JUPITER SEA & AIR
SERVICES PVT. LTD, EGMORE – CHENNAI, INDIA.
E-MAIL : Robert.sands@jupiterseaair.co.in Mobile : +91 98407 85202
Corporate News
Letter for Thursday May 21,
2026
Today’s
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/// Sea Cargo News ///
India Signs MoU to
Develop First Mega Greenfield Shipyard at Thoothukudi
India took a major step toward becoming a global shipbuilding
hub with the signing of a tripartite memorandum of understanding (MoU) to
establish the country’s first mega greenfield shipyard at Thoothukudi.
The agreement was signed between HD Korea Shipbuilding &
Offshore Engineering (HD KSOE), National Shipbuilding & Heavy Industries
Park, Tamil Nadu (NSHIP-TN), and Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited under
the aegis of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
According to the ministry, the proposed shipyard will have an
estimated capacity of 2.5 million gross tonnage (GT) and is expected to
generate around 15,000 direct jobs once operations stabilise, besides creating
significant indirect employment opportunities across Tamil Nadu and
neighbouring regions.
The MOU lays the foundation for the joint development,
financing, construction and operation of a world-class shipbuilding facility at
Thoothukudi. The project is among the earliest implementation outcomes under
the India-Republic of Korea maritime cooperation framework, high-lighting the
deepening strategic partenership between the two countries in shipbuilding,
shipping and maritime logistics.
The greenfield shipyard is also expected to act as a catalyst
for a broader maritime industrial ecosystem, including ancillary manufacturing
clusters, localisation of marine equipment supply chains, workforce skilling
initiatives and adoption of advanced manufacturing, digital shipbuilding and
green shipping technologies.
NSHIP-TN is a special purpose vehicle jointly promoted by
V.O.Chidambaranar Port Authority and State Industries Promotion Corporation of
Tamil Nadu (SIPCOT). Sagarmala Finance Corporation Ltd functions under the
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
As part of the collaboration, Indian shipbuilding professionals
and workers may also receive training at HD KSOE facilities in the Republic of
Korea, helping strengthen domestic technical expertise in advanced shipbuilding
practices.
The initiative aligns with the India-ROK Comprehensive Framework
“VOYAGES” (Shared Vision for Operation of Yard Assisted Growth with Efficiency
and Scale), launched following discussions between Narendra Modi and Lee Jae
Myung, Korean President during the latter’s visit to India.
The proposed facility will serve as the anchor project of the
larger Thoothukudi Shipbuilding Cluster being developed by NSHIP-TN. While the
Techno-Economic Feasibility Report has already been completed, preparation of
the Detailed Project Report is currently underway, the ministry statement
added.
PSA Mumbai Inaugurates
New Super Panamax Quay Cranes at JNPA
PSA Mumbai, India’s largest container terminal at Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA), achieved a major milestone with the inauguration of new Super Panamax Quay Cranes (QCs), further strengthening the terminal’s cargo handling capabilities and operational efficiency.
The new cranes were inaugurated by Shri Gaurav Dayal, IAS,
Chairperson, JNPA, and Shri Ravish Kumar Singh, IRTS, Deputy Chairperson, JNPA,
in the presence of Mr Vincent Ng, CEO, MESAAT, PSA, and Shri Ashwin Arvind,
CEO, PSA Mumbai.
The addition of the advanced Super Panamax Quay Cranes is
expected to significantly enhance the operational capacity of BMCTPL (PSA
Mumbai) and contribute to increasing the overall handling capacity of JNPA.
The development also reinforces the long standing partnership
between JNPA and PSA India in building world-class port infrastructure to
support India’s growing trade and logistics sector.
According to officials, the new cranes will help improve
operational efficiency, enable faster vessel turnaround times and strengthen
JNPA’s position as one of India’s leading gateways for global commerce.
MOL Eyes Stronger
India Presence, Increased Hiring of Indian Seafarers
Japan-based shipping major Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) is planning
a stronger expansion in India across energy shipping, logistics, and maritime
services, while also increasing recruitment of Indian seafarers to support its
growing global fleet operations.
The company sees India as a strategic market for long-term
growth amid rising energy trade, manufacturing activity, and supply chain
diversification.
MOL said it aims to deepen its involvement in India’s energy
transportation segment, particularly in LNG, LPG, crude oil, and clean energy
shipping, as the country continues to expand its energy imports and industrial
demand.
The company is also exploring broader opportunities in
integrated logistics, coastal shipping, port connectivity, and supply chain
solutions linked to India’s expanding trade ecosystem.
Senior company executives highlighted India’s growing importance
in global maritime trade and noted that the country’s expanding port in
infrastructure, industrial corridors and logistics reforms are creating
significant opportunities for international shipping companies. India’s
increasing role in global manufacturing and exports is also expected to drive
higher cargo volumes and demand for specialised shipping services.
As part of its expansion strategy, MOL plans to hire more Indian
seafarers for its international fleet, citing the strong reputation of India
maritime professionals in global shipping. The company indicated that India
remains one of the world’s largest suppliers of trained seafarers and
recruitment from the country is expected to increase as fleet requirement
expand across tanker, bulk carrier and LNG vessel segments.
Industry observers said MOL’s India push aligns with broader
trends among global shipping companies seeking to strengthen their presence in
South Asia amid shifting trade routes and growing regional energy demand.
The company is also expected to evaluate opportunities linked to
green shipping technologies, decarbonisation initiatives and alternative marine
fuels as the maritime industry accelerates its transition toward lower-emission
operations.
Two LPG Ships Carrying
Fuel for India Safely Transit Strait of Hormuz
Two LPG tankers carrying fuel cargoes for India have successfully transited through the Strait of Hormuz despite heightened geopolitical tensions and ongoing conflict involving the United States and Iran in West Asia.
The development has provided temporary relief to energy markets
and Indian importers amid concerns over potential disruptions to one of the
world’s most critical maritime trade routes. The vessels passed through the
strategically important waterway under heightened security monitoring as
regional tensions continued to raise risks for commercial shipping operations.
The Strait of Hormuz handles nearly one-fifth of global oil and
fuel trade, making it a vital corridor for India’s crude oil, LPG, and LNG
imports from Gulf producers.
Largest Ship in East
and Central Africa Docks at Lamu Port
Lamu Port has received the largest vessel ever to dock in East
and Central Africa, marking a significant milestone for regional maritime
infrastructure and trade development.
The arrival of the mega vessel highlights the port’s growing
capability to handle large-scale international shipping traffic and reinforces
its role as a strategic logistics gateway on Africa’s eastern coast.
Port authorities said the successful berthing demonstrates the
operational readiness of Lamu Port’s deep-water facilities, which were
developed to accommodate larger container ships and bulk carriers that many
regional ports cannot efficiently handle.
The milestone is expected to strengthen confidence among global
shipping lines considering direct calls to the port.
Saudi Arabia Ramps Up Oil Exports via Red Sea Amid Hormuz Disruptions
Saudi Arabia is significantly increasing crude oil exports through its Red Sea terminals following disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz caused by the ongoing West Asia conflict. Saudi oil giant Saudi Aramco plans to transport more than 5 million barrels of oil per day through alternative routes to stabilize global energy supplies.
The move comes as the closure and disruption of the Strait of
Hormuz continue to impact international oil markets. According to industry
estimates, every week of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz removes nearly 100
million barrels of oil from global supply, intensifying concerns over shortages
and price volatility.
To bypass the affected shipping lane, Saudi Arabia is using its
East-West Pipeline, which transports crude oil from the country’s eastern oil
fields to the Red Sea port of Yanbu on the western coast. The existing
infrastructure currently enables exports of around 5 million barrels per day
through this alternate route.
However, Amin Nasser said the company is working to
substantially increase export volumes further in order to ease pressure on
global markets and compensate for supply shortages. He also noted that since
the conflict began in late February, the global oil market has already
experienced an estimated shortfall of nearly 1 billion barrels of crude oil.
Yang Ming reports modest
decline during 1st quarter of 2026
Yang Ming Marine Transport Corporation reported consolidated
revenues of US$ 1.22 Billion, for the first quarter of 2026, with net profit
after tax of US$ 0.05 Billion.
The results reflect a modest decline in freight rates compared
to the same period in 2025, compounded by vessel deployment adjustments arising
from the geopolitical situation in the Middle East.
The Board of Directors, convening at its 412thh meeting on May
13, approved the quarterly financial report and also approved a container
renewal plan aimed at strengthening core business competitiveness.
The plan will introduce new self owned containers to improve
service quality and sustainability for customers while reducing ongoing
maintenance and leasing costs.
Looking ahead, Yang Ming identified geopolitical risks and
evolving trade policies as the primary sources of uncertainty for the remainder
of 2026.
For the container shipping sector, Alphaliner forecasts demand
growth of 2.5% against supply growth of 3.8%, with approximately 1.61 Million
TEU of new vessel capacity scheduled for delivery.
However, persistent vessel rerouting for navigational safety and
dynamic fleet deployment in response to Middle East developments are expected
to absorb a portion of the supply surplus.
In response to these conditions, Yang Ming intends to focus on
expanding cargo sourcing, improving schedule reliability and slot utilisation
and deploying its fleet flexibly to capture post-Labour day shipment recovery
and upcoming peak season demand.
The company described fleet and container modernisation as
central to its strategy for supporting customers through supply chain
disruption and sustaining stable, efficient container transportation services.
Adani and Astro Offshore vow
for European subsea expansion
Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone’s marine platform, Astro
Offshore, has entered into an agreement with Oceaneering International, a US
based engineering and applied technology company, to pursue specialised
offshore and subsea opportunities in Europe.
The partnership marks a significant step in APSEZ’s expansion
into ultra-deepwater operations and international markets, combining Astro
Offshore’s growing high-specification fleet with Oceaneering deepwater
engineering and remotely operated vehicle expertise.
Central to the development is the addition of Astro Atlas,
formerly named Energy Savanah, a 2021-built 97 meter DP2 multipurpose support
vessel.
The vessel is equipped with a 150 ton subsea active heave
compensation crane, a 25-ton secondary crane, a moonpool and accommodation for
up to 100 personnel.
With the capability to operate in water depths exceeding 3,000
meters, Astro Atlas enables Astro Offshore to enter the ultra-deepwater
segment, accessing more complex and high value offshore projects including
subsea construction, cable laying, pipeline installation and underwater
inspection, maintenance and intervention.
The development aligns with APSEZ’s long term strategy, which
targets a fleet of 200 vessels alongside marine revenue of INR 6,000 crore and
planned capital expenditure of INR 13,000 crore by the 2031 financial year,
spanning logistics, offshore support, underwater engineering and deepwater
infrastructure services.
/// Air Cargo News ///
Airbus puts cargo door and cargo
loading system to the test
Airbus has been testing its A350 freighter’s Main-Deck Cargo Door (MDCD) actuation system and Cargo Loading System (CLS) on large physical test rigs as it gets ready for preliminary flights and certification.
These tests from a crucial part of the process to establish whether the new generation freighter can handle the 111 tonnes of payload that it is designed to.
The
“Cargo Door Actuation System System Integration Bench” (CDAS SIB), and “Cargo
Zero” CLS test demonstration set up are being used to make the A350F ready for
flight tests and eventual certification, to bring the model to market by
the second half of 2027 as planned.
Airbus’ MDCD arrived at its final assembly line facility in Toulouse on 21 April and installation began on the A350F MSN 700 prototype on 22 April, confirmed Joel Rocker, chief engineer for the A350F.
Airbus noted that the the new MDCD’s opening/closing mechanism would be driven by electrical rather than hydraulic power.
This avoids the need for hydraulic fluid lines to the door, but also minimises the required space envelope due to Geared Rotary Actuators capable of opening or closing the door within 60 seconds, and operating it in 40 kt wind conditions.
The mechanism to latch the door is a new concept and is based on an Airbus patent, used now for the first time on a freighter.
The
main benefits of that are savings in space, weight and cost, since the way of
latching the door reduces the number of parts compared to current systems.
The CDAS SIB is mainly dedicated to test these MDCD system components and their integration within the aircraft.
Cargo door demonstrator
Airbus
said the demonstrator for the A350F’s MDCD comprises a frame weighing almost 20
tonnes on which the test door – which is made of metal but with equivalent
stiffness, weight and centre of gravity of the eventual carbon fibre composite
door – will be operated in different configurations.
The MDCD features a 170-inch wide clear opening and an all-electric drive. By repeatedly opening and closing the test door under various simulated structural loads, the team validates the new electric actuators and the patented latching system, which include the sensors, motors and software.
Last year, the project achieved its first milestone of “marrying” the bench with the test door in Airbus Bremen test centre.
Jürgen
Ruckes, cargo and door testing leader at Airbus, stated: “While preparing for
the handover, the teams are conducting in parallel ‘engineering tests’ to
support the development of ground testing on the first aircraft.
“It will also address the systems integration aspects, specifically the door activation system. It will initially focus on clearing first-flight aspects and subsequently move onto the certification stream.
“The door system itself is always shut off during flight, so the immediate goal is ensuring the system is locked and secure.
“Later, the system must be shown to be compliant with airworthiness requirements for EASA certification. The results from the testing benches feed into the certification campaign.”
Inside the Cargo Zero CLS demonstrator. Image: © Airbus
Inside Cargo Zero
Cargo
Zero is primarily used for testing cargo operations – including loading and
unloading. It features a cut-out of the maindeck cargo door, the cargo hold’s
interior lining and also a fully working Cargo Loading System (CLS) with its
control panels and electrical power-drive units (PDUs) in place.
The CLS is built into the floor of a freighter aircraft. The most visible aspects are a network of mechanical rollers, electrical power-drive units (PDUs), latches, and advanced control panels that allow ground crews to seamlessly and precisely manoeuvre cargo pallets and containers into place.
The 24-metre-long demonstrator is essentially a partial full-scale replica of the A350F cargo hold, consisting of both mechanical and electrical CLS components as well as some of the interfacing systems.
By simulating extreme floor flex and floor-tilt angles, it also ensures that even the most demanding loads – from large turbofan engines to delicate electronics, as well as the heaviest ULDs (up to 28 tonnes) – can be manoeuvred with precision.
Cargo
Zero looks very similar to the real A350F: The floor is modelled on the
aircraft’s structure, with cross beams and the original roller tracks.
The mechanical and electrical components of the CLS are installed on it with the aid of mixed reality tools (like HoloLens) to bridge virtual parts with the real-world frames: additional rails, floor panels, rollers and bolts. The control panels, which allow the loading crew to move the pallets and containers, are located on the walls.
“The team working on the Cargo Zero is testing the operation of the CLS, replicating operational scenarios experienced by customers,” explained Jürgen.
“This includes testing how different loads are moved in or out, using different containers, and testing with varying container weights, including very heavy loads. They also test different aircraft attitudes, such as nose up or down.”
He added: “A key specific test is the engine loading test [using a representatively large wooden engine mockup on a pallet], requested by customers to ensure that in real life large turbofan engines would be easily and automatically transported in and out of the aircraft while mounted on their dedicated engine stand.”
Jürgen pointed out that the team in Bremen recently conducted a rescue test campaign to determine the accessibility of the cargo area and how personnel can carry an individual experiencing a medical event from the cargo area to the courier area behind the cockpit.
“To facilitate such tests, the demonstrator includes mockups of seats and other relevant elements, with accurate measurement clearances,” he noted.
Official testing with Cargo Zero has been running since mid March, following the first power-on tests which were just completed at the time of writing.
Other topics related to normal and abnormal CLS test conditions or maturity items will continue this year and during 2027.
Beyond the initial phase, the team plans to offer customer slots for specific testing, training, or simulating operational scenarios relevant to how customers operate the aircraft.
Additionally, Cargo Zero is used to test the Tail Tipping Warning System. This innovation prevents the aircraft from tipping backwards in case of ‘abuse loading’ (ie. heavily loaded at the rear and too light at the front) in adverse conditions (such as a headwind; or snow on the horizontal tailplane).
Kenya Airways becomes handler for FedEx in Nairobi
Image:
© Kenya AirwaysKenya Airways has become FedEx’s ground handling partner in Kenya following the signing of a partnership that marks the first time the US-headquartered express firm has worked with the Nairobi carrier for handling operations.
Under the partnership, Kenya Airways will support FedEx’s cargo handling operations at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
Kenya Airways operates ground handling services through its subsidiary, Kenya Airfreight Handling Limited
(KAHL), which provides cargo handling and warehousing services at JKIA.
The business supports the handling of imports, exports, transit cargo, and specialised shipments, including perishables and pharmaceuticals.
Kenya Airways acting group chief executive George Kamal said: “This partnership with FedEx is a strong validation of Kenya Airways’ capability to deliver world-class ground handling services that meet international standards.
“It reinforces Nairobi’s role as a critical logistics and aviation gateway linking Africa to Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and North America.
“As global trade patterns continue to evolve, we are positioning JKIA at the centre of efficient, reliable, and integrated cargo movement across the continent.”
The partnership is also expected to strengthen Kenya’s broader ambition to position JKIA as East Africa’s leading cargo consolidation and distribution centre as continental trade accelerates under frameworks such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Kenya remains one of Africa’s largest airfreight exporters, particularly in flowers, fresh produce, pharmaceuticals, and other high-value perishables.
In 2023, Kenya Airways and its hub at JKIA were awarded a certificate of accreditation by IATA’s Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO).
Growing demand from Vietnam attracts
CMA CGM Air Cargo
CMA CGM Air Cargo is looking to capitalise on ongoing air cargo demand growth out of Vietnam with the launch of a new freighter service between the Southeast Asian country and France.
According to FlightRadar24, the carrier launched operations to Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport on 9 May with a flight from Paris CDG and including a stop at Navoi International Airport in Uzbekistan on the return leg of the journey.
A second flight on the same routing was carried out on 12 May. The service is operated with one of the carrier’s Boeing 777 freighters, offering a capacity of around 100 tonnes a flight.
The start of operations to Vietnam was confirmed by ground operations director Krisztian Zajak in a LinkedIn post.
The
launch of the new service comes as the Vietnamese airfreight market has been
growing rapidly in recent years.
Last year, the country handled around 1.4m tonnes of cargo, an increase of more than 18%, according to Vietnam’s civil aviation authority.
The growth has been fuelled by a growing manufacturing base in Vietnam as companies look to diversify supply chains by increasingly making goods outside of China in response to US tariff policy.
According to Vietnam Global, the country’s exports by value have increased by around 20% in the first four months of this year, with the value of computers, electronic products and components increasing by over 45%.
The increase comes as corporations such as Samsung, LG, Pegatron and Foxconn expand their manufacturing presence in the country.
However, the country’s airfreight sector does face challenges, most recently due to the fuel shortages caused by the conflict in the Middle East.
K+N recently remarked that its airfreight charter operation out of the country includes stops in China to refuel. There are also reports of congestion affecting operations.
Japanese forwarder Nippon Express recently reported that it had obtained a container freight station (CFS) license for its off-airport air cargo facility in Hanoi to avoid cargo backlogs at the congested Hanoi Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) and better meet demand for cargo handling in accordance with flight schedules.
Meanwhile, freight forwarder Dimerco reports that there are cargo backlogs for services to both Europe and North America.
As
a result of the congestion and rising fuel costs, rates from the country are
also on the rise.
Contacts suggest that average rates across spot and contract deals out of the country to the US are around 40% higher than last year and above $7 per kg, while to Europe the increase is around 10-15% compared with last year with average prices currently around $5.50 per kg.
Other carriers have also added services to Vietnam this year, most recently with MyFreighter adding a flight to Hanoi and MasKargo to Ho Chi Minh.
Chapman Freeborn launches next flight out service
Charter firm Chapman Freeborn is expanding its critical freight offering with the addition of a next flight out (NFO) service targeting time-sensitive industries.
The service expansion is positioned between hand-carry and full charter and will cater for shipments that require speed, reliability and operational flexibility, Chapman Freeborn said.
The new service features 15-minute quoting and departures no later than 24 hours after pickup, as well as round-the-clock operations, tracking and solutions for shipments of different sizes.
There will also be “end-to-end support, including first and last mile, customs, security screening and palletisation”, Chapman Freeborn said.
NFO is aimed primarily at time-sensitive industries such as aerospace, automotive, electronics, energy, fashion, and healthcare and will provide a single point of contact.
Eyuel Habte, product development manager for NFO at Chapman Freeborn on-board courier, said: “With NFO, we are closing the gap between hand-carry and charter services, giving our clients a reliable, flexible, and fast solution for their most time-critical shipments.
“Backed by our global network and 24/7 operational control, this new service expands our ability to support industries where speed and precision are essential.”
The new offering from Chapman Freeborn is not the only time-sensitive service launched this week as companies respond to industry volatility.
On Monday, DHL Express announced the expansion of its time-define service to include the transport of heavier shipments in response to rising volatility.
The addition of the Heavy Weight Express (HWX) service will allow for the transport of shipments up to 1,000 kg per piece and 3,000 kg per shipment.
FedEx board approves spin-off of FedEx Freight
FedEx’s board of directors has approved the previously announced separation of the FedEx Freight business.
The board of FedEx confirmed in December 2024 that it had agreed to separate FedEx and FedEx Freight into two public companies with the reasoning that “separation unlocks significant value”. The aim is to grow FedEx Freight’s position in the less-than-truckload (LTL) market.
FedEx’s board declared a pro rata dividend of 80.1% of the outstanding shares of common stock of FedEx Freight to FedEx’s stockholders to achieve the separation, said FedEx in a 13 May press release.
Following the separation, FedEx Freight common stock will begin trading on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on 1 June.
“Today’s announcement is an important step as we prepare for a seamless separation of the FedEx Freight business on June 1,” said R. Brad Martin, executive chairman of the FedEx Board and incoming chairman of the FedEx Freight board of directors.
“As
separate organisations, FedEx and FedEx Freight will build on their respective
industry leadership positions to serve customers with excellence, while
creating value for their stockholders.”
FedEx will retain 19.9% of the outstanding shares of FedEx Freight common stock, but will dispose of these shares within 24 months of the completion of the separation.
In January, FedEx Freight revealed its ten-member board, with R. Brad Martin as chairman.
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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