JUPITER SEA & AIR SERVICES PVT. LTD, EGMORE – CHENNAI, INDIA.

 

E-MAIL : Robert.sands@jupiterseaair.co.in   Mobile : +91 98407 85202

 

 

Corporate News Letter for  Wednesday  April 22,  2026


Today’s Exchange Rates


CURRENCY

PRICE

CHANGE

%CHANGE

OPEN

PREV.CLOSE

 

USD/INR

93.49

0.360001

0.386557

93.31

93.13

 

EUR/USD

1.1759

-0.0029

0.246013

1.1788

1.1788

 

GBP/INR

126.2383

0.360794

0.286623

126.1293

125.8775

 

EUR/INR

109.9425

0.388

0.354162

109.8809

109.5545

 

USD/JPY

159.17

0.360001

0.226686

158.81

158.81

 

GBP/USD

1.3515

-0.002

0.147763

1.3535

1.3535

 

JPY/INR

0.5872

0.0012

0.204771

0.5864

0.586

 


///                   Sea Cargo News            ///

ONE updates LUX service rotation

JUPITER SEA & AIR SERVICES PVT. LTD, EGMORE – CHENNAI, INDIA.

 

E-MAIL : Robert.sands@jupiterseaair.co.in   Mobile : +91 98407 85202

 

 

Corporate News Letter for  Wednesday  April 22,  2026


Today’s Exchange Rates


CURRENCY

PRICE

CHANGE

%CHANGE

OPEN

PREV.CLOSE

 

USD/INR

93.49

0.360001

0.386557

93.31

93.13

 

EUR/USD

1.1759

-0.0029

0.246013

1.1788

1.1788

 

GBP/INR

126.2383

0.360794

0.286623

126.1293

125.8775

 

EUR/INR

109.9425

0.388

0.354162

109.8809

109.5545

 

USD/JPY

159.17

0.360001

0.226686

158.81

158.81

 

GBP/USD

1.3515

-0.002

0.147763

1.3535

1.3535

 

JPY/INR

0.5872

0.0012

0.204771

0.5864

0.586

 


///                   Sea Cargo News            ///

ONE updates LUX service rotation


Ocean Network Express (ONE) Line has announced a revision to the rotation of its Latin East Coast Europe Express (LUX) service, aimed at enhancing schedule reliability and strengthening its service offering between Europe and Latin America.

Under the updated configuration, the company will permanently remove Felixstowe from the rotation, along with southbound calls at Paranagua. The changes are designed to streamline operations and improve overall service consistency. 

The revised rotation will take effect with the vessel Navios Vermilion v.163S/N, scheduled to arrive Rotterdam on May 06, 2026. The new port  sequence will be Rotterdam – Hamburg – Antwerp – Lisbon – Algeciras – Santos – Buenos Aires – Montvideo – Itajai – Paranagua – Santos – Rio de Janeiro – Algeciras and return to Rotterdam.

The last vessel to call Felixstowe under the current rotation will be NYK Diana v.022N/023S, with an estimated arrival on April 23, 2026. Meanwhile, the final southbound call at Paranagua under the existing rotation will be performed by Brooklyn Bridge 0179S/N, expected to arrive on May 23, 2026.

According to the company, the adjustments are expected to enhance operational efficiency, improve reliability and further strengthen its Europe -Latin America trade lane coverage.

MSC updates Asia – US East Coast services


Mediterranean Shipping Company has announced a series of adjustments to its Asia-US East Coast Network, covering the Empire, Amberjack and Emerald services, as part of efforts to enhance schedule reliability and operational efficiency. 

The changes are aimed at reducing congestion exposure, optimizing port coverage and improving transit times across key trade lanes.

On the Empire service, Qingdao will be removed from the rotation, while Norfolk and Port Everglades will replace Jacksonville and Miami. According to the company, the revised port sequence is expected to reduce congestion risks and support more consistent on-time arrivals.

The updated rotation will include Shanghai – Ningbo – Busan – New York – Baltimore – Norfolk – Port Everglades, Rodman and return to Shanghai. The enhanced service is scheduled to begin with voyage GE622E, with an estimated arrival in Shanghai on May 25, 2026.

For the Amberjack service, Qingdao will be added as the first port of loading, ahead of Ningbo, Shanghai and Busan. At the same time, Yantian and Xiamen will be removed from the rotation, while the US port call at Norfolk will be replaced by Jacksonville as the final port of discharge.

The revised rotation will cover Qingdao – Ningbo – Shanghai – Busan – Manzanillo – Cartagena – Charleston – Savannah – Jacksonville – Kingston – Busan and return to Qingdao. The updated service will commence with voyage 8E, expected to arrive in Qingdao on 20-05-2026.

On the Emerald service, Kaohsiung will be replaced by Xiamen as the final port of loading in Asia. The change will provide a direct connection from

Xiamen to key US East Coast ports, including Charleston, Savannah and New York.


The revised rotation will include Singapore, Vung Tau, Haiphong, Yantian, Xiamen, Kingston, Charleston, Savannah, New York, Boston and return to Singapore. The service is set to launch with voyage 16E, with an estimated arrival in Singapore on May 16, 2026.

Through these updates, MSC aims to strengthen its transpacific network by improving schedule stability, enhancing port coverage and delivering more competitive transit times for customers.

CMA CGM launches Gemalink Phase 2 expansion in Vietnam


The CMA CGM Group and Gemadept have launched Phase 2 of the Gemalink container terminal in Cai Mep, Southern Vietnam. The project strengthens a key trade gateway in Southeast Asia and supports growing regional supply chains.

The expansion will increase terminal capacity from 1.7 million to 3 million TEUs by 2027. It includes a 450 meter quay extension, yard expansion from 32 to 44 hectares and the addition of five ship-to-shore cranes, bringing the total to 13.

CMA CGM holds a 25% stake in Gemalink. The investment marks a new step in expanding its port capacity in Southeast Asia and reinforces its long term commitment to Vietnam’s economic growth and trade development.


Since opening in 2021, Gemalink has operated at full capacity. It handles 1.7 million TEUs annually and ranks among the most efficient terminals in Vietnam’s Vung Tau region. Its location along major shipping routes supports strong import-export growth.

Christine Cabau Woehrel, Executive VP of Operations and Assets at CMA CGM said the expansion highlights the Group’s long-term commitment to Vietnam and its partnership with Gemadept. She added the project will strengthen Vietnam’s role in global supply chains and support its ambition to become a leading logistics hub by 2050.

The project aligns with CMA CGM’s broader strategy in Vietnam. The Group has operated in the country sine 1989. It runs 29 weekly services across seven ports and maintains offices in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Haiphong, Danang and Quy Nhon.

AD Ports Group leverages integrated network to keep Gulf trade flowing

AD Ports Group maintains normal operations and activates business continuity protocols to support regional supply chains. The Group uses its integrated five-cluster logistics network to ensure resilience amid disruptions in the Arabian Gulf, particularly linked to traffic conditions through the Strait of Hormuz.

Since late February, AD Port Group has rerouted cargo across land, rail, sea and air. It has handled over 54,000 TEUs at Fujairah Terminals and Khor Fakkan Port. It has moved more than 22,000 containers via land logistics and 18,000 TEUs through its maritime network, supported by 24 vessels across eight feeder services. Air logistics operations have transported over 8,000 tonnes of cargo using more than 100 chartered flights.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO, said the Group’s investments in logistics infrastructure enabled one of the UAE’s largest logistics redeployments. He emphasized the company’s commitments to maintaining the flow of essential goods such as food, medicines and strategic reserves, while ensuring workforce safety and supply chain resilience.

To maintain shipping services to Khalifa Port and key trade corridors, the Group launched new regional feeder services and expanded its fleet. Services operated by SAFEEN Feeders and Global Feeder Shipping were rerouted via Fujairah and Khor Fakkan, providing alternative gateways through the  Gulf of Oman.

The Group also introduced new feeder connections linking India, Pakistan, Oman, the Red Sea and Upper Arabian Gulf ports. It established an air bridge using three chartered aircraft and plans to expand capacity further.

A land bridge now connects Fujairah and Khor Fakkan to Khalifa Port, Jebel Ali and Sharjah using 800 trucks and four daily Etihad Rail services. Warehousing capacity exceeds 76,000 sqm and will expand to 188,000 sqm.

AD Ports Group also deployed digital freight platforms to improve visibility and efficiency. These tools use real-time data to optimize trade flows, repurpose empty containers and reduce costs.

The Group continues to work with UAE authorities and partners to ensure safe, uninterrupted operations and maintain supply chain stability.

ONE deploys M/V ONE Satisfaction on Transatlantic Service

Ocean Network Express (ONE) has announced the deployment of its new container ship, the M/V ONE Satisfaction, on its Transatlantic AT1 service.

This marks the first time ONE has operated a vessel featuring its iconic magenta branding on this trade lane.

Vessel Specifications :  Delivered in February 2026, the M/V ONE Satisfaction is part of ONE’s S-series.

Capacity  : 13,900 TEU.  Dimensions :  336 Meters Long, 161,626 DWT.

Sustainability : Designed to support heavy payloads and includes the capacity for methanol or ammonia fuel conversion.

AT1 Service Rotation : The AT1 service, launched in March 2026, connects European hubs with the U.S. East Coast :

Europe : Southampton – Antwerp–Rotterdam – Bremerhaven – Le Harve.

U.S.A. : New York – Norfolk – Charleston – Savannah.

Return : Southampton.

Tom Hosaka, Managing Director of ONE, Europe and Africa, noted that the deployment of this efficient S-Class vessel underscores the company’s long-term commitment to the Transatlantic market and its focus on quality, innovation and reliability.

Developing countries launch first Borrower’s Platform

Developing countries launched the first ever Borrower’s Platform during the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings. UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) will serve as the Secretariat.

The platform gives borrowing countries a formal space to exchange knowledge, coordinate debit strategies and strengthen their collective voice in global debt discussions.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called it “a breakthrough in global financing”. He said it allows borrowing countries to learn from each other and speak with one voice.

UNCTAD leads the Secretariat role. It provides debt expertise and supports debt management programs in 60 countries.

Rising debt pressures drive urgency : Developing countries face rising debt pressures. External debt reached $11.7 Trillion in 2024. Debt service costs reached about $920 Billion.  54 Countries now spend more on debt service than on health or education. These countries represent 3.4 Billion people.

High debt burdens reduce public investment. They also limit growth, resilience and development spending. The new platform responds to these shared pressures. It promotes cooperation among borrowing countries.

Closing a gap in global finance : Creditor countries already have coordination mechanisms. Borrowing countries do not. The Borrower’s Platform this gap. It gives developing countries a permanent forum for co-operation.

The initiative builds on the Sevilla Commitment adopted in July 2025 at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development. The platform supports peer learning, technical assistance and knowledge sharing. It aims to improve sovereign debt management.

Strong Political Support :  Representatives from 30 countries attended the launch. This included Prime Ministers, Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors. Participants included major economies such as India and South Africa. It also included smaller and vulnerable states such as the Maldives.

Egypt chairs the working group. Pakistan serves as vice-chair. Colombia, Honduras, Maldives, Nepal and Zambia also participated. The platform will now move into implementation. Members will expand participation and set governance rules.

They will define a work program ahead of the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings in October 2026. The platform aims to improve transparency and debt management. It may also improve market confidence and support more sustainable financing outcomes.

Port of Corpus Christi records strongest first quarter in its history


The Port of Corpus Christi handled 54.5 Million Tonnes of commodities through the Corpus Christi Ship Channel in the first quarter of 2026, the highest first quarter volume in the port’s history and a 6.1% increase of 3.2 million tonnes over the same period in 2025.

The result surpasses the previous record of 54.0 million tonnes set in the fourth quarter of 2024.

LNG Shipments were the primary growth driver, rising 33% or 1.5 Million tonnes year-on-year, supported by ongoing commissioning activities at Cheniere Corpus Christi Stage 3, including Train 5 reaching substantial completion in March.

Agricultural exports increased by 1.4 Million Tonnes, refined products and other bulk liquids grew by 1.4 Million tonnes or 12.5%, Dry Bulk volumes rose by approximately 0.5 Million Tonnes or 21%, driven by higher imports of iron ore, barite and cement.

These gains were partially offset by a 1.5 million tonne or 5% decline in crude oil shipments compared to the prior year period, attributable to higher domestic refinery usage and elevated export freight rates, though crude volumes have since rebounded significantly following the onset of the conflict in Iran.

March 2026 was independently a record month for the port, with customers moving 19.9 million tonnes, a 10.4% increase over March 2025.

Month on month volumes also rose from 16.6 million tonnes in February, with year-on-year growth recorded across crude oil, refined products and LNG.

Crude oil exports exceeded 2.4 million barrels per day in March, among the highest monthly levels recorded in the market.

Port CEO Kent Britton attributed the strong performance to customers ability to rapidly scale operations in response to changing market conditions following the Iran conflict and highlighted the port’s US$ 1 Billion plus investment over the past decade in facility modernisation as a foundational enabler of the region’s growing importance in the global energy supply chain. 

 

///                   Air Cargo News            ///

National Airlines takes delivery of its first Boeing 777-200 freighter


US-based global cargo airline National Airlines has taken delivery of its first Boeing 777-200 freighter at the Boeing Everett facility in Seattle, part of its $800-million order for four B777Fs made at the Farnborough International Airshow in July 2024.

The airline is also preparing for the deliveries of three B777-200 freighters in the coming months. “A heartfelt thank you to our partners at Boeing, our valued customers, and every member of National Airlines and National Air Cargo who made this significant milestone possible,” reads the LinkedIn post from the company.

“With enhanced range, efficiency, and capacity, the B777F strengthens our ability to serve global markets and deliver expanding service opportunities to our customers worldwide.” The Boeing 777 twin-engine, long-range freighter aircraft complements the existing National Airlines fleet with a range of 9,200km (4,970nmi) and can carry a maximum payload of 102 tonnes (224,900 lb).

Along with these aircraft orders, the airline had also purchased eight GE90-110B engines, which will be used to power its four Boeing 777 freighters.

Following the induction of its first Boeing 777 freighter, National Airlines now operates a fleet of 14 aircraft, comprising nine Boeing 747-400 freighters and four passenger aircraft.

"First of four B777 freighters is set to join charter missions soon, offering our customers an enhanced solution to support their evolving business requirements," the airline wrote in the X post.

Mammoth Freighters wins FAA approval for 777-200LRMF aircraft

Mammoth Freighters has received certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for its 777-200LRMF (Long Range Mammoth Freighter), clearing the aircraft for commercial service and marking a major milestone in the company’s widebody freighter conversion programme.

The FAA approval validates the aircraft’s design, engineering and performance. The 777-200LRMF is designed to offer long-range capability, payload efficiency and operational reliability, positioning it as a versatile option for global cargo networks. Bill Tarpley, Chief Executive Officer of Mammoth Freighters, said the certification reflects years of engineering work and close collaboration with the FAA.

He added that the approval highlights the company’s ability to deliver a high-performance freighter that meets the changing demands of cargo operators worldwide.

Jordan Jaffe, Chief Executive Officer of Jetran, the launch customer for the programme, said the milestone is significant for both companies. He noted that Jetran has had strong confidence in Mammoth’s engineering team and said the aircraft’s quality and technical execution have met expectations.

He added that the conversion is expected to be a competitive option in the long-haul freighter market and deliver value to Jetran’s customers, including DHL, Qatar Airways and Ethiopian Airlines. Drew McKnight, Co-CEO and Managing Partner at Fortress Investment Group, said the certification validates the company’s engineering capabilities and investment strategy.

He added that the approval reflects successful collaboration between private industry and the FAA, and strengthens the company’s position to meet long-term global demand for freight aircraft. The 777-200LRMF programme is based on the Boeing 777 platform and includes Mammoth’s proprietary conversion design. The aircraft features a large main-deck cargo door, a reinforced floor structure and a flexible cargo handling system.

It is designed for both long-haul and regional freight operations, supported by its range and fuel efficiency. With certification completed, Mammoth Freighters is now set to begin aircraft deliveries and entry into service. The company is also progressing with its 777-300ERMF programme and expects FAA certification for that variant later this year.

Vereinigung Cockpit announces fresh Lufthansa strikes, seeks talks

The pilots’ union Vereinigung Cockpit has announced further strikes at Deutsche Lufthansa AG and its subsidiaries, while also proposing arbitration to resolve the ongoing labour disputes.

The new strike action will affect flights operated by Lufthansa, Lufthansa Cargo AG and Lufthansa CityLine GmbH from German airports between April 16 and April 17, 2026. Flights operated by Eurowings GmbH will be affected on April 16 only.

According to the union, certain routes to destinations in the Middle East will be exempt from the strike due to the current regional situation. Vereinigung Cockpit said there has been no progress in negotiations with employers. The union stated that there is still no offer on company pension schemes for Lufthansa and Lufthansa Cargo, no viable salary agreement proposal for Lufthansa CityLine, and no pension offer for Eurowings.

Against this backdrop, the union has proposed a binding arbitration process to resolve the disputes. It said the situation remains deadlocked and that arbitration by an independent third party could help reach a sustainable solution and prevent further escalation.

The union added that its objective is not to engage in power struggles, but to find workable and lasting solutions. If the employers accept the proposal, Vereinigung Cockpit said it will quickly suggest candidates to act as arbitrators.

Hong Kong Airport remains top global hub for air cargo

Airport Council International (ACI) World today reveals the 2025 rankings of the world's busiest airports and Hong Kong International Airport topped the list in terms of air cargo volumes. With an increase of 2.7% comparatively to 2024, the airport continued to retain its position. Similarly, Shanghai Pudong International Airport is ranked second on the list, with an increase of 8.6% versus in 2024 as it secured the same position in 2024.

Meanwhile, Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport, Alaska positioned third with increase of 4.2% comparatively to 2024, where the airport was on fourth rank, in terms of cargo volumes. The data projected the drop in the position of Memphis International Airport from third rank in 2024 to sixth rank in 2025 with decline of 20.9%.

Whereas a significant jump was recorded in Miami International Airport, evaluating its rank from 12th in 2019 to seventh in 2024 and recent fifth in 2025. The data shows 49.5% increase from 2019 and 13.6% from 2024. As per the statistics, air cargo volumes across all the airports have increased by 2.9% year-over-year which is approximately +8.8% versus 2019, to nearly 128.9 million metric tonnes in 2025.

The air cargo volumes in the top 10 airports project global air cargo traffic, close to 26% and the rise is driven by strong e-commerce demand and supply chain adjustments.


ACI World Director General Justin Erbacci said,“We congratulate the world’s busiest airports for managing growing air travel demand amid increasing operational complexity.

These hubs keep people and goods moving, supporting global trade, tourism, and economic growth in their communities and regions. To help keep pace with rising demand, governments must prioritize sustained investment in airports and the broader aviation ecosystem.”

A4E calls for measures to help airlines manage Middle East impact

                                 Image: © aapsky/ Shutterstock

Airline group Airlines for Europe (A4E) has called on the European Union (EU) to implement a series of temporary measures to help carriers manage the impact of the Middle East conflict.

A4E, which has 16 airline members representing 80% of European air traffic, has called on the EU to implement monitoring of jet fuel availability and the provision of legal clarity on existing legislation.

The airline group’s managing director Ourania Georgoutsakou said: “These are temporary measures to weather us through the current situation, plus more long-term planning to be prepared for the future.”

A4E said that it would like the EU to confirm that closures of airspace due to conflict and resulting operational effects will be considered as justified non-use of slots for the purpose of protection of slots.

It would also like the EU to confirm that fuel supply shortages qualify for justified non-use of slots limited to the affected airport and the period of the shortage.

Airlines would also like a relaxation of the anti-tankering obligation that requires airlines to uplift 90% of fuel from EU airports, the temporary suspension of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), a cap and reduction of the cost of ETS to tackle price volatility, a temporary full rebate on SAF, under the ETS SAF allowances, and allow the import and use of Jet A keresone into the EU.

EU airports face jet fuel shortage unless Strait of Hormuz reopens

A4E would also like to see the temporary scrapping of aviation taxes where applicable to help to preserve connectivity, maintain competitiveness and reduce costs in the face of rising fuel prices.

The group also recommended some long-term changes to help avoid future issues in case of fuel shortages.

This includes the targeted amendment of the Oil Stocks Directive to introduce kerosene provisions; push for collective EU purchasing of kerosene to mitigate kerosene supply issues and to introduce targeted refinery obligations to safeguard jet fuel supply.

Earlier this week, Air Cargo News reported that airport association Airports Council International (ACI) Europe had written to the EU to warn that airports could start running out of jet fuel in the coming three weeks unless the Strait of Hormuz opens soon.

ACI called for the creation of an EU monitoring platform to help coordinate the response and map availability.

The organisation would also like to see imports from alternative locations and joint procurement across member states.

The rising cost of jet fuel is also expected to contribute to increases in airfreight rates over the coming weeks as transport operations become more expensive.

Boeing delivers three 777Fs in March

                                        Image: © Boeing Media Library

Boeing delivered three newbuild 777 freighter aircraft to customers last March, according to its latest orders and deliveries data.

The aircraft manufacturer transferred two 777Fs to Emirates and one to MSC Air Cargo.

There has been a total of eight 777Fs delivered this year. In January, one of the type was given to MSC Air Cargo and one to Silk Way West Airlines.

Then in February, one 777F was delivered to CES Leasing Corporation and one to Qatar Airways.

Just this week, Florida-based National Airlines took delivery of its first newbuild 777F from an order of four in 2024.

In 2025, Boeing delivered a total of 35 777Fs to customers. There were also 15 777 freighter orders, indicating there is still demand for the freighter type as airlines await the expected arrival to the market of the 777-8F in 2028 and Airbus A350F in 2027.

Boeing demonstrated it was keen to continue selling 777Fs beyond the end of 2027 when it filed an emissions exemption petition with the US Department of Transportation (DOT) at the end of last year.

The US aircraft manufacturer officially filed the petition for exemption with the US DOT on 19 December, with a view to selling 35 more 777Fs.


Without an exemption, these aircraft would not be eligible for a Certificate of Airworthiness from 1 January 2028 because they do not comply with fuel efficiency limits to curb emissions.

Icelandair renews and expands with ACL Airshop

                                         Image: © ACL Airshop

Icelandair has renewed and expanded its partnership with ACL Airshop for the management of the airline’s ULD fleet.

The new five-year agreement will see ACL provide Icelandair with dedicated fleet management for scheduled operations, access to ACL’s short-term ULDs for charter operations, global MRO services across ACL’s repair network, net and consumables provision, logistics coordination and ULD management software with tracking technology.

In a press release, ACL said that the airline would benefit from upgraded digital tracking solutions, integrated IATA messaging, detailed movement history and data-driven analytics that “enhance visibility and automation across the ULD lifecycle”.

Also included in the new agreement is the addition of horse stalls into the airline’s ULD fleet, with ACL providing horse stall ULD supply, maintenance, and global logistics coordination.

Fjölnir Þór Árnason, director of operations, Icelandair, said: “[ACL’s] integrated ULD management approach, combined with advanced digital oversight and global support capabilities, plays an important role in enabling us to support our operations efficiently across our network. The expansion of the agreement further supports our focus on specialised cargo and continued growth”

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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