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 07, 2026
Today’s
Exchange Rates
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93.0625 |
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123.3456 |
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107.5719 |
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0.5832 |
/// Sea Cargo News ///
Iran rejects re-opening Hormuz despite
ceasefire proposal
Iran has
rejected re-opening the Strait of Hormuz as part of a proposed ceasefire
framework with the United States, according to Reuters, despite ongoing
diplomatic efforts to end hostilities.
The report
states that both sides have received a framework plan involving a two stage
approach, beginning with an immediate ceasefire followed by a comprehensive
agreement to be finalised within 15 to 20 days. However, a senior Iranian
official told Reuters that Tehran would not agree to re-open the Strait as part
of a temporary ceasefire and would not accept imposed deadlines while reviewing
the proposal.
The
development comes amid escalating pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump,
who warned that further strikes on Iranian energy and transport infrastructure
would follow if Iran failed to reach a deal and re-open the waterway by a
specified deadline.
According to
sources cited in the report, Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir
has been actively involved in mediation efforts, maintaining contact with U.S.
Vice PresideEnt JD Vance, special envoy Steve Witkoff and Iranian Foreign
Minister Abbas Araqchi.
EUNAVOFOR ASPIDES warns of rising Red Sea
shipping threat
EUNAVFOR ASPIDES has issued a warning to the shipping industry, highlighting a renewed and elevated threat to merchant vessels in the Red Sea and surrounding waters following escalating regional tensions.
According to the latest assessment, the relative calm observed since late 2025 may be ending, as Houthi forces have resumed missile launches against Israel as of March 28, 2026 – signalling a potential return to attacks on commercial shipping.
The advisory
notes that while no merchant vessel attacks have been reported since September
2025, the evolving conflict involving Iran, the USA, Israel and regional
proxies is increasing the risk across key maritime corridors.
EUNAVFOR
ASPIDES warned that the next phase of Houthi involvement could include renewed
attacks on vessels transiting the Red Sea and the eastern Gulf of Aden, areas
within range of their weapons systems.
The current
threat level has been assessed as “medium” for vessels not linked to Israel or
the USA and “high” for ships or companies with Israel affiliations including
ownership, flag or port calls.
The
operation emphasized that Houthi military capabilities remain “intact and
substantial”, reinforcing concerns about the potential escalation.
Shipping
companies with links to Israel or the United States have been advised to avoid
transiting the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden until the situation stabilizes. Other
vessels are urged to continue submitting support requests through maritime
security channels.
UNAVFOR
ASPIDES also noted that increased protective measures are being implemented,
which may result in longer waiting times for vessels requesting close
protection due to limited military resources.
Operators
are advised to avoid Yemeni territorial waters, consider routing closer to the
African coastline where feasible and maintain constant communication with
maritime authorities such as UKMTO and MSCIO.
RCL reports 2025 results
Regional Container Lines (RCL) Public Company Limited has reported a net profit of THB 8,167 million for 2025, marking a 10.9% decrease compared to THB 9,171 million in 2024, primarily due to the appreciation of Thai Baht.
The stronger
currency reduced earnings when converted into Thai Baht, as the average
exchange rate declined from THB 35.5 per USD in 2024 to THB 32.9 per USD in
2025. However, in its functional currency, US dollars and after adjusting for
one-off items recorded in 2024, net profit reached USD 247.9million,
representing a slight increase of 0.2% year-on-year.
RCL recorded
freight income of THB 36,924 million in 2025, up 5.2% from the previous year,
supported by improved fleet efficiency and network expansion. Total container
liftings increased by 8.8% to 215,547 TEUs, while operating costs rose by 6.0%.
Despite a
significant decline in the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI), the
company maintained average freight rates above market levels, reflecting
effective fleet deployment and capacity management.
In the
fourth quarter of 2025, net profit
stood at THB 1,803 million, down 21.6% from the previous quarter. The decline
was mainly attributed to a 4.3% drop in average freight rates, although volumes
increased by 3.7% and operating costs rose by 2.2%.
ONE acquired stake in Hutchison Laemchabag Terminal
Maersk and Hapag Lloyd update on Salalah port disruption
Hapag Lloyd
also confirmed the safety of its crew and reported no damage to its vessel
Lisbon Express. As a precautionary measure, the vessel was moved out of the
port following the incident.
Both
carriers warned that the disruption may lead to delays in vessel schedules and
cargo handling.
They added
that they are closely monitoring developments and remain in contact with port
authorities, with further updated to be provided as the situation evolves.
T. S. Lines orders four 2,900 TEU newbuild
vessels
T. S. Lines has placed an order for four new container vessels of 2,900 TEU capacity at Fujian Mawei Shipbuilding, as part of its ongoing fleet expansion strategy, according to Dynaliners.
The vessels are valued at approximately USD 42.15 million each and will follow the same design as two ships previously ordered by the company in November 2025.
According to
the plan, the newly ordered vessels are scheduled for delivery in 2029, while
the earlier pair is expected to be delivered in June and August 2028.
The order
reflects T. S. Lines continued investment in modernizing and expanding its
fleet to support future growth and operational efficiency.
IAG
Cargo adds St. Louis route, boosts global summer capacity
IAG Cargo has announced its summer 2026
schedule, adding a new route between London Heathrow and st. Louis starting
April 19, 2026.
The new service will operate four times per week through October 2026. It marks the airline’s 27th U. S. destination and offers the only direct connection between London Heathrow and the Midwest hub, improving access to manufacturing and aerospace supply chains.
Cargolux
and JAL move closer together
The two airlines have announced that they are
offering joint cargo services on two intercontinental routes: Luxembourg–Narita
and Narita–Chicago. Both routes will be served twice weekly starting 01APR26.
The trans-Pacific route will be operated by cargo aircraft from the U.S.
company, Kalitta Air. The collaboration is initially limited until 30SEP26.
Standing in the glaring spotlight of the
media is not where Cargolux CEO, Richard Forson, and his CFO, Maxim Straus,
like to be. This is evident, among other things, by the number of press
releases published by the airline, that cite both executives.
Since MAY25, there has been a total of just
three new releases – which is extremely uncommon for a freight airline claiming
to be Europe’s largest by fleet size. In its most recent communication, issued
on 25MAR26, the company announced its intention to collaborate with the cargo
division of the Japanese capacity provider, JAL.
Kalitta steps in
The agreement stipulates that the Narita–Luxembourg route will be offered every
Wednesday and Saturday, with return flights departing the respective following
day. The codeshare flights will be operated by the U.S. carrier, Kalitta Air,
using a B747-400F.
Its larger variant, a B747-8F aircraft,
belonging to the Cargolux fleet, will be used on the Luxembourg–Tokyo sector.
Departure days from Luxembourg are Tuesday and Friday, with return flights
departing from Narita every Wednesday and Saturday.
Both routes are integrated into the broader
network of the two cargo airlines, which combines their respective networks to
offer enhanced air cargo services to a wider range of customers across Asia and
Europe. Reason for the move: JAL and Cargolux are committed to meeting the
robust cargo demand on the Asia-Europe and Asia-North America routes. By doing
so, they are contributing to the development of logistics infrastructure and
creating new market value across continents, thanks to their capacity offering.
“More robust and stable cargo network,” Kito
Yuichiro Kito, Executive Officer, Cargo and Mail Division, JAL, explained: “With
the launch of this cooperation with Cargolux, we have secured scheduled
freighter space on key European routes, allowing us to build an even more
robust and stable air cargo network across the vital arteries of global
commerce linking Asia with both the Americas and Europe.
In addition to JAL’s passenger flights and
freighter network connecting Asia and the Americas, we will leverage this
partnership with Cargolux to deliver JAL’s high-quality cargo handling services
to customers across an even broader area of Europe, centered around Luxembourg.
Parent company, Cargolux, has not specified
what role – if any – its subsidiary, Cargolux Italia, has in this arrangement.
Cargolux Italia has served the Narita route for years, deploying Jumbo -400
freighters. That there is no specific mention of this, is particularly
surprising since Pierandrea Galli, EVP, Commercial Planning, Cargolux Airlines,
who took part in the JAL-Cargolux-signing ceremony, also plays an important
part at Cargolux Italia’s executive management level.
Recited manager
Instead, Galli said this: “Japan has long been a cornerstone market for
Cargolux, and this partnership with Japan Airlines represents an important step
forward for both carriers. These new transpacific routes will complement our
existing services from Asia to North America.
By combining our complementary networks and
operational strengths, we can extend our reach into strategic global markets
and deliver an expanded, high‑quality offering to our customers – built on the
trusted standards of excellence shared by Cargolux and Japan Airlines.”
In 2025, Cargolux closed the fiscal year with
a profit of USD 448 million after tax and generated revenues of USD 3,324
million. Operationally, fiscal 2025 was marked by geopolitical tensions, with
the ongoing war in Ukraine forcing Cargolux to avoid Russian airspace due to
Western sanctions and increasingly hampered by escalating hostilities in the
Middle East.
These conflicts and their impact on global
trade, affected both operational costs and efficiency as well as customer
confidence.
Founded in 1970, the cargo airline operates
at more than 85 stations worldwide, in over 50 countries. Its shareholders are
Luxair (35.10%), China’s HNCA (35.00%), the financial institutions BCEE
(10.90%) and SNCI (10.67%), and the State of Luxembourg (8.32%).
Schiphol
Airport’s flight cap annulled
The Netherland’s Council of State has
overturned a former decision to downsize flight numbers at Amsterdam Airport
due to inadequate justification. The vote annuls the former decision made by
Barry Madlener, the minister responsible for aviation in the previous
right-wing populist government, to limit flight movements to max 478,000 per
year. According to the Council of State, his ministry did not take the decision
with sufficient care and failed to provide adequate justification.
For example, when determining the maximum
level of noise pollution, the ministry did not sufficiently take into account
that quieter aircraft, emitting limited noise pollution, are also operating at
Schiphol. This fact should have been included in the underlying emissions
calculations.
Since this did not happen, the rigid limit of
478,000 takeoffs and landings per year set by the Madlener administration is
invalid, argues the Council. In addition their members claim that the Minister
did not sufficiently substantiate his decision. According to the Council, not
every aircraft produces the same amount of noise, so a simple addition of
flights alone does not adequately reflect the total amount of noise that may be
produced in a year.
(Almost) back to the starting point
With the Council’s vote, the ball is now back in the Dutch government’s court.
In practical terms, the search for sustainable solutions for future-proof
flight management in Amsterdam can begin anew. The current situation is
essentially similar to the conditions in 2004, when the first Airport Traffic
Decree was adopted. Since then, the issue has been going in circles – despite
mounting uncertainty in aviation circles and growing unrest among residents of
communities adjacent to Schiphol the airport.
No influence on cargo traffic at AMS
At least for the cargo sector in Amsterdam, the Council’s vote is unlikely to
have any impact. The number of movements between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. had already
been reduced from 32,000 to 27,000 per year. However, according to traffic
forecasts, this number of cargo flights is unlikely to be reached in the long
term.
To round it off: Following the Council of State’s decision, the Dutch
government, Amsterdam Airport management, cargo airlines and Schiphol employees
are just as wise – or rather, just as at a loss – as they were before.
Almaty replaces Dubai
As for Air France-KLM Group member Martinair Cargo, the flight schedule for the
coming summer season listed stopovers at Dubai World Central for a number of
B747-400F services between Amsterdam and Hong Kong. Instead, all eastbound
flights operated by MP to the APAC region are turned into nonstop services.
Due to Dubai’s negative security outlook, MP
Cargo decided to scrap all tank stops in until the Gulf Emirate further notice.
Further to this, the carrier announced the upping of cargo flight frequencies
to Hong Kong from 5/7 to 6/7. Three of these services will include landings in
Incheon. A new routing, voiced earlier this year by the carrier.
In addition to this, MP Cargo leaves open if
the airline will return to Dubai DWC in the coming months. All depends on the
security situation in the Gulf region, sys management. If not, Almaty will
continue to be used for technical stops on westbound legs.
The
Mercosur – EU pact could become LATAM Cargo’s new Eldorado
LATAM Cargo has consolidated its leadership
role on Europe-South America routes, achieving a 30% market share despite
aggressive cut-throat competition. Currently, the carrier operates
approximately 90 weekly passenger (PAX) flights offering 1,300 tons of
cargo capacity in the aircraft’s lower decks.
This is complemented by 15 dedicated
freighter flights per week, connecting Europe with key strategic Latin American
cargo hubs providing an additional 800 tons per week. In an exclusive with
CargoForwarder Global, Jorge Carretero, Sales Director Cargo, Central Europe
(JC), announced intentions to scale up operations triggered by the upcoming
EU-Mercosur agreement on free trade.
CFG: What impact does LATAM Cargo expect
the pact to have on its business between South America and the EU?
JC: LATAM Cargo sees the EU–Mercosur pact as a structural catalyst
for long-term trade growth between South America and Europe. By reducing trade
barriers and improving market access, the agreement is expected to accelerate
cargo flows and unlock new business opportunities across key industries.
From a strategic perspective, this reinforces the importance of the
Europe–South America corridor as a core market for LATAM Cargo. We anticipate
sustained demand growth, particularly in high-value and time-sensitive
segments, and will continue to align our network, capacity, and product
offering to capture these opportunities.
CFG: Which air cargo and consumer goods do
your market analysts believe will benefit most from this treaty?
JC: Perishables will remain a key growth driver, particularly
exports from South America such as fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers, where
improved market access directly translates into higher volumes.
At the same time, pharmaceuticals, high-value goods, and industrial cargo,
including automotive and manufacturing components, are expected to see
increased flows in both directions. LATAM Cargo is well positioned to support
these segments through its specialized solutions, reliability, and extensive
regional coverage.
CFG: On which specific routes can tonnage
growth be expected (both import/export) triggered by the EU-Mercosur deal?
JC: Our main gateway is São Paulo/Guarulhos (GRU), which
concentrates the largest share of tonnage and serves as a key distribution hub
for the region. We are further strengthening our footprint by adding new
passenger routes from Amsterdam (AMS) and Brussels (BRU), while maintaining our
established operations to Santiago (SCL) and Lima (LIM). Complementing this are
our 15 weekly freighter operations between both key markets, providing a
balanced combination of belly and freighter capacity to capture growth on both
import and export flows across the EU–South America trade lane.
CFG: Which destinations does LATAM Cargo
serve with freighter aircraft on routes between Europe and the four Mercosur
member states?
JC: Currently, we operate 15 dedicated freighter flights each week,
connecting Europe with key strategic cargo hubs in South America, including:
·
Viracopos
(VCP)
·
Curitiba
(CWB)
·
Florianópolis
(FLN)
·
Santiago
(SCL)
·
Buenos
Aires (EZE)
·
Montevideo
(MVD)
·
Lima
(LIM)
This dual-capacity model – combining extensive passenger belly space with a
robust freighter network – allows LATAM Cargo to offer both scale and
flexibility. As a result, we are strongly positioned as a preferred partner for
customers operating between Europe and South America, particularly within the
Mercosur region.
CFG: Jorge, thank you for your input.
Salmon fly (almost) CO2-neutral
In a separate announcement, LATAM Cargo and Andes Integración Logística jointly
informed that they have completed the first premium salmon air shipment with a
sharply reduced carbon footprint, on behalf of the Chilean salmon exporter,
AquaChile. The shipment consisted of more than 3 tons of premium salmon from
Chile to the United States.The SAF utilized – produced from animal waste
residues – enables emissions reduction of 74.7% compared to conventional fossil
fuels, according to the calculation methodologies employed.
“This shipment demonstrates that the
decarbonization of air cargo is possible when the entire logistics chain works
in tandem,” commented
Cristina Oñate, Product Sustainability Manager at LATAM Cargo Group. “Our
goal is to continue expanding access to concrete, traceable, and verifiable
solutions based on the use of SAF, so that more South American exporters can
reduce the carbon footprint of their international shipments”.
For his part, Jan-Henrik Hertel, Director of
Processes at Andes Integración Logística, noted: “This agreement
reinforces our role as a strategic freight forwarder. We do not just manage
transport from origin to destination; we accompany our clients in fulfilling
their sustainability goals. Furthermore, we are proving that the logistics
chain can be an active tool for greenhouse gas reductions.”
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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