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 December 31, 2025
Today’s
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/// Sea Cargo News ///
Sri Lanka Moves to Clear 8,000-Container Backlog with
New Urgent Measures
Minister of Ports and Civil Aviation, Anura Karunathilaka, confirmed
that the clearance process will be fast-tracked under the direct supervision of
Sri Lanka Customs, following a high-level meeting at the Ministry premises.
A key aspect of the plan is the prioritization of “low-risk” containers,
which will be redirected to the newly established Bloemendhal Logistics Park.
This measure aims to alleviate congestion at the main terminal areas and
streamline cargo movement.
Minister Karunathilaka also announced that a follow-up review meeting
will be held in four days to assess progress. The meeting was attended by
senior officials, including Deputy Minister of Finance and Planning Dr. Anil
Jayantha Fernando, Deputy Minister of Ports Janith Ruwan Kodithuwakku, and
representatives from the National Medicines Regulatory Authority (NMRA) and Sri
Lanka Customs.
The move is expected to significantly improve port efficiency and ensure
smoother trade flows in the coming weeks.
The zero-discharge vessel: The rise of self-correcting
sewage treatment
For decades, the maritime industry has operated under a "treat and release" mindset. As long as onboard systems met the basic MARPOL Annex IV standards, effluent was discharged into the grey-blue expanse of the high seas.
However, as environmental regulations tighten
and "Special Areas" (SAs) expand, the margin for error has vanished.
The industry is now moving toward the Zero-Discharge Vessel. At the heart of
this revolution is the marriage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the
Internet of Things (IoT), turning passive, mechanical Sewage Treatment Plants
(STPs) into "self-correcting" ecosystems capable of adjusting to the
volatile biological loads of a working ship.
Traditional onboard sewage treatment is often
a "dumb" process. Systems are typically calibrated for a steady
state—a specific number of crew members producing a predictable amount of
waste. But ships are dynamic. A cruise ship’s load spikes during gala
nights; a cargo vessel’s load shifts during crew changes or port stays.
When the biological load (the concentration
of organic matter) spikes, traditional systems often underdose chemicals or
provide insufficient aeration, leading to non-compliant discharge. Conversely,
during low-load periods, systems often over-dose, wasting expensive chemicals
and potentially killing the "good" bacteria required for biological
treatment. This "static" approach is the enemy of the modern
ESG-compliant shipowner.
The transformation begins with IoT
integration. In a self-correcting plant, the tank is no longer a silent steel
box; it is a data-rich environment.IoT sensors are deployed throughout the
treatment chain to monitor critical parameters in real-time:
Total Suspended Solids (TSS) & Turbidity:
Optical sensors measure the clarity of the water.
→ Oxidation-Reduction Potential (ORP) &
Dissolved Oxygen (DO): These sensors monitor the health of the aerobic bacteria
breaking down the waste. → Flow Rate Meters: Tracking the volume of
influent to predict hydraulic surges → Ammonia and Nitrate
Sensors: Measuring the chemical breakdown of nitrogenous waste.
These sensors act as the nervous system,
transmitting data via internal shipboard networks to a centralised processing
unit. This constant stream of data replaces the "daily manual test,"
which is often prone to human error and only provides a snapshot in
time.
The true "Zero-Discharge"
capability emerges when AI and IoT control the mechanical actuators of the
ship. This is a "closed-loop" system where the software directly
manages:Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs): To speed up or slow down aeration
blowers based on oxygen demand.→
Peristaltic Dosing Pumps: To inject precise milligrams of disinfectant. → Automated
Recirculation Valves: If the sensors detect that the effluent does not meet the
15ppm (parts per million) or local port authority standards, the AI automatically
closes the overboard discharge valve and recirculates the water for a second
treatment cycle.
While AI and IoT manage the process,
Blockchain manages the proof. For a vessel to be truly
"Zero-Discharge," it must prove its compliance to sceptical port
authorities.
Every time the AI triggers a discharge or a
recirculation event, a cryptographic "fingerprint" of that
data—including GPS location, time, and water purity levels—can be uploaded to a
private or consortium blockchain. This creates a "Digital Garbage Record
Book" that cannot be tampered with, deleted, or backdated. For shipowners,
this is the ultimate insurance against heavy fines and "magic pipe"
allegations. Economic and Environmental Impact
The move toward self-correcting plants isn’t
just about avoiding fines; it’s a powerful economic driver. → Chemical Savings: By
dosing based on actual need rather than maximum capacity, ships can reduce
chemical consumption by 30-50%. → Extended Hardware
Life: AI-managed pumps and blowers run only when necessary, reducing mechanical
wear and extending the time between expensive dry-dock overhauls.
→ Crew Efficiency:
Engineers are freed from the tedious task of manual water testing and constant
calibration, allowing them to focus on high-value maintenance tasks.
→ Marine Preservation:
By ensuring that every drop of water returned to the ocean is purer than the
surrounding sea, the maritime industry moves from being a polluter to a steward
of the "Blue Economy."
As we look toward the International Maritime
Organization’s (IMO) future targets, the "Zero-Discharge Vessel" will
become the industry standard rather than a luxury.
Storms on container shipping’s horizon
A turbulent 2025 is closing, but a New Year
change of direction for the liner shipping sector remains challenging as the
industry faces sliding demand, chronic overcapacity and tougher regulation
unless the US and its allies disrupt the IMO for a second year.
An early candidate for disruption in the New
Year would be the possible return of services to the Suez Canal and the release
of around 2 million teu to an already over-supplied global container
market…“Whilst this is a significant step forward, we are not at a point where
we can set a date on any potential wider network change back to the trans-Suez
corridor.
Also, there are currently no additional
planned sailings,” said a Maersk statement. One temporary hiccup
that could result from the return to Suez is a bunching of vessels at European
and Asian ports as their rotations are disrupted with vessel arrivals from the
ships travelling around the Cape, out of sync with those transiting Suez…
Drewry’s supply chain consultant Stijn Rubens
believes the impact of this returning tonnage could prove to be catastrophic
for the regional freight rates, which have climbed to $667 per feu and with
China sending intermediate goods for finishing to Vietnam and other Asian
countries, notably Indonesia, demand will continue to rise, but the influx of
new vessels could kill the rate rises dead.
Dynamar analyst Darron Wadey believes …“There
will be no mad rush to start utilising this route as carriers will want a
firmer security foundation than the tentative one, we have now…Should such a
pattern pan out then there will be a gradual and inexorable pressure on freight
and charter rates as the service adjustments are made. Wadey added: “Once
that is all done, then the question is: what to do with all this freed up
capacity?”
That is a pertinent question given that the
world’s most lucrative trade, from Asia to the US, has seen volatile demand as
the Trump administration tariffs have taken hold, with demand ramping up fast
when import duties are suspended, filling inventories, and then declining
rapidly when they have been reintroduced…
Failure to pass the legislation will
inevitably see the fragmentation of climate regulations countries that have
invested heavily in the climate transition drive the policies forward on a
regional level. Such an outcome may be seen as a victory for some oil producing
nations...but the impact on shipping could be far reaching, even for those
parts of the industry that oppose the IMO’s global regulation…
Semiramis Paliou, CEO at Diana Shipping,
speaking on the same panel as Procopiou, took a different view pointing out:
“What is very important is that we maintain a global level playing field and a
global regulation on decarbonisation, anything regional will be a disaster for
shipping…Moreover, maritime industry concerns over where and how emissions
charges were used would be less transparent under national government
regulation than if the IMO was to administer a fund that helped to decarbonise
the industry.
Essentially, the major determinant for which side of the decarbonisation debate in shipping that you are on is how close to the consumer the vessel operator is. For example, the charterer of a bulk carrier, shipping iron ore will be less likely to support green regulations. For a bulk owner green fuels will be difficult to bunker, vessels, very often, do not have a regular trade route that they follow and they do not feel the pressure from what is most often a single charterer of space on their vessel….
The industry already understands how the
imposition of import duties can change the pattern of logistics services
globally, with manufacturing shifting to the cheapest areas of
production. If the overcapacity levels become critical, driving down freight
rates and sending the carriers back into loss-making businesses the effect
could be a swift and major shift to ramp up vessel demolitions, which have
virtually stopped in 2025.
If the NZF is again rejected …but if there is
a fragmentation of emissions regulations there will be too many variables to be
certain how the industry will evolve. Each element could play a part, but
the interaction of these major structural changes will be difficult to
predict.
Crude oil futures rise as US-Venezuela tensions fuel
supply concerns
At 9.55 am on Monday, February Brent oil futures were at $60.99, up by 0.86 per cent, and February crude oil futures on WTI (West Texas Intermediate) were at $57.02, up by 0.88 per cent. January crude oil futures were trading at Rs 5,149 on Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) during the initial hour of trading on Monday against the previous close of Rs 5,105, up by 0.86 per cent, and February futures were trading at Rs 5,158 against the previous close of Rs 5,119, up by 0.76 per cent.
Quoting unnamed official sources, a Reuters report said that the US
Coast Guard is pursuing an oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela.
“The United States Coast Guard is in active pursuit of a sanctioned ‘dark fleet’ vessel that is part of Venezuela’s illegal sanctions evasion. It is flying a false flag and under a judicial seizure order,” the official was cited as saying.
Citing another official, the report said the tanker was under sanctions,
but it had not been boarded so far. The report said the officials did not give
a specific location for the operation or name the vessel being pursued.
In a post on the social media platform Truth Social last week, US
President Donald Trump had designated the Venezuelan regime as a foreign
terrorist organisation, and had ordered a total and complete blockade of all
sanctioned oil tankers going into and out of Venezuela.
In their Commodities Feed last week, Warren Patterson, Head of
Commodities Strategy of ING Think, and Ewa Manthey, Commodities Strategist,
said oil Venezuela exported around 6,00,000 barrels a day of oil in November.
According to them, a bulk of this oil was shipped to China. January natural gas
futures were trading at Rs 335.70 on MCX during the initial hour of trading on
Monday against the previous close of Rs 332, up by 1.11 per cent.
On the National Commodities and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX), January
guargum contracts were trading at Rs 10,646 in the initial hour of trading on
Monday against the previous close of Rs 10,237, up by 4 per cent. January
cottonseed oilcake futures were trading at Rs 3,040 on NCDEX in the initial
hour of trading on Monday against the previous close of Rs 2,999, up by 1.37
percent.
Mangaluru Welcomes First Cruise Liner of 2025–26
Season
The Bahamas-flagged cruise ship arrived at the port at 6.15 am and was berthed at Berth No. 4 by 7.15 am. Measuring 172.50 metres in length with a draft of 7.50 metres and a gross registered tonnage of 28,803, the vessel called at Mangaluru from Mormugao Port, carrying 450 passengers and 360 crew members.
NMPA extended a traditional and colourful welcome to the international
tourists, highlighting the region’s rich cultural heritage. Extensive
arrangements were made by the port authority in coordination with multiple
stakeholders to ensure a smooth and memorable experience for the visitors.
Smt. Vinitha Sekhar, IRS, Commissioner of Customs, Mangalore, formally
welcomed the master of the ship, accompanied by the Traffic Manager, port
officers and staff.
To enhance the passenger experience, several initiatives were put in
place, including a meditation centre set up by the Ministry of AYUSH, free
Wi-Fi connectivity provided by NMPA, and a selfie stand showcasing Mangaluru’s
iconic Yakshagana art form installed by the Ministry of Tourism. Advanced
planning and coordination also ensured a seamless immigration process,
significantly reducing waiting times for
passengers.
During their stay, cruise tourists visited key attractions in and around
Mangaluru such as the Gomateshwara Temple at Karkala, the 1,000 Pillar Temple
at Moodabidri, Soans Farm, Pilikula Nisargadhama and Artisan Village,
Gokarnanatha Temple, St. Aloysius Chapel, local markets, and Trinity House at
Valencia, offering them a glimpse of the region’s cultural, spiritual and
natural heritage.
Following a successful port call, M.S. Seven Seas Navigator departed
at 4.30 pm for its next destination, Cochin.
The arrival of the vessel underscores NMPA’s growing stature as a
preferred cruise destination on India’s west coast. With modern
infrastructure, efficient port operations and strong inter-agency coordination,
the port authority is poised to play a key role in promoting cruise tourism,
boosting the regional economy and fostering cultural exchange, with several
more cruise calls scheduled during the seas.
V.O.C Port creates history ; Berthed and Handled
Longest Container Vessel
V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, Tuticorin,
achieved a major milestone with the successful berthing of M.V. MSC Michaela,
with Length Overall (LOA) of 304 metres and Beam of 40 metres, at the Dakshin
Bharat Gateway Terminal on December 21, 2025. This landmark event marks the
arrival of the longest container vessel and the highest container-carrying
capacity vessel with 6,724 TEUs of containers, ever to berth at the port,
underscoring its growing prominence in India’s maritime sector.
The progression from handling M.V. MSC Petra
with a Length Overall (LOA) of 299.5 metres in May 2022 to the successful
arrival of M.V. MSC Michaela, highlights the substantial enhancement of V.O.
Chidambaranar Port’s operational capabilities. MSC Michaela, which arrived from
the Port of Colón, Panama, and is scheduled to sail to Colombo, Sri Lanka, is
handling a total of 3,977 TEUs at the port. This includes 2,676 TEUs of import
containers, 1,104 TEUs of export containers, 148 TEUs involving restow operations,
and 49 TEUs of transhipment containers.
It is noteworthy that during the current
financial year up to November 2025–26, the port handled 5,62,928 TEUs of
containers, as against 5,20,919 TEUs in the corresponding period of 2024–25,
registering an increase of 8.06%.
In the commemorative event held at V.O.
Chidambaranar Port’s DGBT container terminal, Shri Sushant Kumar Purohit IRSEE,
Chairperson, VOC Port, stated that the successful handling of M.V. MSC Michaela
reflects the Port’s recent infrastructure upgrades such as enhancing the
maximum draft to 14.20 meters, widening the turning circle of the Port’s basin
from 488 metres to 550 metres, operationalisation of the DPE facility, and the
recent induction of 4th tug with 60 Tonne Bollar Pull to manoeuvre large container
vessels. He further stated that the upcoming Outer Harbour project will
significantly strengthen VOC Port’s position as a key maritime gateway for
South India.
The event was graced by Shri Sushant Kumar
Purohit, IRSEE, Chairperson, VOC Port, Shri Rajesh Soundararajan, IAS, Deputy
Chairperson, P. Kavin Maharaj, Chief Vigilance Officer, Shri Vikas Nair,
Customs Commissioner, Tuticorin, Mr Vujnovic Tripo, Captain of the vessel, Mr
Senthil Kumar, CEO, DBGT Terminal, Shri Benny George, Sr. General Manager, MSC
Agency India Limited, senior officials from Port and delegates from trade
bodies.
Imabari
Shipbuilding delivers 13,900 TEU
Containership “ONE SERENITY”
On December 19, Imabari Shipbuilding
completed the 13,900 TEU Containership ONE SERENITY at its Marugame head quarters.
The vessel is designed exclusively for
container transport, with a capacity of 13,932 TEU and up to four lashing
bridges on deck. It can carry large numbers of frozen containers and supports
the transport of various hazardous materials in compliance with the IMDG Code.
Wan Hai Lines provides update on cargo discharge operations aboard WAN HAI 503
Wan Hai Lines has issued an update on the ongoing recovery operations onboard the container vessel WAN HAI 503, where cargo discharge activities are continuing under the close supervision of specialized professional teams.
Current Situation : According to the company, distressed cargo
and debris are currently being discharges from cargo holds 3,4 and 5.
Cleaning operations in cargo hold 1 have been completed, with the removal of
the remaining cargo residues still in progress.
At the same time, the discharges of
firefighting water (FIFI) from the cargo holds is ongoing. To date,
approximately 11,440 tons of water have been pumped out. Wan Hai Lines noted
that the operation has become increasingly challenging, as cargo residue is
obstructing pumps, pipelines and hold openings, requiring additional time to
resolve.
Unloading Progress :
As of December 21, 2025 the condition of the
remaining containers onboard has made it increasingly difficult to identify
individual units during discharges. As a result, the figures provided are
estimates.
Containers successfully discharged : 1,684.
Containers remaining onboard : 38.
Wan Hai Lines said it is continuing to work
closely with onsite experts to address operational challenges and accelerate
the unloading process, while maintaining strict safety standards.
The company expressed its appreciation to all
relevant authorities, partners, and professional teams for their continued
support and cooperation throughout the recovery effort.
Caribbean Airlines Cargo appoints GSSAs
for UK, Western Europe
Caribbean
Airlines Cargo has appointed two new General Sales and Service Agents (GSSAs)
for the UK and Western Europe to improve customer access to its cargo services
and strengthen trade connectivity between Europe and the Caribbean. The airline
has named APG as its GSSA for Western Europe, while A.N.A. Aviation Services,
operating as Network Airline Services, will represent Caribbean Airlines Cargo
in the United Kingdom.
The
appointments are aimed at making it easier for customers across the cargo
network to access European trade and for shippers in Europe to connect with
Caribbean markets. APG will represent Caribbean Airlines Cargo across a wide
range of Western European countries, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain,
the Netherlands, Switzerland and the Nordic region, among others.
Through
this partnership, the airline expects increased visibility and commercial
opportunities in these markets, along with reliable local support for bookings,
rates and service enquiries. In the UK, Network Airline Services will represent
Caribbean Airlines Cargo across England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The
company’s established presence and industry experience are expected to provide
customers with convenient access to cargo solutions from major regions across
the country. Commenting on the appointments, Caribbean Airlines’ General
Manager Cargo and New Business, Marklan Moseley, said the partnerships are
intended to provide customers in both Europe and the Caribbean with smooth and
reciprocal trade access.
He added
that having trusted local representatives in these markets will help support
shippers’ needs on both sides of the Atlantic. Caribbean Airlines Cargo said it
remains committed to delivering dependable service across its network.
BLR Airport sees 13% growth in
coriander cargo in 2025 season
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) recorded a 13% year-on-year growth in coriander handling during the June–November 2025 season, managing a total of 5,904 metric tonnes, as India’s domestic agri trade continued to strengthen.
The
airport handled steady coriander movement across 22 domestic destinations
during the season, reflecting sustained demand. Volumes to northern and central
markets increased, with Lucknow, Varanasi and Jaipur registering notable
growth.
Kolkata
accounted for the largest share of coriander traffic, followed by Delhi,
Bagdogra, Ranchi and Patna, indicating continued demand across eastern and
northern consumption centres. To support changing demand patterns and expanding
domestic corridors, BLR Airport also facilitated coriander shipments to five
additional destinations namely Agartala, Agra, Nagpur, Amritsar and Port Blair
during the season.
Overall,
the coriander season reflected evolving demand trends and wider domestic
connectivity, reinforcing BLR Airport’s role in handling time-sensitive
agri-cargo and supporting India’s growing agricultural trade.
Air cargo’s furry passengers: Safety,
growth and trends
Pets are travelling by air more than ever before. Yet this activity still remains a quiet part of the air cargo industry. It is rarely tracked in the same way as pharmaceuticals, perishables or e-commerce. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), more than four million pets travel by air each year across passenger and cargo flights.
This shows the scale of global pet movement. However, there is no single, detailed global dataset that tracks how many pets are moved each year by cargo airlines alone or breaks the numbers down by carrier or region. Even so, airline disclosures, market studies and industry data now offer a clearer picture.
Together,
they show that pet transport by air is growing and becoming more organised,
even though reporting remains fragmented. Airlines reveal real 2025 numbers
Some of the strongest insight comes directly from airlines. Emirates SkyCargo
said it transported more than 14,600 pets in 2025 across its global network.
This is
equal to roughly 40 pets a day. Lufthansa Cargo, meanwhile, reported moving
around 12,000 pets during the same year, as part of its wider live animal
operations. These figures do not represent global totals. However, they clearly
show that pet transport is not a minor activity. For large cargo carriers, it
is a regular and established part of daily operations. Lifestyle changes are
driving demand The growth in pet air travel is closely linked to changing
lifestyles.
According
to Grand View Research, the US pet travel services market is expanding as pet
ownership rises and people move homes more frequently. This includes both
domestic moves and international relocations. Many owners now choose
professional pet travel services instead of managing the process themselves.
Transport services account for the largest share of this market.
Air travel
plays a key role, especially for long-distance and cross-border moves. Dogs
currently make up the largest share of pet travel, though cat travel is
expected to grow faster in the coming years. The report also shows that pet
travel is becoming more structured. Online bookings, veterinary support,
paperwork handling and tracking are now common.
While this
figure does not separate pets from other animals, it confirms steady growth in
animal transport by air. Live animals are sensitive cargo and must follow
strict rules. IATA’s Live Animals Regulations set standards for containers,
handling, training and animal welfare. An industry article published with
Cathay Cargo describes live animals as “high-trust cargo”. Unlike general
freight, animals need trained staff, careful planning and constant monitoring.
Airlines
must also be prepared for delays and emergencies. Airlines invest in special
facilities and training Major cargo carriers have made long-term investments in
this segment. Emirates SkyCargo operates dedicated pet handling facilities and
specialised lounges. Lufthansa Cargo has experience in transporting pets,
horses, ornamental fish and zoo animals.
Both
airlines work under IATA rules and train staff specifically for animal
handling. These investments show that live animals, including pets, are treated
very differently from standard cargo. Even though volumes are lower than other
products, the level of care required is much higher.
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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