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 January
24, 2025
Today’s
Exchange Rates
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CURRENCY▲ |
PRICE |
CHANGE |
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OPEN |
PREV.CLOSE |
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91.94 |
0.310005 |
0.338323 |
91.50 |
91.63 |
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1.1828 |
0.0073 |
0.621014 |
1.1755 |
1.1755 |
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124.3945 |
1.209297 |
0.98169 |
123.4339 |
123.1852 |
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107.9129 |
0.775299 |
0.723648 |
107.467 |
107.1376 |
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155.669 |
2.740997 |
1.730318 |
158.41 |
158.41 |
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1.3629 |
0.0128 |
0.948076 |
1.3501 |
1.3501 |
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98.328 |
0.030998 |
0.031515 |
98.333 |
98.359 |
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0.5818 |
0.0041 |
0.709705 |
0.5784 |
0.5777 |
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/// Sea Cargo News ///
OCEAN Alliance marks 10 years with launch of “Day 10 Product”
CMA CGM, COSCO SHIPPING, Evergreen Line and OOCL have officially launched the OCEAN Alliance “Day 10 Product”, marking 10 years of collaboration and strengthening the world’s largest operational liner shipping network.
* Zeebrugge * Rotterdam
*
Gdansk * Hamburg * Felixstowe
This “Diamond Line” network connects over 70
ports across 30+ countries, including the Baltic, Black Sea, North Africa,
Mediterranean and Ireland.
Asia – Mediterranean & Black Sea : Four services link Asia with Western Med,
Eastern Med, Adriatic and Turkey. Piraeus serves as a key hub integrating
feeder networks and land-sea corridors into Central and Eastern Europe.
Trans-Atlantic Expansion : Six Trans-Atlantic services connect :
|
North Europe – U.S. East Coast |
Mediterranean – U.S. East Coast |
|
U.S. Gulf & Mexico – Europe |
U.S. East Cost – North Europe |
|
U.S. East Coast – Mediterranean |
Europe – Mexico & U.S. Gulf. |
These routes exceed 100 Direct Port Pairs and
integrate with regional feeder systems.
Misurata
Free Zone to become regional transshipment hub
The Misurata Free Zone has partnered with Qatar’s Maha Capital Partners and Terminal Investment Limited, the MSC Group’s investment arm. They aim to modernise and expand the port. The goal is to make it a major Mediterranean logistics hub.
This is Libya’s largest non-oil
infrastructure project since 2011. The port will grow to handle 4 Million TEU’s
per year. Development will include upgraded berths, yards and equipment.
Advanced Terminal Operating Systems will speed operations. The port will also
host Ultra-Large Container Vessels. It will connect fully to the Free Zone’s
industrial and logistics network.
The project will create 2,000 direct jobs and
40,000 indirect jobs in transport, services and industry. Total investment is
USD. 2.7 Billion.
TIL/MSC brings global shipping experience and
a network of 500 ports. MCP provides long-term financing and project expertise.
The Free Zone covers 2,576 hectares and handles 60-65% of Libya’s container
trade. The partnership will transform it into a Mediterranean logistics
platform, connecting Europe, Africa and the Middle East.
OOCL
unveils 2026 product line up
OOCL has announced its 2026 Product Line up following the signing of OCEAN Alliance Day 10 Products. The update reflects changing customer needs and market conditions.
Since forming OCEAN Alliance in 2017, OOCL
and its partners have focused on competitive services and reliable networks. In
2026, the alliance further refines port rotations, expands coverage and
improves service reliability.
The Day 10 products aim to deliver efficient
shipping solutions, strengthen global trade stability and support a more
sustainable shipping industry.
Service launch timeline : From April 2026,
OOCL will launch OCEAN Alliance Day 10 services. TPT services will begin in May
2026.
Pacific Services – OOCL will operate
:
9 Pacific South West Services and 5
Pacific North West services.
These services link key ports in China,
Southeast Asia and Vietnam with the U.S. West Coast and Canada.
Asia – North America East Coast and
U.S.Gulf :
OOCL will offer 8 services connecting with
the U.S. East Coast and Gulf Coast. These services improve access to major
ports such as New York, Savannah, Charleston, Houston and Mobile.
Asia – North Europe :
OOCL will deploy 7 Asia-North Europe loops.
Due to Red Sea security concerns, vessels will currently route via the Cape of
Good Hope. OOCL
Has also prepared Suez Canal rotations which
it will activate when conditions allow.
IMO welcomes entry into force of BBNJ agreement
Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction
(BBNJ) Agreement enters into force in January 2026. It becomes the first global
treaty to protect marine life in international waters. The agreement sets
legally binding rules for the sustainable use of ocean resources on the high
seas. It applies beyond national jurisdiction.
The BBNJ Agreement follows its adoption in
June 2023. More than 80 countries have ratified it to date.
UK-led
consortium unveils plan for nuclear powered shipping
A fresh wave of flight cancellations has hit the Middle
East as escalating tensions between the U.S.A. and Iran raise fears of a wider
military confrontation, forcing major international airlines to suspend or
scale back operations across the region.
Air France, KLM, Lufthansa and several other airlines
cancelled flights to Israel and key Gulf destinations late Friday January 23,
2026, citing a worsening security situation, as per aviation news network Air
Live.
The suspensions, many of which extend through the
weekend, have stranded thousands of passengers and disrupted regional air
connectivity.
According to Air Live, KLM and Air France halted flights
not only to Tel Aviv but also to major hubs in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
KLM said it cancelled all overnight flights to Israel and
the Gulf through Sunday and remains in “close contact with the government”
while reviewing safety conditions.
Lufthansa Group restricted flights to Israel to daytime
operations and extended its avoidance of Iranian and Iraqi airspace, while
North American carriers United Airlines and Air Canada scrapped scheduled
services to Tel Aviv on Friday and Saturday.
US Military build up raises stakes : The flight disruptions come as Washington
ramps up its military presence in the Middle East. The Pentagon has been
sending additional US assets into the region, including aircraft carrier group
and thousands of troops, as per news agency.
US President Donald Trump said an American “armada” is
heading towards Iran, renewing warning over Tehran’s handling of protests and
its nuclear programme. “We have a massive fleet heading in that direction and
maybe we won’t have to use it”, he told reporters, saying the deployment was
precautionary.
Riyadh Air unveils
Riyadh Cargo to position city as global logistic hub
Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, today
announced the launch of its cargo operations under the brand “Riyadh Cargo”,
marking the airline’s entry into the global air cargo market and activation of
belly-hold cargo operations across its wide-body fleet.
Riyadh Cargo’s strategy includes the utilisation of
capacity on Riyadh Air’s over 120 on-order wide-body aircraft, which we will
use to move goods efficiently and reliably, connecting global markets The
launch of the brand reflects a deliberate, phased approach to building a
scalable and integrated cargo business, anchored at the airline’s Riyadh hub,
and designed to grow in step with network expansion and operational maturity.
Since recently commencing operations as part of the
airline’s wider Pathway to Perfect process, Riyadh Cargo has demonstrated
remarkable operational momentum on the Riyadh to London Heathrow route,
successfully transporting substantial cargo volumes across a wide spectrum of
commodities.
These include garments and textiles, fresh flowers,
seafood, tea, and coffee, highlighting the operation’s consistent and reliable
ability to handle time-sensitive, perishable, and high-value shipments.
“Riyadh Cargo has been built with a clear focus on
operational discipline, reliability, and long-term scalability,” stated Pravin
Singh, Global Head of Cargo at Riyadh Air. “Launching within a live environment
allows us to test, learn, and continuously refine how we operate, while
delivering real value to our customers from the get-go.
The launch of the brand is a foundational step in
building a cargo business that grows alongside our network expansion and
supports Saudi Arabia’s broader logistics ambitions.”
Digital capability remains central to Riyadh Air’s core
values, and Riyadh Cargo has ensured the integration of dedicated cargo
management systems, centralised airwaybill control, and enhanced data
visibility to improve transparency, accelerate decision‑making, and maintain
consistently high service levels. In addition, centralised functionality, such
as the management of airwaybill stock with round‑the‑clock access, provides a
critical operational advantage.
In line with its digital-native origins, Riyadh Cargo has
partnered with CHAMPS’s Cargo spot-neo, a next-gen cargo end-to-end platform.
The digital management system enables greater operational control, enhanced
data visibility, and more responsive decision-making, supporting service
reliability as volumes and network complexity expand.
Additionally, cargo operations are further supported by a
strategic investment aligned with best-in-class digitally tracked unit load
devices (ULDs). Riyadh Air works closely with Unilode to manage and digitally
track lightweight, durable ULDs. These assets improve visibility, enable
real-time monitoring and stock optimisation, and support more efficient and
sustainable cargo movements, particularly during irregular operations.
On the ground, cargo handling and hub management are
delivered in partnership with SATS Saudi Arabia Company. Services are provided
at key airports across the Kingdom, including King Khalid International Airport
(KKIA) in Riyadh, King Fahd International Airport (KFIA) in Dammam, and King
Abdulaziz International Airport (KAIA) in Jeddah.
These locations are supported by modern facilities, specialised handling zones, and centralised hub management, enabling real-time oversight and smooth cargo connections. Riyadh Cargo will further benefit from dedicated facilities and enhanced capabilities designed to elevate the overall customer experience.
As Riyadh Air advances its ambitious growth plans with
its existing fleet size of more than 180 aircraft and a network expected to
reach over 100 destinations by 2030, the airline is expected to contribute
approximately USD 20 billion to Saudi Arabia’s non-oil GDP and support more
than 200,000 direct and indirect jobs globally.
Riyadh Cargo is positioned as a key enabler of this
growth, reinforcing the Kingdom’s ambition to become a leading global aviation
and logistics hub.
MSC Air Cargo adds
second Italian-registered 777F to long-haul fleet
MSC Air Cargo has taken delivery of its second
Italian-registered Boeing 777-200 Freighter, expanding long-haul capacity as
air freight markets continue to adjust to demand and capacity shifts.
The aircraft, registered as I-MSCB Bellatrix, was handed
over by Boeing at the Everett Delivery Centre in Washington on 14 January 2026,
strengthening the carrier’s ability to serve intercontinental trade flows.
Following delivery, the aircraft is being ferried from Everett to Milan and is
scheduled to arrive at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) today, 16 January, at 11:30
a.m. local time.
This marks Boeing’s first 777 Freighter handover of 2026.
At the Air Cargo Europe conference in June 2025, MSC Air Cargo chief executive
Jannie Davel, for the first time, announced the company’s decision to expand
its owned and operated fleet with two additional Boeing 777 Freighters. These
aircraft will be registered under the Italian AOC and based at Milan Malpensa
Airport.
The additional freighter is expected to support growth on
Asia–Europe corridors, where long-haul momentum has been returning. MSC Air
Cargo said further route details will be communicated later, indicating a
phased approach to network deployment aligned with market requirements. The
aircraft follows the induction of MSC Air Cargo’s first fully owned Boeing 777
Freighter, named Alfirk.
The carrier is scheduled to take delivery of one more
777F later this year as part of its fleet expansion plan. The aircraft is the
second widebody freighter registered in Italy under MSC Air’s European air
operator certificate. The registration reflects the group’s strategy of
building its aviation footprint within Europe while integrating air cargo more
closely into the wider MSC logistics network spanning sea, road, and rail.
“The addition of a second Boeing 777 Freighter operated
by MSC Air marks another important step in our operational growth and
commitment to the European market. This expansion enhances our capacity and
operational flexibility, enabling us to provide even more reliable and tailored
solutions for our customers.
Our focus remains on delivering customer-centric services
that meet the evolving needs of global trade,” said Anders Matikka, Vice
President of MSC Air Cargo. Boeing said the delivery reinforces MSC Air Cargo’s
long-term fleet plans and its focus on operating efficiency across global
gateways.
“With today’s newest 777 Freighter delivery, MSC Air
Cargo continues to invest in its future by further enhancing the capability of
its global network. The 777 Freighter is the most fuel-efficient aircraft in
its class and will connect MSC’s global gateways to key international markets,
offering unmatched operating efficiencies.
MSC Air Cargo’s continued confidence in the 777 Freighter
programme is testament to the aeroplane’s outstanding capabilities in
supporting global cargo demand,” said Ricardo Cavero, Vice President of Boeing
Commercial Sales & Marketing Europe & Israel.
Elbe Flugzeugwerke
hands over eight A330 freighters to Air China Cargo
Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH (EFW) has successfully delivered
all eight Airbus A330‑200 aircraft converted for its first major order in
China, the company said in a LinkedIn post. The deliveries were completed
following a celebratory ceremony this week as the final converted aircraft was
handed over in Chengdu.
The German aircraft conversion specialist said its teams
worked closely with partner Ameco in Chengdu to complete the conversions. The
collaboration delivered the entire fleet and marked the end of the project,
which began with the first aircraft inducted in early 2023.
EFW’s Head of Conversion Programme, Torsten Kühn, said
the company was proud of the cooperation with Air China Cargo and Ameco and
looked forward to continuing the partnership in the years ahead. Ameco’s CEO,
Shen Min, said the first aircraft delivery had been the starting point of the
cooperation and the full delivery of the fleet was the beginning of a new phase
of joint work.
The conversion work for the Air China freighters took
around two years and combined EFW’s technical expertise and certification with
Ameco’s in‑country conversion capabilities, the company added.
The first Airbus A330 passenger‑to‑freighter (P2F)
converted by EFW through Ameco had entered service with Air China Cargo on
December 15th, 2023. This delivery was part of the eight‑aircraft order signed
in 2023, with all aircraft owned by the airline and converted at Ameco’s
Chengdu facility.
The project demonstrated EFW’s ability to deliver
converted Airbus freighters on schedule, marking Air China Cargo’s first
operation of A330P2Fs. The order itself was confirmed through a firm contract
between EFW and Air China Cargo for the eight A330 conversions.
The first aircraft was inducted at Ameco Beijing and was
scheduled for redelivery by the end of 2023. Air China Cargo described adding
these converted Airbus freighters as a natural step for its fleet, while EFW
highlighted its anticipation of seeing the aircraft in operation under the
airline’s livery soon.
Swissport opens
first UK perishables hub at Heathrow
Swissport has launched its first dedicated perishables centre in the United Kingdom at London Heathrow Airport, strengthening its global cold chain network and expanding capacity for time- and temperature-sensitive cargo.
The facility has begun operations with Scan Global
Logistics as its first customer, marking a new phase in the handling of seafood
and other perishables moving through the UK’s largest air cargo gateway.
The purpose-built site was acquired by Swissport in
November 2024 as part of its strategy to expand perishables handling capability
in the UK. The facility is designed to support growing volumes of seafood and
fresh produce, with a focus on improving predictability, throughput and
handling quality for exporters and logistics providers operating in Northern
Europe and beyond.
Scan Global Logistics is the first operator to establish
a dedicated presence at the centre. The partnership is aimed at strengthening
capacity and improving consistency for temperature-sensitive shipments. Steen
Søgaard, RCEO North Europe at Scan Global Logistics, said producers of
perishables depend on predictable capacity and controlled handling as volumes
increase.
He added that the facility provides a stable platform for
both daily operations and long-term growth. The Heathrow site operates around
the clock and includes temperature controlled handling areas designed
specifically for fresh seafood logistics. Covering approximately 2,694 square
metres, the centre has an annual handling capacity of up to 30,000 tonnes.
The facility also includes a dedicated Border Inspection
Post, enabling airside inspection and faster clearance of imported goods,
reducing dwell time and protecting product integrity. Swissport plans to install an EMIS screening
system at the site in the first quarter of 2026. The system allows palletised
seafood shipments to be screened without being broken down, enabling faster
processing and fewer handling steps.
The technology is expected to improve flow consistency
during peak periods while meeting EU security requirements. Colin Wells, Global
Head of Perishables at Scan Global Logistics, said the system would allow
perishables to move through Heathrow with greater efficiency and
predictability.
He added that the approach supports improved processing
times while maintaining quality and freshness for exporters relying on the hub.
Heathrow plays a central role in global seafood logistics, with an estimated
200,000 tonnes of salmon passing through the airport each year. As direct
uplift from origin becomes more constrained, hub operations with reliable
throughput are becoming increasingly important for exporters in Norway,
Iceland, the Faroe Islands and the UK.
Industry data indicates continued growth in farmed
Atlantic salmon volumes, with Europe and the Americas each accounting for
around 35 to 40 per cent of global consumption. Forecasts from Kontali point to
production growth of between 15 and 25 per cent from 2025 to 2030, increasing
pressure on airport infrastructure and cold chain performance.
The new facility forms part of Swissport’s wider global
network of temperature-controlled cargo centres. The company operates 117 cargo
facilities worldwide and handles around 5 million tonnes of freight annually.
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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