JUPITER SEA & AIR
SERVICES PVT. LTD, EGMORE – CHENNAI, INDIA.
E-MAIL : Robert.sands@jupiterseaair.co.in Mobile : +91 98407 85202
Corporate News
Letter for Thursday February
12, 2025
Today’s
Exchange Rates
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CURRENCY▲ |
PRICE |
CHANGE |
%CHANGE |
OPEN |
PREV.CLOSE |
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90.73 |
0.150002 |
0.165601 |
90.56 |
90.58 |
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1.1914 |
0.0019 |
0.159737 |
1.1895 |
1.1895 |
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124.2389 |
0.426201 |
0.34423 |
123.7322 |
123.8127 |
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108.0926 |
0.177101 |
0.164111 |
107.8553 |
107.9155 |
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153.294 |
1.095993 |
0.709886 |
154.39 |
154.39 |
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1.3693 |
0.005 |
0.366488 |
1.3643 |
1.3643 |
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96.611 |
0.188004 |
0.194221 |
96.821 |
96.799 |
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0.5917 |
0.0046 |
0.78351 |
0.5868 |
0.5871 |
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/// Sea Cargo News ///
Madras Port Employees
Union Opposes ChPA Equity Investment in Bharat Container Line
The Madras Port & Dock Employees Union
(CITU) has strongly objected to the Centre’s proposal urging the Chennai Port
Authority (ChPA) to invest five per cent equity in the proposed Bharat
Container Line (BCL), citing serious concerns over the port’s financial
stability and employee welfare.
Union vice president T. Narendra Rao,
referring to media reports, said the Government plans to float BCL with equity
participation from several state-owned entities — Shipping Corporation of India
(SCI) and Container Corporation of India (CONCOR) holding 30 per cent each,
Sagarmala Finance Corporation 20 per cent, Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority 10
per cent, and Chennai Port Authority and V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority
contributing five per cent each.
“Chennai Port Authority is not financially
positioned to absorb fresh equity risks unrelated to its core port operations”,
Rao said, urging the Ministry of Ports, Shipping to desist from compelling CHPA
to invest in Bharat Container Line and to safe guard the port’s financial
stability.
India Pays $120
Million Chabahar Commitment Ahead of U.S. Waiver Deadline, Future Engagement
Unclear
The government on Friday informed Parliament
that India has fully paid its committed investment of USD 120 million for
Iran’s Chabahar port, completing the payment well before the U.S. sanctions
waiver expires in April 2026.
However, the move has sparked political
controversy and raised questions over India’s future role in managing the
strategic port. In a written reply to the Lok Sabha, the Ministry of External
Affairs (MEA) said India has fulfilled its obligation under the 10-year
Memorandum of Understanding signed with Iran in May 2024.
“India has fulfilled its commitment of
contributing USD 120 million for the procurement of port equipment,” the MEA
stated. The clarification came in response to questions from Congress MP Manish
Tewari, who accused the government of acting prematurely and effectively
“opting out” of the Chabahar port project.
He pointed to the government’s decision to
end annual budgetary allocations for the port in the Union Budget 2026-27 as an
indication that India may be stepping back from operational involvement.
V.O.
Chidambaranar Port Records Strong Growth in Timber Logs Cargo
V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, Tuticorin,
has registered a remarkable 176.03% year-on-year growth in timber logs cargo
during FY25–26 (April to January), compared to the corresponding period of the
previous financial year, marking a significant milestone in the Port’s bulk
cargo performance.
The substantial rise in timber traffic
reflects notable improvements in bulk cargo handling efficiency, faster
turnaround times, and enhanced operational coordination at the Port.
Focused infrastructure upgrades, better yard
management, and streamlined cargo evacuation systems have contributed to
smoother handling of timber consignments, enabling the Port to cater
effectively to rising industry demand.
Port officials noted that the growth also
highlights V.O. Chidam- baranar Port’s increasing role as a key gateway for
bulk cargo on the east coast, supported by reliable hinterland connectivity and
seamless multimodal logistics. The Port’s ability to accomo-
date higher cargo volumes while maintaining
operational efficiency has strengthened its appeal among importers and trade
stakeholders.
In addition, the adoption of improved
operational practices and customer centric services has helped attract new
cargo streams and retain existing users. The timber cargo surge algins with the
Port Authority’s broader strategy to diversify cargo profiles and enhance
overall throughput.
With sustained investments in infrastructure
and a continued focus on efficiency and service quality, VOC Port Authority is
well positioned to maintain growth momentum and further support India’s
evolving trade and logistics requirements.
Box Boom for India’s
Largest Container Port
India’s largest container gateway is
witnessing a strong surge in cargo volumes, signalling renewed momentum in the
country’s maritime trade and logistics sector.
Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), which
handles the bulk of India’s containerised cargo, has reported sustained growth
in container traffic, driven by robust export-import demand and improving
supply chain dynamics.
The rise in container throughput reflects
shifting global trade patterns, with India emerging as a key hub amid supply
chain diversification.
Industry stakeholders attribute the “box
boom” to higher manufacturing output, stronger consumption trends, and improved
port connectivity to inland markets. Operational efficiencies and
infrastructure upgrades at the port have also played a critical role.
Investments in terminal capacity, automation
and digital systems have enabled faster vessel turnaround times and improved
cargo handling, helping the port manage higher volumes without congestion.
The growth comes at a time when India is
stepping up its focus on port led development under national logistics and
maritime initiatives. Increase private sector participation and expanding
partnerships with global shipping lines have further strengthen- ed the port’s
position as a preferred gateway on major east-west trade routes.
Experts believe the sustained rise in
container traffic at the country’s largest port is a positive indicator for the
broader economy, as container volumes are widely seen as a barometer of trade
activity. With demand expected to remain steady, India’s container ports are
likely to see continued capacity expansion and operational modernisation in the
coming years.
Yang
Ming names first two 15,500 TEU LNG dual-fuel vessels
Yang Ming Marine Transport Corp, has held
naming ceremonies for its first two 15,500 TEU class LNG dual-fuel
containerships, YM Willpower and YM
Worthiness, marking a key milestone in the company’s fleet renewal and
decarbonisation programme.
The ceremonies took place on February 04,
2026 at HD Hyundai Heavy Industries’ shipyard in Ulsan, where the vessels were
constructed. Mrs. Yu-Fed Li, spouse of Taiwan’s Minister of Transportation and
Communications, Shih-Kai Chen, served as godmother for the naming of the
vessels.
Georgia
Ports welcomes US-India trade agreement
The Georgia Ports Authority welcomed the
announcement of a new trade agreement between the US and India, opening the way
for increased business between the two countries.
Eleven ocean carriers operate on these
routes, delivering transit times as short as 29 days.
Direct services call Nhava Sheva/Mumbai,
Pipavav and Hazira with additional port calls on the Indian Subcontinent,
including Colombo – Sri Lanka.
///// AIR CARGO NEWS /////
Maersk
Air Cargo offloads three 767 freighters
Maersk Air Cargo has sold three Boeing
767-300 freighters that were being operated by Amerijet on the transpacific
trade lane.
The company did not reveal which firm had
purchased the aircraft, but said they had been sold to “a close strategic
partner” in an effort for “owned controlled fleet optimisation”.
“We can confirm the sale of three Boeing
767-300 to a close strategic partner, in an effort of owned controlled fleet
optimisation,” Maersk said in a statement.
“The three planes have been operated in the
US by Amerijet for Maersk on a three-year agreement which ends 1 April 2026.
The transfer of the planes is scheduled for mid of March 2026.”
The news that Maersk’s contract with Amerijet
was coming to an end was reported
by Cargo Facts last week.
The aircraft had been operated by Amerijet on
the transpacific trade lane.
Amerijet chief executive Joe Mozzali said
that as a result of the contract ending, approximately 40 pilots will be
furloughed on 28 February, representing about 20% of the firm’s total crew.
“No other employee groups are impacted at
this time,” he said. “The company will continue to closely evaluate our
evolving business needs to ensure we remain well-positioned for future
success.”
Asked what the impact would be on services
from Asia to the US following the ending of the contract, Maersk said that its
aim is to make sure its customers have access to capacity through its various
partnerships as well as its own-controlled operations.
The company pointed out that in 2024 it had
added two Boeing 777 freighters to its fleet and the majority of its air cargo
volumes are moved through belly capacity agreements.
“As an integrator of global logistics, Maersk
continues to offer its customers integrated end-to-end logistics solutions
across all modes of transport, including sufficient capacity in ocean, inland
and air transportation,” the company explained.
“In 2024, Maersk took delivery of two new
Boeing 777Fs and started building up owned long-haul capacity. Both 777F are
flying between China and Europe.”
In 2024, Maersk managed 327,000 metric tons
of air cargo for its customers, which makes it the 15th largest air cargo
forwarder according to figures from consultant Armstrong & Associates.
“The majority of the volume is transported on
purchased block capacity in the bellies of various airlines complemented by
owned controlled flight operations under the umbrella of our airline Maersk Air
Cargo which has a fleet of 18 Boeing cargo planes,” the company added.
The company’s fleet includes two 777Fs and 16
767Fs following the sale of the three 767-300Fs operated by Amerijet.
Maersk launched its transpacific operations
with Amerijet in
the first half of 2023 when belly capacity across the Pacific was
limited following the Covid crisis and demand was quickly ramping up.
Since then, passenger operations have
gradually been recovering opening up extra belly space, while demand between
China and the US last year came under pressure as a result of US trade and
e-commerce policy.
Silk
Way West continues freighter fleet renewal
Baku-hubbed Silk Way West Airlines has
continued to update its freighter fleet with more modern aircraft after the
delivery of a fourth Boeing 777 freighter aircraft.
The brand new Boeing 777 was delivered to
Baku directly from the Boeing factory in Seattle and is the fourth of six of
the model ordered by Silk Way West. The remaining two aircraft are due to be
delivered next year.
The aircraft is part of the airline’s ongoing
fleet renewal programme that has seen the carrier phase out two Boeing 747-400
freighters to optimise fleet efficiency and performance.
The arrival of two more 777s next year will
“mark the completion of the first phase of Silk Way West Airlines’ fleet
renewal programme”, the airline said in a press release.
Wolfgang Meier, president of Silk Way West
Airlines, said: “The delivery of our fourth Boeing 777 Freighter demonstrates
our disciplined approach to fleet renewal and our ability to deliver on
long-term strategic commitments.
“By transitioning away from older aircraft
and introducing next-generation freighters, we are strengthening our
operational performance, supporting sustainability objectives, and laying a
solid foundation for the next phase of fleet modernisation.”
Silk Way West Airlines’ total fleet now
stands at 12 aircraft, including four Boeing 777Fs, five Boeing 747-8Fs and
three. Beginning in 2028, the airline said it will launch the second phase of
its fleet modernisation programme, which includes the delivery of four Airbus
A350 and four
Boeing 777-8 Freighters.
“In addition to replacing older aircraft,
this phase will support capacity growth, allowing Silk Way West Airlines to
expand its operations while maintaining a modern and efficient fleet. “This
phase is planned to be completed by 2030, by which time the airline’s total
fleet is expected to reach 20 widebody aircraft.”
Mammoth
expects 777-200LRMF freighter conversion STC this month
Mammoth Freighters now expects Supplemental
Type Certification (STC) for its 777-200LRMF by the end of February. Type
Inspection Authorization (TIA) has been approved by the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA), the Fort Worth, Texas-based freighter conversion company
told Air Cargo News.
This means that STC issuance for Mammoth’s
777-200LR should follow closely behind, said Brian McCarthy, vice
president of marketing & sales for Mammoth. “We are anticipating STC
insurance by the end of the month or very close to it,” he said.
TIA is usually the last major step in the
freighter conversion process before an STC is issued. Mammoth said in December that FAA-witnessed
final test flights would be carried out in early January ahead of and
certification and delivery to launch customer Qatar Airways Cargo, which has an
agreement for five of the aircraft with Texas-based lessor, Jetran.
The FAA has also been occupied with
administrative work related to the 777-200LR, including audits of reports and
data. Mammoth has faced a substantial wait for the 777-200LRMF STC since it
completed the initial
test flight of the 777-200LRMF prototype in May 2025.
Qatar Airways Cargo had expected to
receive the first and second aircraft during the fourth quarter, but the
43-day US government shutdown delayed the STC process.
Steady 777-300ER progress
Meanwhile, the build of Mammoth’s 777-300ER
is steadily progressing and the STC could be ready by the end of this summer. The
build progress and test flight preparations look set to see the 777-300ER “STC
achievable by the end of August”, stated McCarthy.
The first main cargo door installation on Mammoth’s
777-300ERMF took place in February 2025.
“Most of the major structure has been
installed in the 300ER,” confirmed McCarthy.
He added: “Mammoths Design Approval
organization (ODA) will be issuing that STC amendment as soon as all
compliance, test results and data submittals are delivered and complete.”
There are currently three 777-300ER
conversion programmes in place with IAI, KMC and Mammoth, in addition to the
777-200LR programme in development with Mammoth.
Amazon
to add JAX to network
Amazon Air plans to establish an air cargo
facility at Jacksonville International Airport (JAX). Amazon has signed a lease with the
Jacksonville Aviation Authority (JAA) for an Amazon Air air cargo facility at
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX).
Operations are anticipated to begin in the
fourth quarter of this year, said JAA. Amazon
plans to use the facility, known as Air Cargo Building Four, for air cargo
storage and processing.
The facility comprises 50,000 sq ft of
warehouse and distribution space on approximately 4.7 acres. Amazon will occupy
the entire building once improvements are carried out.
JAA chief executive Mark VanLoh said: “Amazon
is one of the largest employers in Jacksonville, with several of their sort
facilities on or near our four airports. This is the next evolution of their
growth in Northeast Florida.”
This location represents Amazon’s first air
cargo location in Northeast Florida and will further grow and support its
current logistics and distribution network in Jacksonville.
Owen Torres, Amazon spokesperson,
commented: “Amazon is excited to work with the Jacksonville
Aviation Authority to continue fulfilling customer demand in Northeast Florida.
“Amazon has invested more than $45 billion in
the state of Florida since 2010, and this lease represents another commitment
to ensuring fast, reliable delivery for customers across the region.”
Amazon Air is now heavily focused on the US
market following its scaling back of European services in 2023. The company marked a turning point in its
operations in 2024 when it launched services for third parties through its Amazon
Air Cargo business.
Advancing
air cargo in a dynamic world
Global trade is being reshaped in real time.
Tariffs, geopolitical tensions, and policy uncertainty are altering trade
lanes, fragmenting supply chains, and increasing the premium on speed and
reliability.
In this environment, air cargo is no longer
just a mode of transport—it is a strategic enabler of global commerce. In 2025,
air cargo demand grew by 3.4%. But that headline number masks a more complex
reality. Growth was uneven, reflecting shifting trade patterns, re-routing, and
increasingly diversified supply chains.
There was a clear shift in cargo flows from
Asia–North America to Asia–Europe driven by tariff pressures and the removal of
the US de minimis exemption. These dynamics are not temporary. As we look to
2026, volatility is likely to remain a defining feature of global trade—and
adaptability will remain air cargo’s greatest strength.
The question facing the industry is not
whether air cargo can respond to change—it has proven that repeatedly—but how
it can continue to do so faster, more efficiently, and more sustainably. That
challenge sits at the heart of the discussions taking place at the IATA World
Cargo Symposium (WCS) in Lima in March 2026.
This year’s symposium focuses on advancing
air cargo in a dynamic world by moving from diagnosis to delivery. Across
dedicated tracks on regulation, digitalisation, and special cargo, industry
leaders, policymakers, and practitioners will examine how to strengthen the
foundations that allow air cargo to perform under pressure.
Regulation is one of those foundations.
Well-designed, globally aligned rules enable trade; fragmented or outdated
regulations constrain it. As supply chains become more complex, regulatory
frameworks must keep pace—particularly for special cargo such as
pharmaceuticals, live animals, lithium batteries, perishables, and e-commerce
shipments.
At WCS, regulators and industry will engage
directly on how to maintain high safety and security standards while improving
efficiency and predictability across borders.
Digitalisation is another critical
enabler—and one where progress is now tangible. The industry is moving beyond
discussion toward implementation, with initiatives such as ONE Record
demonstrating how standardised, end-to-end data exchange can improve visibility,
reduce errors, and support smarter operational decisions.
Practical sessions in Lima will showcase real
airline use cases and live system demonstrations, underlining that digital
cargo is no longer a future ambition, but an operational necessity. The
symposium will also address how air cargo can improve environmental performance
while continuing to deliver the speed and reliability global trade depends on.
A dedicated plenary session will explore
practical pathways to reduce emissions, accelerate the adoption of new
technologies and processes, and enhance operational efficiency and resilience
across the supply chain.Hosting WCS in South America for the first time
reflects the region’s growing importance in global air cargo. The sector plays
a vital role in connecting South American producers to global
markets—particularly for time- and temperature-sensitive exports—and in
supporting economic development across the region.
Lima provides a fitting setting to focus on
how air cargo can continue to enable trade in an increasingly dynamic
environment.
The air cargo industry has proven its
resilience through crisis and disruption. But resilience alone is not enough.
Continued success will depend on the industry’s ability to strengthen
regulation, accelerate digitalisation, and invest in the capabilities needed to
handle increasingly complex cargo flows safely, efficiently, and sustainably.
In a dynamic world, standing still is not an
option. The conversations in Lima are about ensuring air cargo continues to
move forward—together.
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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