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 February
21, 2025
Today’s
Exchange Rates
|
CURRENCY▲ |
PRICE |
CHANGE |
%CHANGE |
OPEN |
PREV.CLOSE |
|
|
90.98 |
0.300003 |
0.330837 |
90.94 |
90.68 |
|
|
|
1.1787 |
0.0014 |
0.118916 |
1.1773 |
1.1773 |
|
|
|
122.5465 |
0.096703 |
0.078973 |
122.2161 |
122.4498 |
|
|
|
107.0695 |
-0.280693 |
-0.261474 |
106.8943 |
107.3502 |
|
|
|
154.853 |
-0.156998 |
-0.101282 |
155.01 |
155.01 |
|
|
|
1.35 |
0.0035 |
0.259932 |
1.3465 |
1.3465 |
|
|
|
97.898 |
-0.027 |
-0.027573 |
97.89 |
97.925 |
|
|
|
0.5856 |
0.0005 |
0.085459 |
0.5851 |
0.5851 |
|
/// Sea Cargo News ///
Chennai Port Crosses 50 MMT Cargo
Throughput Mark in FY 2025-26 — Achieves Target Ahead of Last Year
Chennai Port Authority announced that it has
surpassed the 50 million metric tonnes (MMT) cargo throughput milestone for the
current financial year 2025-26, marking a significant operational achievement
for one of India’s key maritime gateways.
The port reached this milestone on 1 March
2025, 22 days earlier than in the previous fiscal year, reflecting improved
productivity and trade momentum. According to official updates, Chennai Port
has demonstrated strong performance across cargo segments, supported by
enhanced operational efficiency and stakeholder collaboration.
In the same period, the port also registered
record container traffic, handling a record 1.66 million TEUs (Twenty-foot
Equivalent Units) — the highest in recent years — underscoring robust container
trade activity.
Port officials have attributed the milestone
to streamlined procedures, better vessel turnaround times, and strengthened
hinterland connectivity, which together have facilitated smoother cargo flows.
Enhanced trade facilitation efforts and continuous coordination with shipping
lines, freight operators and logistics partners have been key to the Port’s accelerated
throughput.
This achievement builds on the port’s recent
performance trends in the proceeding fiscal year (2024-25), Chennai Port and
neighboring Kamarajar Port together handled more than 100 MMT of cargo, with
Chennai Port contributing nearly 55 MMT to that total – marking a combined
historic throughput for the two ports.
Chennai Port continues to enhance its
capacity and efficiency as part of broader efforts to support India’s maritime
trade growth, amid rising cargo demand across major Indian ports.
Mundra T2 Terminal Logs Highest-Ever
Monthly Throughput in January 2026
The Mundra T2 Terminal has achieved its highest-ever monthly throughput, handling a record 1,31,775 TEUs in January 2026, marking another significant milestone in India’s container logistics sector. This achievement represents the third time in the current financial year that the terminal has set a new monthly record.
Each successive milestone has surpassed the
previous benchmark, reflecting enhanced operational efficiency, sharper
execution strategies, and a strong commitment to performance excellence.
Located at Mundra Port, India’s largest commercial port, the T2 terminal
continues to strengthen its role as a critical gateway for the country’s
import-export trade.
The record-breaking performance highlights
the growing cargo volumes handled at the port and the increasing confidence of
shipping lines, exporters, and importers in its capabilities. Industry observers
note that consistent throughput growth at Mundra reinforces India’s expanding
trade footprint and supports the broader transformation of the nation’s
logistics ecosystem.
The terminal management credited its
dedicated workforce, operational teams, logistics partners and customers for
the achievement, emphasizing that collaborative effort and sustained focus on
service excellence remain central to setting new performance benchmarks.
With this latest records, Mundra T2 further consolidates its position as a leading container handling facility, continuing to drive efficiency, reliability and growth in India’s maritime trade landscape.
India Eyes Zero-Duty Textile Access to US, Easing Pressure from Bangladesh Advantage
Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal has indicated
that India may soon secure zero-duty access for textile exports to the United
States, potentially matching a tariff relief arrangement currently benefiting
Bangladesh.
The move is expected to ease concerns among
Indian exporters facing competitive pressure in the US market. According to
industry sources, Goyal conveyed during a meeting with textile industry leaders
at Vanijya Bhawan on Wednesday that India is exploring a similar arrangement
with the US administration.
A trade deal is anticipated to be finalised
by the end of March. Under preliminary tariff guidelines issued by the US
administration, countries that use at least 20 per cent US-origin raw materials
in the import value of finished products may qualify for zero-duty access when
exporting those goods to the US. Industry representative noted that this
provision is not exclusive to Bangladesh and could apply to India as well.
“The minister assured us that India will also
consider a similar deal. This means there will be no worry about losing our
market advantage to Bangladesh in the US, or about losing cotton exports to
Bangladesh,” said a source present at the meeting.
Given the limited scope for immediate increases in cotton productivity or acreage, India may in fact need to increase cotton imports in the coming years rather than reduce them. Experts suggest this scenario could benefit Indian cotton farmers by improving farm realisations and encouraging expansion of cultivation areas.
The anticipated US trade agreement, if
finalised, is expected to reinforce India’s competitive standing in global
textile markets while safeguarding both export interests and domestic cotton
producers.
Coffee Board Projects Historic $2
Billion Export Milestone in FY26
India’s coffee exports are projected to cross the $2 billion mark in FY26, with the Coffee Board forecasting record earnings driven by strong global demand and firm international prices.
According to industry estimates, Indian
coffee shipments have shown steady growth over the past few years, supported by
rising consumption in Europe, West Asia, and emerging Asian markets. The Board
expects both volume and value realisations to improve in FY26, pushing total
export earnings to a historic high.
India primarily exports Robusta and Arabica
varieties, along with value-added products such as instant coffee. Robusta, in
particular, has witnessed robust demand amid supply constraints in key
producing countries, strengthening India’s competitive position in global
markets.
Major export destinations for Indian coffee
include Italy, Germany, Belgium, Russia and Middle Eastern nations. Growing
interest in speciality and sustainably sourced coffee has also enhanced
opportunities for Indian producers, especially from regions such as Karnataka,
Kerala & Tamil Nadu.
The Coffee Board attributed the positive
outlook to improved crop management, higher quality standards and better market
access. Favourable global price trends and currency movements are further
expected to support realisations during the
fiscal year.
Industry stakeholders noted that continued
focus on branding, traceability and diversification into premium segments could
help sustain export growth in the coming years. With record earnings in sight,
the sector is poised to strengthen to India’s agricultural export basket in
FY26.
Iran Wraps Up Major Terminal Expansion
at Shahid Rajaee Port
Iran has completed a significant expansion of
the Shahid Rajaee Port terminal in Bandar Abbas, bolstering its container
handling infrastructure with new cranes and enlarged container yards as part of
broader efforts to strengthen the country’s maritime logistics capacity. The
upgraded terminal includes additional gantry cranes and expanded yard space
designed to boost throughput and improve cargo operations for both imports and
exports. Shahid Rajaee Port is Iran’s largest and most important maritime gateway,
handling a vast majority of the nation’s container traffic and serving as a
critical hub for trade across the Middle East and beyond.
Officials say the enhancements will help
accommodate larger vessels, reduce handling times, and support growing demand
in key sectors like industrial goods, consumer products, and regional transit
cargo. The expansion aligns with ongoing development phases aimed at increasing
annual container capacity and strengthening the port’s role in regional supply
chains.
New MoU to Facilitate Agricultural
Trade Through Panama Canal
The Panama Canal Authority and the US Grains & Bioproducts Council have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at strengthening agricultural trade flows through the strategic waterway.
The agreement seeks to enhance collaboration
in promoting the efficient movement of US grains and bioproducts to global
markets, particularly in Asia and Latin America. By working together, both
parties aim to improve logistics coordination, share market intelligence, and
support initiatives that facilitate smoother transit of agricultural
commodities.
US grain exports, including corn, sorghum,
and related bioproducts such as ethanol and distillers dried grains with
solubles (DDGS), rely heavily on the Panama Canal as a key transit route to
reach buyers in Asia. The MOU is expected to reinforce the canal’s role as a
vital link in global agri-supply chains.
Officials said the partnership will also
focus on information exchange related to vessel scheduling, cargo trends and
sustainability initiatives, helping exporters better plan shipments and
optimist supply chain efficiency.
The move comes amid evolving global trade
patterns and growing demand for agricultural commodities. By strengthening ties
with US
agricultural stakeholders, the Panama Canal
Authority aims to maintain its competitiveness and support reliable trade
corridors for bulk commodities.
Industry observers view the agreement as a
positive step toward enhancing collaboration between maritime infrastructure
providers and commodity exporters, ensuring that critical food and feed
supplies continue to move efficiently across international markets.
Lufthansa Cancels Nearly 800 Flights
as Pilots and Cabin Crew Strike
Lufthansa was forced to cancel nearly 800 flights after coordinated strike action by German pilots and cabin crew unions disrupted operations across major airports in the country. The one-day walkout affected both domestic and international routes, with Frankfurt and Munich — the airline’s primary hubs — witnessing significant flight cancellations and delays.
Thousands of passengers were impacted as the
airline struggled to maintain its schedule amid reduced staffing levels. Union
representatives said the strike was part of ongoing negotiations over pay,
working conditions, and staffing arrangements.
The labour groups have been pressing for wage
increases and improved work-life balance measures, citing rising inflation and
increased workloads in the post-pandemic travel rebound.
Lufthansa acknowledged large scale
disruptions and urged passengers to check flight status updates before heading
to airports. The airline offered rebooking options and refunds for affected
travellers, while also deploying limited contingency measures to operate
essential services.
Aviation analysts noted that the strike adds
further pressure on Europe’s busiest travel corridors, especially during a
period of strong passenger demand. The cancellations also highlight the
continuing labour tensions within the aviation sector as airlines and unions
negotiate new contracts.
Talks between Lufthansa management and union
leaders are expected to continue, though further industrial action has not been
ruled out if an agreement is not reached.
LATAM Hauls Massive Flower Shipment to
US for Valentine’s Demand
LATAM Cargo has transported approximately
24,000 tonnes of fresh flowers to the United States ahead of the Valentine’s
Day peak, supporting one of the busiest seasonal air freight operations of the
year. The shipments primarily originated from Colombia and Ecuador — two of the
world’s leading flower exporters — and were flown to key US gateways including
Miami and Los Angeles.
The airline deployed additional freighter
capacity and optimised schedules to meet the surge in demand linked to the
annual celebration. Valentine’s Day represents a crucial period for the
floriculture industry, with roses accounting for the majority of shipments.
Industry estimates suggest that a significant
share of flowers sold in the US during the holiday season are sourced from
Latin America, making reliable air cargo services essential.
LATAM Cargo said it coordinated closely with
growers, freight forwarders and airport authorities to ensure temperature-controlled
handling and timely delivery. Specialised cold chain processes were implemented
across the supply chain to preserve freshness and maintain product quality
during transit.
The airline group operates one of the largest
cargo networks in the region, with dedicated freighter aircraft supplemented by
belly capacity on passenger flights. Additional charter services were also
deployed during the Valentine’s peak to accommodate higher volumes.
The successful execution of the seasonal
flower airlift underscores the strategic role of air cargo in supporting
agricultural exports and meeting time-sensitive consumer demand in
international markets.
East Midlands Cargo Volumes Rise with
Introduction of Larger Aircraft
East Midlands Airport has reported a noticeable increase in cargo volumes following the deployment of larger aircraft on key freight routes. The airport, a major hub for express and e-commerce shipments, said the capacity boost has allowed operators to transport higher volumes of goods per flight, improving efficiency and throughput.
Airport officials noted that the introduction
of bigger freighters and expanded bellyhold capacity on passenger flights has
particularly benefitted time-sensitive cargo such as parcels, pharmaceuticals,
and high-value goods. This has also helped reduce congestion on ground handling
facilities and streamlined logistics operations.
Logistics companies and freight forwarders
welcomed the move, highlighting the potential for faster transit times and more
reliable service. The airport continues to attract additional cargo operators
seeking to leverage its strategic location in the Midlands and robust
connectivity to Europe and beyond.
With continued investment in infrastructure
and handling capabilities, East Midlands Airport aims to sustain growth in
freight volumes while maintaining its position as one of the UK’s leading cargo
hubs. Airport authorities expect that the larger aircraft deployments will
support further expansion, especially during peak shipping periods linked to
e-commerce and seasonal demand.
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.
Comments
Post a Comment