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 February
23, 2025
Today’s
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/// Sea Cargo News ///
US Supreme Court
Overturns Key Trump-Era Tariffs, Undermining Former Administration’s Trade
Policies
The United States Supreme Court has struck
down major tariffs imposed during the Donald Trump administration, delivering a
significant setback to the former president’s economic and trade agenda.
The court ruled that the tariffs, which
targeted a range of imported goods, exceeded the legal authority granted to the
executive branch. The decision is expected to have wide-ranging effects on US
trade policy, international relations, and domestic industries that had been
affected by the levies.
Key sectors impacted include steel, aluminium,
and various consumer goods, where businesses had faced higher costs due to the
tariffs. Trade experts say the ruling may pave the way for the Biden
administration to recalibrate America’s approach to tariffs and trade
negotiations, potentially easing tensions with trading partners such as China,
the European Union, and Canada.
CMA CGM’s New Ship Contract Highlights Challenges for Indian Builders
The global shipping giant CMA CGM has signed a major shipbuilding contract with Cochin Shipyard Limited for six 1,700 TEU liquefied natural gas (LNG)-powered feeder container vessels, thrusting India’s shipbuilding sector into the international spotlight.
The agreement, formalised in New Delhi,
underscores both a milestone opportunity and the formidable challenges facing
Indian shipyards as they seek to compete with established global builders.
The vessels, which will be delivered between
2029 and 2031, mark the first time a leading global liner has commissioned
container ships from an Indian yard — a significant step toward positioning
India as a contender in large-ship construction.
However, industry analysts say the project
also puts Indian builders under intense pressure to meet demanding technical,
quality and timeline standards historically dominated by shipyards in South
Korea, China and Japan.
The contract signing was attended by senior
officials from the Indian Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways and
reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to boost domestic maritime capability
under broader
Policy reforms. India’s shipbuilding industry
has long aimed to break into the upper tier of the global market, but has faced
hurdles including limited experience with large, sophisticated vessels and
stiff competition from well-established international shipyards.
Beyond ship construction, CMA CGM also plans
to deepen its engagement in India’s maritime ecosystem. This includes exploring
container manufacturing and sustainable ship recycling initiatives, as well as
estab-lishing a research and development hub with a focus on artificial Intelli
-gence and digital technologies to optimise logistics and supply chain
operations.
While the contract is celebrated by many as a
testament to India’s growing shipbuilding ambitions, it also serves as a high
stakes test case; successfully delivering these vessels on time and to global
standards could accelerate further foreign order – but delays or quality
setbacks could reinforce concerns about India’s readiness for top-tier maritime
manufacturing.
Apple Producers Fear
Cheap Imports After Trade Agreements
Apple growers across key producing regions in India are raising concerns that recent trade agreements could lead to an influx of low-priced imported fruit, threatening the viability of domestic orchards and farmers’ livelihoods.
Duty Cuts Growers in major apple-producing
states such as Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand fear that
tariff reductions under recent trade pacts — including interim arrangements
with the United States and free trade agreements with countries like the
European Union and New Zealand — could result in cheaper foreign apples
entering the Indian market.
Under these deals, tariffs on imported apples have been lowered or offered on a quota basis, raising fears that producers will struggle to compete on price with imported fruit that may be sold at lower rates once levies are reduced. Growers say such a scenario could depress domestic apple prices, compress profit margins and harm the economic stability of farming communities that rely on apple cultivation.
Brazilian Court Forces
Renewed Access to Cargill Santarém Port Terminal
A Brazilian federal court has **reinstated an order requiring access to the river port terminal operated by Cargill in Santarém, overturning a temporary suspension of the mandate and marking a legal win for the U.S. grain trader.
The decision was signed by federal judge
Shamyl Cipriano late on Wednesday. Indigenous groups and allied protesters have
been blocking truck access to the terminal for several days, opposing plans to
dredge the Tapajós River—a move they say could accelerate the transport of soy,
corn and other grains for export but harm local ecosystems and Indigenous
livelihoods.
Last Friday, a federal court initially
ordered the government to clear the blockade within 48 hours and restore access
to the facility. However, federal prosecutors successfully appealed that ruling
on procedural grounds, arguing it ignored legal requirements for Indigenous
consultation and mediation. That appeal briefly halted the order before it was
reinstated this week.
The renewed decision obliges authorities to
ensure unhindered entry to Cargill terminal in Para state, a crucial logistics
hub for Brazil’s agriculture exports. Amport, an association representing
Amazon Basin Port operators, welcome the ruling, stating it recognizes the
“essential nature of port infrastructure and the harm resulting from a
prolonged shutdown.
Despite the Court order, protests continue.
Local media reported Indigenous demonstrators have intercepted barges on the
Tapajos River, highlighting ongoing tensions over the future of the waterway,
dredging plans and the broader role of agribusiness in the region.
False Flag Vessels
Surge to 529, Triggering International Scrutiny
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has identified 529 vessels operating under false flags, raising serious concerns about maritime safety, regulatory compliance, and sanctions enforcement across global shipping lanes.
According to information circulated among
member states, the vessels were found to be falsely claiming registration under
flag states without proper authorisation. The issue stems largely from the
proliferation of fraudulent ship registries and the misuse of legitimate flag
state identities, creating legal ambiguities and enforcement challenges.
The IMO has been working with flag
administrations to verify ship registrations and remove unauthorised entries
from international databases. Several flag states have reportedly moved swiftly
to invalidate fraudulent certificates and notify port authorities worldwide.
False flag operations can : (1) Undermine maritime safety oversight, (2)
Obscure vessel ownership and beneficial control, (3) Complicate sanctions monitoring and
enforcement, (4) Increase risks related to insurance and liability.
Shipping experts warn that vessels operating
under fake registries often evade inspections, safety standards and
environmental regulations, posing heightened risks to crews and cargo.
Crackdown underway : A) Cross-check IMO ship
identification numbers B) Strengthen registry authentication procedures C)
Improve data-sharing between maritime authorities D) Raise awareness among port state control agencies.
The rise in falsely flagged ships comes amid
broader geopolitical tensions and tightening sanctions regimes, which have
driven some operators to seek opaque registration channels.
The IMO has reiterated its commitment to
safeguarding the integrity of the global shipping system, emphasising that
legitimate flag state governance remains central to maritime safety and
environmental protection. Further updates are expected as investigations
continue and member states review additional suspect registrations.
Danish Officials
Detain Sanction-Listed Boxship
Authorities in Denmark have detained a container vessel listed under international sanctions, reinforcing the country’s commitment to enforcing global trade restrictions. According to officials, the boxship was held following compliance checks that identified its inclusion on a sanctions list linked to ongoing geopolitical measures.
The detention was carried out in coordination
with maritime and customs authorities to ensure adherence to European Union and
international regulations. While details regarding the vessel’s ownership and
cargo have not been fully disclosed, sources indicate that the action forms
part of heightened monitoring of shipping activities in Northern European
waters.
Ports across the region have stepped up
scrutiny of vessels connected to sanctioned entities, particularly amid
tightening enforcement frameworks. The detention may result in further
investigation into the ship’s documentation, cargo manifests and beneficial
ownership structures. Authorities will determine the next course of action in
line with applicable legal procedures.
The move underscores Denmark’s firm stance on
sanctions compliance and highlights the growing regulatory pressure on maritime
operators to ensure transparency in vessel ownership and trading activities.
Embraer Ties Up
with Hindalco for Aluminium Supply
Embraer has entered into a strategic partnership with Hindalco Industries to source high-performance aluminium products for its aircraft manufacturing programs. Under the agreement, Hindalco will supply aerospace-grade aluminium solutions tailored to meet Embraer’s stringent quality and certification requirements.
The collaboration is aimed at strengthening
Embraer’s global supply chain while enhancing the role of Indian manufacturing
in the international aerospace ecosystem. Officials from both companies
highlighted that the partnership reflects growing industrial cooperation
between Brazil and India. The arrangement is expected to support Embraer’s
commercial and defence aircraft production, ensuring reliable access to
advanced lightweight materials critical for fuel efficiency and structural
performance.
For Hindalco, the tie-up reinforces its expanding footprint in the global aerospace sector, leveraging its downstream capabilities and specialised aluminium product portfolio. The company has been increasing its focus on value-added products aligned with high technology industries.
The agreement signals a broader trend of
aerospace manufacturers diversifying sourcing bases and building resilient
supply chains amid evolving global market dynamics.
Qatar Cargo
Expands Network with Yerevan–Tbilisi Freighter Route
Qatar Airways Cargo has expanded its global
network with the launch of a new weekly freighter service connecting Yerevan
and Tbilisi, strengthening air cargo links between the Caucasus region and key
international markets.
The new service provides dedicated main-deck
capacity to Yerevan, Armenia, and Tbilisi, Georgia, offering exporters improved
access to the carrier’s extensive global network via its Doha hub.
The addition is expected to support growing
trade flows from the region, particularly for perishables, pharmaceuticals,
textiles, and high-value industrial goods. By deploying a scheduled freighter
operation, Qatar Cargo aims to provide enhanced reliability, greater uplift
capacity, and seamless onward connections to Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
Industry stakeholders in both Armenia and
Georgia have welcomed the move, noting that improved air freight connectivity
will help local businesses expand export reach and strengthen supply chain
resilience.
With this latest expansion, Qatar Cargo
continues to reinforce its strategic focus on emerging markets and underserved
trade cooridors, further consolidating its position as one of the world’s
leading air freight carriers.
MoU
Signed to Boost Export Cargo Movement via Jewar Airport
In a significant step for India’s expanding
air-cargo ecosystem, Air India SATS Airport Services Private Limited (AISATS)
and Continental Carriers Private Limited (CCPL) signed a Memorandum of
Understanding (MoU) on Friday at the AISATS Multi-Modal Cargo Hub located at
Noida International Airport, Jewar.
The MoU was formalised in the presence of
Vaibhav Vohra, Managing Director of Continental Carriers Pvt. Ltd., and
Ramanathan Rajamani, Chief Executive Officer of AISATS, alongside senior
officials from both organisations.
Under the framework of this partnership, the 2
companies will collaborate to enable seamless, customs-compliant export trans-shipment
cargo movement from Delhi’s air freight stations to the air cargo terminal at
Jewar. This coordinated effort is expected to ensure timely handover of cargo
to designated airlines, streamline regulatory procedures, and significantly
reduce logistics costs for exporters.
Kendra
Tanner, a professional with over thirty-three years’ experience in the
transportation industry, is the President of Allstates WorldCargo. Kendra
began her transportation career with Consolidated Freightways in 1988. With
her acquired experience in various areas of the business, in 2000 Kendra
moved to a freight forwarding company, EXEL Global Logistics (now DHL), and
served as a General Manager before joining the Allstates WorldCargo team in
2002. Kendra has an MBA Degree in Business Management from Chancellor
University. This is how Geoffrey made acquaintances and induced her to talk
to FT before she speaks at the Air Cargo Conference today. FT: What
inspired you to choose this business as a career? FT: How do
you define success? FT: What
advice would you give to women that either are just starting or thinking of
entering logistics that is so overrun with men in charge and alongside? FT: How
do you balance life otherwise whilst managing your business? KT: It's
definitely challenging, but you have to try to lead a somewhat balanced
life. Self-care is important because if you're not good, nothing else
will be either. I have a passion for animals, so when I am not working,
I am spending time with my horses, donkeys, and dogs. They bring peace
and tranquility to my life.  FT: What role has/does mentorship play in your career?
KT: I have been fortunate to have several mentors throughout my
career. I encourage everyone to have a mentor in their lives and to
rely on others for guidance and support when needed. You cannot do this
alone! FT: How do
you deal with chaos? FT: When
things go wrong have you ever considered that maybe there should be the
title, Chaos Manager FT: Looking
ahead . . . with AI and robots and ultra-high-speed everything, what
does the future look like? What about innovation and adaptability? FT: What
are some things that you would like the audience to exit the hall thinking
and talking about, above all else? |
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Esterlyn Coleman, Southwest Airlines, Director of Cargo Commercial, will be present on President's Day and ready to go when the Orlando AirCargo Conference opens its doors for business Monday February 16, 2026.
“We are so excited to connect with everyone at the Air Cargo
Conference 2026,” Esterlyn declared.
“So come on by Booth #302 and let’s talk about it now," she
enthused.
“I’m proud that so many of our member companies rely on Southwest
to move critical shipments across the U.S. and to their growing list of
international destinations," Brandon said.
“The DEN facility is a clear sign of Southwest’s continued investment
in speed, reliability, and infrastructure to support forwarders and shippers
alike," Brandon concluded.
“Our team is ready to learn more about your business needs and
explore how Southwest Cargo can help you reach new heights,” Esterlyn declared.
A thorough professional, Esterlyn Coleman is an experienced
authority in revenue management and marketing, that is just the ticket for SWA.
For the record, Esterlyn has served as Director of Cargo Revenue
Management & Marketing at SWA since December 2014.
Esterlyn landed at Southwest from FedEx, where she also operated as
a Revenue Operations Manager.
Break a leg, Esterlyn and Brandon at Air Cargo Event 2026 Orlando!
When you
talk air cargo with Alaska Airlines, in addition to the full menu
of non-stop air cargo services five days a week from Seattle to both Tokyo and
Seoul, you get the very strong indication from Ian Morgan who serves as
Vice-President Cargo that this is one resource that is a comer in our business
in 2026.
“Our Alaska and Hawaiian Air Cargo network
serve 14 locations across Asia, the South Pacific, Canada and Mexico from our
global gateways in Honolulu (HNL) and Seattle (SEA). Nonstop long-haul service
from Seattle (SEA) to Rome begins April 28, and to London on May 21, with more
coming up and down the line,” Ian says proudly.
Ian Morgan in 2026 is the go-to air cargo executive at Alaska and Hawaiian Air Cargo, who makes no bones about it when he declares that, “2026 is an important year.
“We have finally become one airline since
Single Operating Certificate was issued, and with our new combined carrier of
Alaska and Hawaiian, 1 plus 1 didn't equal 2; 1 plus 1 equals exponentially
more in terms of global reach and service. “On January 10, when we transitioned
to a single cargo operating system, it brought all our data under one roof, and
a single booking platform for our customers. This now extends our flagship
product GoldStreak to our important customer base in Hawaii. In addition to
this, we will be starting operations into Europe for the first time, with the
start of LHR/FCO.
“We have a packed year ahead, with
significant progress for our customer base, and there is more to come.”
“The past year was about proving what we
can achieve and laying the foundation for future growth, and our customers are
already seeing the results with our global expansion out of Seattle. Our cargo
division continues to show how important we are to the company’s success, and I
could not be prouder of our team.
“Now, 2026 will be a pivotal year as we
continue to expand. At the same time, we recognize we have the responsibility
to improve across all aspects of our business, including customer service and
operations. We are investing in our technology and our infrastructure so we can
deliver a world class shipping product as a world class airline.”
Man With A Plan
“When we spoke last year, we talked about
the excitement of what was to come.
“Well, now it’s here! As I mentioned, uur
single cargo booking system for all of our customers just launched in January,
and this is a big improvement for our customers. That opened online booking for
Hawaiian Air Cargo customers, using the same platform as we have at Alaska.
We’ve also just finished the project of co-locating our teams at stations
across our network, improving access to our entire portfolio of routes — now at
119, and continuing to grow.”
Ian is animated about what’s next, “we are
excited about preparing to launch in Europe, with service to Rome starting in
April. And in May, we launch in London, where of course, I began my career and
have very deep roots.”
We ask Ian, what’s the driver, the joy of
winning or the fear of losing?
He responds without a beat, “For me, it has always been both — one feeds the
other.
“But I must admit I have a real sense of
confidence going into 2026.
“Of course, this industry and
environment will continue to throw us curveballs, but when you are part of
something special, like I am fortunate to be at Alaska, you can be prepared.
They say hope is not a strategy, but I believe that hope, belief, trust and
faith are the key elements that make a strategy successful. We have these in
abundance, and that is what will drive us in 2026.”
Who do you admire in business and
life? “Jason Berry became COO of Alaska/ Hawaiian Air Cargo, and will continue
to lead cargo. Definitely huge admiration there.
“And, frankly, I admire and respect
our whole industry — partners and competitors alike.
“We are a community, and time and
again we have proved that we succeed when we support one another.
“We are here in Orlando; the AfA is a
great example of that spirit. Cargo is an incredible community and after 47
years in this industry, it remains a privilege to be a part of it, and one I
never take for granted.
“To paraphrase what I always will
share: If you can still be an optimist after 47 years in this industry,
then you have succeeded.”
We asked this all-time air cargo pro
what are some measures and perhaps basic rules that air cargo can employ to
advance the business? What might air cargo change or adopt?
We asked Ian, based on his years in
the industry, whether there will continue to be an airline/forwarder
partnership as core to the business. And what his view is on how that
partnership can continue to prosper.
“The forwarder partnership becomes
even more important to us with our expansion. As we enter new markets, we will
need their support to be successful. We look forward to expanding our customer
base and bringing value to those relationships.
“We always look forward to AirCargo.
Every opportunity to connect with our customers is important, so we do our best
to ensure Alaska is represented as much as possible. We want to hear directly
from the cargo community and we want make certain that we are positioned
exactly where you need us to be.
“And no matter where that is, we look
forward to meeting you there.”
Ian adds, “my focus is on
continuously creating reasons for our customers to want to do business with us.
That can come from investment in infrastructure like IT, that positions us well
for the future. Perhaps even more important are the investments we’re making in
our teams as we bring the cargo operations of Alaska and Hawaiian together.
They are our most important investment because they provide the excellent
customer service people have come to love. Some wise words I think about often:
‘Look after your team and they will look after the customer.’”
As we close our conversation, we ask
Ian, what he does to relax. He smiles and says, “You may have to ask me about
this in Q2! Look, I’m fortunate to truly love what I do. At this moment, as we
are off and running at the start of a year of growth, I’ll admit I’m not as
focused on relaxing. We’re creating something new, and that’s very exciting.”
Geoffrey Arend
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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