JUPITER SEA & AIR
SERVICES PVT. LTD, EGMORE – CHENNAI, INDIA.
E-MAIL : Robert.sands@jupiterseaair.co.in Mobile : +91 98407 85202
Corporate News Letter for Tuesday April 21, 2026
Today’s
Exchange Rates
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93.12 |
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1.1769 |
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1.177 |
1.1765 |
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125.8775 |
0.139404 |
0.110869 |
125.3623 |
125.7381 |
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109.5545 |
0.033707 |
0.030758 |
109.1588 |
109.5882 |
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158.776 |
0.136002 |
0.08573 |
158.58 |
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1.3521 |
0.0005 |
0.036991 |
1.3528 |
1.3516 |
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0.586 |
0.0016 |
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/// Sea Cargo News ///
JM Baxi Tuticorin
Container Terminal Sets New Record in OOG Cargo Handling
JM Baxi Tuticorin Container Terminal has achieved a significant operational milestone with the safe discharge of 47 Out of Gauge (OOG) units from the vessel SSL Krishna, marking the highest number of OOG units handled from a single vessel at the terminal.
The record
underscores the terminal’s growing capability in managing complex and oversized
cargo, a segment that demands meticulous coordination and specialised handling
expertise.
OOG cargo,
which includes heavy and irregularly shaped equipment, requires precise
planning, customised lifting arrangements, and stringent safety measures during
discharge operations.
According to
terminal officials, the successful handling of the consignment was made
possible through seamless coordination among operational teams, detailed
pre-arrival planning, and strict adherence to safety protocols. The operation
was executed without incident, reflecting the terminals focus on efficiency and
risk management.
This
achievement further strengthens Tuticorin Container Terminal’s position as a
reliable gateway for project cargo on India’s east coast, catering to
industries that rely on the movement of heavy and over dimensional equipment.
The
milestone also highlights JM Baxi’s continued commitment to operational
excellence and its ability to handle increasingly complex logistics
requirements in the maritime sector.
India-South Korea
Shipbuilding Ties Set for Major Boost Ahead of Presidential Visit this Week
India and
South Korea are expected to significantly deepen their shipbuilding partnership
during the South Korean President’s scheduled visit next week, with discussions
likely to focus on technology transfer, yard modernization, and joint maritime
manufacturing projects. The upcoming visit is seen as a major opportunity to
accelerate cooperation as India seeks to expand domestic shipbuilding capacity
and position itself as a competitive global maritime manufacturing hub.
South Korea,
home to some of the world’s leading shipbuilders, is expected to explore
collaboration opportunities in commercial vessel construction, repair
ecosystems, offshore engineering, and workforce skill development with Indian
partners.
Industry
observers believe stronger bilateral could help India attract investment,
enhance technical capabilities and support the government’s long term strategy
to grow shipbuilding, coastal shipping and export oriented maritime industries.
Indian Exports Face
Rising Cost Pressure as EU Moves to Expand Carbon Tax: GTRI
Indian exporters could face mounting cost pressures as the European Union advances plans to widen the scope of its carbon border tax mechanism, according to an assessment by Global Trade Research Initiative.
The proposed
expansion is expected to increase compliance burdens and pricing challenges for
shipments entering the European market.
The EU’s
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), initially covering carbon-intensive
sectors such as steel, aluminium, cement, fertilizers, electricity and
hydrogen, is being considered for broader application in future phases.
Analysts say any expansion could impact additional Indian export segments that
rely heavily on the EU as a destination market.
GTRI noted
that Indian producers may need to invest in cleaner production technologies,
carbon accounting systems and traceability standards to remain competitive.
Smaller exporters, in particular, could face difficulties managing reporting
requirements and higher adjustment costs.
The
development comes at a time when India and the EU are pursuing a broader trade
agreement, making sustainability-related trade rules an increasingly important
area of negotiation.
Industry
bodies have called for government support, technology upgrades and strategic
policy engagement to help exporters adapt while preserving market access to
Europe.
Renault Targets €2
Billion in Exports from India by 2030
Renault has
set an ambitious goal of generating exports worth €2 billion from India by
2030, underlining the country’s growing importance as a manufacturing and
export hub in its global strategy.
The company
plans to expand vehicle and component shipments from its Indian operations to
multiple international markets, leveraging India’s competitive production
costs, skilled workforce, and improving supply chain ecosystem.
Renault’s
export roadmap is expected to include both fully built vehicles and automotive
parts, with a focus on emerging markets across Asia, Africa, the Middle East,
and Latin America. India already plays a key role in the automaker’s regional
manufacturing network.
The target
also aligns with India’s push to become a major global automotive export base,
supported by policy incentives, infrastructure upgrades and rising localisation
levels across the sector.
Industry
analysts said the move reflects growing confidence among global automakers in
India’s long term potential as both a domestic growth market and a
cost-efficient export platform. Further investments in production capacity,
technology and supplier development are likely to support Renault’s 2030
objective.
India’s trade surplus with the United States has dropped to its lowest level in three years as imports from the American market surged to a record high, narrowing the bilateral trade gap. The shift reflects stronger domestic demand for energy, technology products, machinery, and industrial inputs.
At the same
time, higher exports to China helped cushion the impact of weaker shipments to
Gulf markets, where regional economic uncertainty and logistics disruptions
have weighed on trade flows.
The decline
in surplus with the US comes despite continued strength in Indian exports such
as pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, textiles, gems and jewellery, and
information technology-linked services. However, faster growth in imports
outpaced outbound shipments during the period.
Trade
analysts said diversification of export destinations has helped India manage
volatility in West Asia with China emerging as an important balancing market
for certain commodities, chemicals and intermediate goods.
The latest
figures highlight changing trade dynamics as India navigates shifting global
demand patterns, geopolitical risks and evolving supply chains. Economists
noted that sustaining export momentum will depend on improved market access,
logistics efficiency and competitive manufacturing capacity.
India-based
suppliers linked to Apple Inc. have exported an estimated $2.5 billion worth of
electronic components to China, highlighting the growing integration of India
into global electronics supply chains.
Industry
estimates suggest these exports could rise to $3.5 billion if the proposed
expansion of the ECMS (Electronic Component Manufacturing Scheme) gains full
traction, enabling higher local production of precision parts, sub-assemblies,
and value-added electronics inputs.
The growth
reflects India’s expanding role as a manufacturing base for global technology
firms, driven by policy incentives, rising production capabilities, and
increasing participation of multinational suppliers in the domestic ecosystem.
Much of the
current export flow includes intermediate components used in assembly and
re-export cycles within global supply chains. Analysts say this indicates
India’s gradual shift from an assembly-focused hub to a more integrated
component manufacturing base.
However,
industry participants note that scaling up to the projected level will require
stronger infrastructure for advanced electronics, deeper supplier ecosystems
and continued policy support to attract high value
component
manufacturing.
If the ECMS
framework is implemented effectively, India could strengthen its position in
the global electronics value chain while reducing dependence on imports for
critical parts over the medium term.
TS Lines Marks
Milestone with Naming of “TS Kelang” in Shanghai
The vessel,
the seventh in its series, underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to
enhancing operational efficiency and expanding its regional service
capabilities. The naming ceremony was graced by Puan Sri Siew Yong Gnanalingam,
who served as the vessel’s godmother.
A prominent
member of the founding family behind Westports Holdings, she has played a key
role in advancing both business and philanthropic initiatives, particularly in
education and community development.
Westports
Holdings, a major terminal operator at Port Klang, stands as a vital
trans-shipment hub in Southeast Asia, linking major global shipping routes. The
ceremony highlighted the enduring partnership between TS Lines and Westports,
reinforcing their shared vision for regional growth and connectivity.
From a
technical standpoint, TS Kelang has been designed by Shanghai Merchant Ship
Design and Research Institute (SDARI) and incorporates advanced energy
efficient features. These include an S-BOW hull design, wind deflector
technology and compliance with IMO Tier III emission standards-collectively
aimed at reducing fuel consumption and lowering environmental impact.
The vessel
is set to be deployed within TS Line’s Asia service network, where it will
enhance connectivity and improve service reliability across key regional ports.
With the
addition of TS Keland, TS Lines continues to strengthen its fleet while
advancing toward a more sustainable and efficient maritime future.
/// Air Cargo News ///
Jazeera Airways adds air-land cargo
operation to navigate airspace closures
Kuwait-based
airline Jazeera Airways has established a land operation from two Saudi Arabian
airports in response to airspace closures that have grounded operations from
its home base.
The low-cost
airline has started operating flights to King Fahd International Airport in
Dammam (DMM) and Qaisumah–Hafar Al-Batin International Airport (AQI) before
trucking to Kuwait.
The move
comes after the closure of the Kuwait International Airport as a result of the
US-Iran conflict that started at the end of February.
Cargo at
Dammam is being handled by SATS at its 60,000 sqm cargo facility. The Dammam
operation began on 26 March and cargo handled includes general cargo and
perishables such as frozen meats, fruit and vegetables.
Operating
from two airports in Saudi Arabia has enabled a significant scale-up of
Jazeera’s operations, with 27 destinations, over 1,500 flights, 450,000 seats
and 2m tons of cargo capacity offered across its network through to 15 May.
The project,
codenamed Project Baraka, aims to support Kuwait as a whole during the ongoing
conflict.
Bob Chi,
chief executive of SATS Asia Pacific, gateway services, said: “Through the
movement of passengers and essential cargo such as food, pharmaceutical
supplies, and critical spare parts, we hope to help maintain and keep vital air
cargo connectivity open into Kuwait during this challenging period.
“As the
situation in the Middle East adjusts to a new dynamic, we will leverage SATS’
global network across 27 countries to minimise disruptions to customers
“SATS will
continue working closely with airline and logistics partners to facilitate the
safe handling, storage and onward movement of cargo as routes and schedules
evolve.”
Jazeera
Airways chief executive Barathan Pasupathi added: “In the face of
unprecedented operational challenges, Jazeera Airways has moved quickly to
establish a cross-border air-land model that keeps Kuwait connected.
“Our
partnership with SATS is a critical part of this effort, ensuring the
uninterrupted flow of essential cargo including food items and other vital
supplies.”
Jazeera Airways currently operates a fleet of 23 Airbus A320ceo and A320neo aircraft.
Avianca Cargo adds Quito-Miami flights
using Amazon capacity
Avianca
Cargo has added Quito, Ecuador, to Miami flights using capacity from Amazon Air
Cargo to support perishables exports.
Five flights
a week began operating on the route
from Mariscal Sucre International Airport (UIO) to Miami
International (MIA) last month.
The addition
of the UIO-MIA flights is in response to growing demand for perishables
exports, particularly during key seasons such as Mother’s Day, when flower
shipment volumes to the US market increase significantly.
Avianca and
Amazon began working together in 2025 under various arrangements, including
charter flights and capacity agreements.
The
partnership previously
established flights between El Dorado International (BOG)
in Bogotá, Colombia and MIA.
As well as
growing the logistics corridor between South America and the US, the
partnership aimed to improve capacity utilisation and flight schedule planning.
“Since we
began our commercial relationship with Amazon Air Cargo in 2025, with the
Bogotá–Miami operation, we have been building a solid, long-term relationship,”
said Diogo Elías, chief executive of Avianca Cargo.
“Ecuador’s
addition to this service is a key milestone in our value proposition for
exporters, particularly in the perishables segment, through a more robust,
reliable operation aligned with their logistics needs.”
Kes Nielsen,
director of Amazon Air Cargo, added: “Amazon Air Cargo is proud to provide lift
capacity that enables Avianca Cargo’s expansion in Ecuador. “Our role is
focused on supporting international air cargo operations that connect Ecuador’s
export economy with US markets.
“We’re
pleased to see this service launch and look forward to supporting Avianca
Cargo’s customers on this important trade corridor.” The new route is further supported by
Quiport, the concessionaire responsible for the administration and operation of
UIO.
Ramón Miró,
president and chief executive of Quiport, said: “We are proud to be
facilitators of initiatives like this one. Our commitment is clear: to keep
developing modern, efficient, and reliable infrastructure that allows Quito to
continue attracting cargo airlines that boost our exports.
“This new
service is a testament to the confidence that world-class international players
place in our airport, our city, and our country.”
American Airlines Cargo looks ahead to
expanded Heathrow flying
American
Airlines Cargo is hoping to capitalise on a growing number of services to
Heathrow Airport for the summer season.
American
Airlines will expand its widebody schedule for the summer, operating up to 186
international widebody flights per day.
The airline
said that during June, July and August, it will operate approximately 4,400
monthly widebody flights between the US and Europe, with Heathrow (LHR)
benefiting from the largest cargo growth this season.
The UK
airport will see services increase to 21 daily departures, “offering direct
connections to key US gateways and onward cargo opportunities”.
American
will also add or expand flying on routes including Athens (ATH) to Dallas Fort
Worth (DFW); Budapest (BUD) to Philadelphia (PHL); Prague (PRG) to
Philadelphia; Zurich (ZRH) to DFW; Milan (MXP) to Miami (MIA); and Edinburgh
(EDI) to New York (JFK), with the EDI–JFK route operated on the new A321XLR.
“Additional
widebody flying across Germany further strengthens the network, with daily
service from Frankfurt (FRA) to both Charlotte (CLT) and DFW, as well as daily
operations from Munich (MUC) to CLT, supporting cargo flows across Central
Europe,”
In Latin
America, the airline will increase services from Buenos Aires (EZE) to DFW to
“enhance cargo access between South America and American’s central US. hub”
“Domestically,
American will operate a robust summer operation anchored by its hub at DFW,
with more than 6,200 total domestic departures on peak summer days,” the
airline said.
“Widebody
service from Honolulu (HNL) and Kahului (OGG) to DFW enhances connectivity from
the Pacific to the mainland US while creating additional options for cargo to
move efficiently through the carrier’s domestic system.”
American
Airlines Cargo vice president of commercial Roger Samways said: “With expanded
trans-Atlantic flying, new international routes, and strong domestic
connectivity, we are well positioned to support global supply chains throughout
the summer season.”
MASkargo resumes freighter operations
to Ho Chi Minh City
MASkargo has
resumed freighter operations to Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam as it strives to
expand its air cargo network.
Freighter
services between Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) and Tan Son Nhat
International Airport (SGN) previously existed as part of MASkargo’s scheduled
network and have now been restarted, according to a MASkargo LinkedIn post on
10 April.
Air Cargo
News has requested more details from
MASkargo on the previous suspension of flights to Ho Chi Minh City.
The cargo
division of Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) said in a LinkedIn post today: “We
have resumed our freighter operations to Ho Chi Minh City, supporting the
continued flow of goods between Kuala Lumpur and one of Southeast Asia’s key
trade hubs.
“This
service enhances connectivity during a period of strong demand, ensuring cargo
continues to move efficiently across the region.
“Together
with our ground handling partner, SAGS, we remain focused on delivering safe,
reliable, and seamless operations every step of the way.”
As part of
its efforts to expand globally, MASkargo announced in April 2025 that it would
launch a joint global cargo
business with Qatar Airways Cargo and IAG Cargo.
The joint
business aims to bring together the combined expertise and infrastructure of
the airlines and is expected to enable a streamlined product offering, enhanced
connectivity, faster transit times, and new routing opportunities across the
airlines’ combined networks.
The three
airlines aim to bypass the downfalls other air cargo partnerships have faced by
adopting a fully integrated operating model that aligns cargo from
booking to delivery, across the networks of all three carriers.
MASkargo’s
freighter fleet comprises three production Airbus 330-200 freighters, each with
a capacity of 61 tonnes.
Heathrow handles almost £300bn of trade
in 2025
Heathrow
Airport (LHR) handled almost £300bn of trade throughout 2025, more than a
quarter of all UK trade by value.
The UK
airport handled £293bn worth of goods in 2025, according to the latest
Government trade data.
LHR’s air
cargo volumes in 2025 were up 0.8% year on
year to 1.5m tonnes in 2025, helped by a
large rise in UK volumes.
Around
£166bn worth of goods arrived at the airport in 2025, while approximately
£127bn worth of goods were exported from the airport in 2025, a press release
by Heathrow Airport on 8 April shows.
On average,
a Heathrow flight carries around £600,000 of cargo.
As the UK’s
only hub airport, Heathrow has a unique role in supporting global trade, said
the airport.
More than
90% of the airport’s trade by value is with non-EU countries, highlighting its
role in linking international markets.
Government
data also shows Heathrow dominates the UK’s air cargo sector, with around 75%
of all UK air cargo by value moving through the airport.
But Heathrow
is operating at capacity and expansion is crucial, stressed the airport.
In November
last year, Heathrow Airport Limited’s (HAL) scheme for a new runway at the
airport was selected by the government. The
plans include a 3.5 km runway and building a tunnel under the development
through which the M25 motorway will run.
James
Golding, head of cargo and airline partnerships at Heathrow, said: “This data
shows how vital the airport is to exporters, manufacturers and supply chains
across the country.
“From
life-saving medicines coming into the country to exporting fresh British
produce such as popcorn and biscuits, Heathrow, working in partnership with our
cargo community, enables the swift movement of goods around the world.
“Heathrow
expansion will ensure the UK has the capacity it needs to continue to grow
trade links, support jobs and supply chains, and remain competitive in the
global economy.”
ACS helps get huskies to Alaska sled
race
Air
Charter Service (ACS) has helped with the transportation of 36 husky dogs to
the US to take part in a sled race.
The huskies
were transported, along with their handlers, from Oslo in Norway to Anchorage
in Alaska to take part in the Iditarod sled race across the state. ACS was
tasked with finding an airline that could fly non-stop to minimise flying time
for the dogs, as well as adhering to documentation rules and ensuring the
welfare of the animals.
Dan
Morgan-Evans, group cargo director at ACS, commented: “We were approached by a
group of Norwegian competitors taking part in Iditarod – ‘The Last Great Race’,
a 1,000-mile, 10-day, sled race from Anchorage to Nome in Alaska.“Flying so
many dogs involved a number of obstacles, including finding an airline that was
happy to perform the flight, and that could fly directly without a fuel stop,
in order to prevent any added time that the huskies would have to spend in
transit.
“We
identified a Boeing 757-200F as the ideal aircraft – the payload was less than
two tons, as it was just the dogs and their equipment, including dog food,
vitamins, harnesses, and camping gear.
“The next
challenge was to arrange for the handling agent in Oslo to bring in extra
staff, securing an outdoor space for the dogs to stretch their legs before the
flight, and ensuring we had all the correct health documents to operate (36
passports, 36 rabies certificates, 36 health certificates, and 36 CDC Permits
for the US customs).”
A member of
the ACS cargo team accompanied the huskies and handlers on the flight to ensure
the journey went to plan.
ACS said it
had also “secured airside access in Anchorage, so that the dog handlers could
drive up to the aircraft and load the dogs for their short onward journey”.
The charter
company added that after the race, the dogs flew to Seattle on a chartered
McDonnell Douglas MD-83F, before returning to Europe on a scheduled flight.”
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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