Group would have utilised a shorter runway to avoid changes to the major ring road, which runs around the outside of London.

The HAL proposal will now shape the review of the Airports National Policy Statement (ANPS), which is the framework within which the planning decision on expansion at the airport will be made.

The ANPS will consider airport expansion in light of new environmental and climate obligations and sets out the government’s criteria to consider future planning applications.

Exact details such as the length of the third runway, layout, and associated infrastructure implications will continue to be considered throughout the remainder of the ANPS review. 

UK transport secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: "Today is another important step to enable a third runway and build on these benefits, setting the direction for the remainder of our work to get the policy framework in place for airport expansion.

"This will allow a decision on a third runway plan this parliament, which meets our key tests, including on the environment and economic growth.”

The news was welcomed by the country's logistics industry.

Logistics UK’s head of infrastructure policy, Jonathan Walker, said: “Heathrow Airport is the UK’s biggest port, handling 1.58 million tonnes of cargo in 2024, and the announcement of the winning third runway bid will provide growth opportunities for the UK economy in the long term.

"Today’s announcement is a welcome step towards the implementation of the project, but there are other hurdles to be cleared, including CAA approvals and planning reforms.

“It is vital that this project is seen by government as an integral part of the ongoing development of an effective UK-wide logistics network, which will support and develop the effective supply chains that our economy needs.” 

Steve Parker, BIFA director general, said: “I realise that this is just the first step in the latest leg of what has been a very lengthy journey over several decades. Having decided on the viability of the proposals put forward, the government now needs to do everything in its power to abide by its objective to deliver an operational third runway by 2035.

“That will require swift decisions on applications for planning consent, hopefully before the end of this Parliament.

“It is now time for everyone, including politicians of all parties, to pull together in the national interest and support the bold plans to expand and improve airport infrastructure at Heathrow in order to maintain the UK’s position as Europe’s most important aviation hub.”

While a scheme has now been selected, this does not mean that the development has been given the go-ahead.

The development plans will now need to pass through the ANPS process and gain planning permission. The project faces opposition from environmental groups, local residents and politicians.

Also, whilst HAL’s proposal will now be used to inform the ongoing ANPS review, any promoter will be able to submit a planning application to deliver the third runway once the ANPS review has been completed.

In September, the government also approved plans by Gatwick Airport to utilise its northern runway.

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.