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

 

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

 

Corporate News Letter for  Monday  May 25,  2026

Today’s Exchange Rates

CURRENCY▲	PRICE	CHANGE	%CHANGE	OPEN	PREV.CLOSE
USD/INR	95.69	0.509995	-0.53014	96.26	96.20
EUR/USD	1.16	-0.0019	0.163532	1.1619	1.1619
GBP/INR	128.4992	0.794296	0.614336	129.234	129.2935
EUR/INR	111.0416	0.798996	0.714406	111.7627	111.8406
USD/JPY	159.155	0.175003	0.110079	158.98	158.98
GBP/USD	1.3427	-0.0004	0.029778	1.3431	1.3431
JPY/INR	0.6015	-0.0036	0.594943	0.6051	0.6051

///                   Sea Cargo News            ///

Emirates Shipping Line launches CSX2 service

Emirates Shipping Line (ESL) has announced the launch of CSX2, a new weekly container service connecting key ports in China with Indian Subcontinent, set to commence on June 11, 2026.

The service offers direct and reliable connectivity between the two regions and includes seamless trans-shipment options for Red Sea cargo via Mundra, positioning the Indian port as a key hub within the new string.

CSX2 has been designed to capture growing trade flows between China and the Indian Subcontinent, two or the world’s most dynamic and fast expanding cargo markets. The service will be supported by ESL’s established agency network across the region.

The launch reinforces Emirates Shipping Line’s broader commitment to expanding its footprint in Asian trades and delivering dependable, market responsive solutions to its customers. Further details on the full port rotation and vessel deployment are expected ahead of the June 11 start date.

COSCO SHIPPING launches new Gdynia feeder service with Diamond Line

COSCO SHIPPING will launch a new feeder service from Baltic Container Terminal starting in the first week of June. The new GGS feeder service will operate together with Diamond Line and provide two weekly feeder calls from Gdynia to major European hub posts.

COSCO SHIPPING said the new service will improve network connectivity, operational flexibility and cargo handling efficiency. The feeder network from Port of Gdynia Authority will connect with several COSCO SHIPPING ocean services across multiple trade lanes.

The  network will support services to the Middle East through EPIC3 and NET, including new links to Jeddah and Aqaba. Mediterranean connections will include the NET and NET2 services.

The feeder system will also connect cargo flows to North America through the  TAE, EAG, ELSA and GEX services covering the US East Coast, Gulf, Mexico, US West Coast and Canada.

Additional links will support trade with South America’s east and west coast as well as West Africa. COSCO SHIPPING said the increased feeder frequency will allow the company to respond more effectively to changing customer and supply chain requirements.

CMA CGM introduces Peak Season Surcharges on South China and Hong Kong

CMA CGM has announced a Peak Season Surcharge applicable to cargo originating from South China and the Hong Kong and Macau Special Administrative Regions, effective May 21, 2026.

The surcharge covers all cargo types unless otherwise specified and applies to the following destinations and amounts.

Mombasa, Kenya is subject to a surcharge of USD 300 per TEU. Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania carries a charge of USD 200 per TEU.

Beira-Mozambique is set at USD 300 per TEU, while Maputo and Nacala in Mozambique attract a lower surcharge of US$100 per TEU.

Tamatave Port in Madagascar is subject to a surcharge of USD 400 per 40Ft Container.  Customers with cargo moving on these trade lanes from the effective date are advised to incorporate the surcharge into their cost planning accordingly.

Maersk implements heavy load surcharge on China to Latin America

Maersk has announced the implementation of a Heavy Load Surcharge on the X4FS Service covering shipments from four Chinese origin ports to Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay with effect from the price calculation date of May 29, 2026.

The surcharge applies to 20Ft Dry Equipment types with a Verified Gross Mass exceeding 20 Metric Tons and to 40Ft non operating reefer equipment with a VGM exceeding 23 M. Tons.

The 20Ft dry equipment category encompasses a broad range of unit types including standard dry, bulk, collapsible flat rack, flat rack, hive, pallet wide, open top, tank and twin deck containers.

Origin ports covered are Shanghai, Qingdao, Xingang and Dalian in China. The rate structure by destination is as follows.

For Santos, Itapoa, Itajai and Paranagua in Brazil, the surcharge is USD 400 per unit for both 20Ft Dry and 40Ft non operating reefer equipment at their respective weight thresholds.

For Montvideo in Uruguay, the same USD 400 rate applies to both equipment types.

For Buenos Aires in Argentina, the 20Ft dry surcharge is USD 400 per unit above 20 metric tons, while the 40ft non-operating reefer surcharge is USD 200 per unit above 25 Metric Tons.

CNC adds Kuala Tanjung to BBX3 service

CNC has enhanced its BBX3 service with a new bi-weekly call at Kuala Tanjung in North Sumatra, Indonesia expanding export connectivity from the region to key markets across Asia.

The addition takes effect as part of an updated port rotation designed to capture growing trade flows between Indonesia, Vietnam and South China.

The revised BBX3 rotation will call at Nansha, Shekou, Chittagong, Kuala Tanjung, Singapore, Port Klang, Da Nang, Nghi Son, Haiphong and back to Nansha.

Strategically positioned along the Malacca Strait, Kuala Tanjung provides improved market access for cargo originating from Sumatra and the expanding industrial zones in the surrounding area, offering Indonesian exporters more direct routing options to regional and international destinations.

MSC MICOL Calls at Vizhinjam Port, Reinforcing Mega Vessel Handling Capability

India’s newest deep-water transshipment hub, Vizhinjam International Seaport, welcomed MSC MICOL, one of the world’s largest container vessels, further underlining the port’s growing role in global maritime trade.

The ultra-large container vessel, operated by Mediterranean Shipping Company, measures 400 metres in length and has a carrying capacity of more than 24,000 TEUs.

The vessel arrived at Vizhinjam from Singapore and is scheduled to proceed to Tema after completing transshipment operations. The successful handling of MSC MICOL demonstrates Vizhinjam Port’s capability to efficiently accommodate ultra-large container ships, positioning the port as a key transshipment gateway in the Indian Ocean region.

Developed with advanced infrastructure and deep draft facilities, Vizhinjam continues to attract some of the world’s biggest vessels, strengthening its vision of becoming a major hub for future global trade and maritime connectivity.

DG Shipping Bars 366 Foreign Ships from Hiring Indian Seafarers Over Abandonment Violations

India’s maritime regulator, the Directorate General of Shipping (DG Shipping), has prohibited 366 foreign-flagged vessels from employing Indian seafarers after serious allegations of crew abandonment, unpaid wages and failure to repatriate sailors.

In a circular issued on Thursday to Recruitment and Placement Service Licence (RPSL) holders and Indian seafarers, the regulator classified 278 vessels as “restricted” and 88 vessels as “blacklisted”.

DG Shipping said the vessels were linked to multiple cases involving non-payment of wages, denial of compensation in death or missing cases, severe hardship faced by crew members and failure to assist in repatriation of Indian seafarers. The regulator termed these actions violations of both Indian maritime regulations and international maritime obligations.

The maritime authority directed all RPSL companies to stop placing Indian seafarers on these vessels with immediate effect unless full compliance with applicable rules and welfare obligations are ensured. It also ordered RPSLs to submit details within 14 days of Indian seafarers currently engaged on the identified vessels.

According to DG Shipping, the vessels were identified through abandonment-related cases recorded up to 2026, based on the severity and recurrence of violations as well as difficulties encountered during enforcement, repatriation and recovery of outstanding wages.

The regulator further stated that several RPSL holders have already been issued Show-Cause Notices following findings by the Director of the Seamen’s Employment Office in Mumbai regarding their involvement in such cases.

DG Shipping noted that authorities have faced major challenges in coordinating the repatriation of stranded Indian seafarers and securing pending dues from vessel owners involved in abandonment cases.

April Container Volumes at Qatar Ports Exceed 50,000 Units

Qatar’s ports handled more than 50,000 containers in April, reflecting steady cargo activity and continued growth in the country’s maritime trade and logistics sector, according to data released by the relevant maritime authorities.

Industry sources said the container volumes were supported by strong import and export activity, as well as ongoing investments in port infrastructure and supply chain connectivity.

The performance highlights Qatar’s efforts to strengthen its role as a regional logistics and transshipment hub. Hamad Port, the country’s main maritime gateway, continues to play a central role in facilitating containerized trade, serving regional and international shipping routes across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.

Port authorities have also focused on improving operational efficiency and digitalised cargo handling processes to support higher throughput.

Logistics analysts noted that stable container traffic at Qatar’s ports reflects resilient regional trade demand and the country’s continued emphasis on expanding maritime infrastructure to support long-term economic diversification and supply chain development.

Panama Canal Prepares for Potential El Niño Impact to Avoid 2023-Style Crisis

The Panama Canal is strengthening its drought preparedness measures as concerns grow over the possible return of El Niño conditions, with authorities aiming to avoid a repeat of the severe shipping disruptions experienced in 2023.

Canal officials are closely monitoring water levels and weather forecasts while implementing strategies to improve water conservation and operational resilience.

Measures under consideration include enhanced reservoir management, infrastructure upgrades, and contingency planning to maintain vessel transit capacity during periods of reduced rainfall.

The 2023 drought crisis significantly affected canal operations, forcing restrictions on vessel transits and draft limits that disrupted global shipping schedules and increased freight costs.

The canal, which depends heavily on freshwater reserves, remains vulnerable to prolonged dry conditions linked to climate variability.

Shipping analysts said any renewed drought related constraints could again impact global trade flows, particularly containerised cargo & energy shipments moving between Asia, the Americas and Europe. Industry stakeholders are therefore closely tracking developments ahead of the anticipated El Nino cycle.

///                   Air Cargo News            ///

IAG Cargo launches new Madrid Monterrey route

IAG Cargo will launch new cargo services connecting Spain with Mexico and Peru from June 2026. The company will introduce three weekly flights between Madrid and Monterrey starting on June 02, 2026.

It will also launch three weekly services between Barcelona and Lima from June 03, 2026.

The Madrid-Monterrey route marks the first direct cargo service connection operated by IAG Cargo between Spain and Northern Mexico.

The company said the new service strengthens trade links between Europe and one of Mexico’s key industrial regions.

Monterrey is a major manufacturing hub with strong automotive, aerospace and high-tech industries.

IAG Cargo noted that the route also supports nearshoring trends linked to North American supply chains. The Barcelona-Lime service will support cargo flows between Spain and Peru, including perishables, pharmaceuticals and high-value goods.

The new routes form part of IAG Cargo’s wider summer network expansion. The company currently operated 275 weekly widebody connections from its Spanish hubs to North America, Latin America and the Caribbean.

“Latin America remains one of the most important regions in global air cargo”, said Camilo Garcia Cervera, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer at IAG Cargo.  “The new Madrid-Monterrey service creates a direct link for the first time, supporting trade flows between Europe and Northern Mexico”.

IAG Cargo operates through hubs in London, Madrid, Dublin and Barcelona, connecting cargo markets across six continents.

Time moving forward and keeping things simple saw a goodbye last month, and a bit of a tweet-tweet farewell for the 97 year old Flight Code "HA" at Hawaiian Airlines.

Parent company Alaska Airlines is driving expanding & streamlining horizons with air cargo and passenger connections to and from HON via Seattle, across the entire Alaska Air system.

It's AS for the airlines with two identities, as one airline code now keeps it simple for shippers whilst bright ideas drive integration of reservation systems and operational structures into the future..

This week, hold on to your hat as the action just got hotter with AS launching daily year round services above and below deck to London (LHR) via Seattle (SEA).

This exciting London expansion via Alaska Air’s newly minted and growing fleet of B787-9s, comes on the heels of flights from SEA that spearheaded AS expansion internationally to the Eternal City of, Rome just last month.

In the picture we say bravo and good luck to these bright faces moving together from the familiar to destinations yet to be discovered.

During 2026 keeping it simple for exciting new air cargo shipping and passenger possibilities is written all over this crew.

Move over as the cargo division of the great new airine of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh Air, makes significant strides in its international expansion by appointing General Sales and Service Agents (GSSAs) in three key markets: Egypt, India, and the United Arab Emirates.

These regional markets are strategically located near some of the busiest trade corridors connecting Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.

Pravin Singh, Vice President of Cargo at Riyadh Cargo, explained the rationale behind these market selections:

“India brings large scale and steady demand. The UAE and Egypt offer strong connectivity and opportunities for growth, including direct flights that enhance point-to-point options on vital trade lanes.”

Singh, an experienced air cargo professional, expressed enthusiasm about his role, stating:

“The prospect of creating a new cargo business with a blank canvas using technology and innovation as primary tools is hugely exciting.”

Singh emphasized the importance of "collaborating with local partners to balance global connectivity with local execution, ensuring reliability, transparency, and an improved customer experience".

The newly appointed partners include Air Logistics Group India for India, Cargo Partners International Inc. operating under dnata Cargo for the UAE, and M&C Aviation Group for Egypt. Activation will occur in phases, depending on each market's readiness and the rollout of the network.

In Saudi Arabia, Riyadh Cargo collaborates with SATS Ltd. Saudi Arabia Company for ground handling, with Riyadh as the main hub. The company also partners with Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) at London Heathrow, Crest Cargo Servies Private Limited in Pakistan, Millenium Transportation in Sri Lanka and the Maldives, Envotech Aviation in Bangladesh, and FlyUs Aviation Group in the United Kingdom, which supports both online and offline sales, including the recent addition of Manchester.

Riyadh Cargo enhances its future cargo operations as a bellyhold operator with over 180 next-generation aircraft on order, targeting more than 100 destinations by 2030.

Xi and Trump agree on Boeing deal

          Deal done. China agrees to purchase 200 Boeing aircraft,                                             courtesy: reportika.com

During U.S. President Trump’s recent trip to China, Beijing agreed on the purchase of 200 Boeing aircraft, likely involving the B737 MAX 8 series. Trump himself remained vague, describing them simply as “large aircraft”, while his Chinese counterparts did not comment on a particular variant.

However, it is China’s first major order of Boeing aircraft since Trump’s first term in 2017, when Beijing purchased 300 aircraft. Meanwhile, rival Airbus is celebrating an order from an African carrier.

First, regarding the Boeing deal: Despite Trump’s celebratory pose in Beijing, the U.S. aircraft manufacturer’s stock price fell following the announcement, as analysts had expected a significantly larger order volume. And there is no word on whether Boeing CEO, Kelly Ortberg – who was part of the Trump delegation – applauded the verbal agreement reached by both political leaders.

Advantage: Tianjin

Market observers, in any case, did not. They had expected an order for at least 500 Boeing aircraft from the Xi Jinping government, including a significant number of wide-body jetliners from the B787 and B777 series. That did not materialize.

The negotiations took place against the backdrop of fierce competition between two industrial heavyweights. Airbus had overtaken Boeing in the Chinese market – the second largest in the world – in the second half of the last decade, and has a strong local presence by running a final assembly line for its A320 family members in Tianjin, China, since 2009. The customers for the jetliners manufactured there are primarily Chinese state-owned airlines.

High demand for new passenger and cargo aircraft

Analysts estimate that the demand for new aircraft in China is enormous. Market projections from both manufacturers, updated annually, indicate that China will need 9,000 new commercial aircraft by 2045. COMAC’s own C909 and C919 models will only be able to meet a small portion of this demand, despite ramping up production. And the long-range C919 model is not expected to roll out of the Shanghai factory until 2036 at the earliest.

Almost at the same time as Boeing’s deal with China was aired, rival Airbus announced the sale of 20 narrow-body and six wide-body aircraft to Ethiopian Airlines. The aircraft belong to the A220 and A350-1000 series.

The A220, originally designed by Bombardier as CSeries before the Canadian manufacturer was acquired by Airbus in mid-2018, stands out for its efficiency at high-altitude airports – a decisive feature for the airline’s hub at Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport (ADD), built more than 2,300 meters above sea level.

The lower air density under these conditions affects engine performance and lift, a challenge that the A220’s Pratt & Whitney PW1500G engines handle with an operational advantage over other models, states Ethiopian Airlines.

Largest African hub is emerging

The A350-1000s offer greater passenger and cargo capacity and are capable of covering very long distances, making them ideal for serving routes between ADD and GRU, EZE in South America, or PEK and even SYD in the Far East/Oceania.

Ethiopian Airline’s fleet expansion is a key component of the airline’s strategic plan through 2035, which centers on the construction of the new Bishoftu International Airport.

With an investment of USD 12.5 billion, it will feature four runways and offer a capacity of 100 million passengers per year. Upon completion, Bishoftu will be Africa’s largest hub for passenger and cargo transport. Construction began in JAN26. 

Central Europe: Air Cargo’s rising center of gravity

For decades, the spotlight in European air cargo shone firmly on the West – Frankfurt, Paris-CDG, London Heathrow, Amsterdam… These hubs defined the continent’s freight landscape.

But a tectonic shift is underway and other gateways into Europe are opening up. One extraordinary example in recent years, is Istanbul, bridging Asia and Europe, which shot up from 47^th place in 2019, to become Europe’s largest cargo hub in 2025, tonnage-wise (CFG reported).

And Central Europe, too, is fast becoming a strategically critical region in air cargo, driven by geography, industrial transformation, e-commerce, and nearshoring.

Central Europe has a strong future in the continent’s cargo industry and the topic of how it is seeking to shape its success will be discussed in a panel titled “Central European Challenges & Opportunities, plotting the pathway to further success” at TIACA’s upcoming Executive Summit in Warsaw, Poland on 02JUN26.

      Hear from the experts about what is driving air cargo in Central                                       Europe. Image: TIACA.

Central Europe is not a formal subregion under the United Nations geoscheme, and its definition therefore often varies, depending on historical, cultural, or political context. The most cited countries are Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany (which bridges Central and Western Europe), Hungary, Liechtenstein, Poland, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

Some include Switzerland, the Baltics, or Croatia and neighbouring countries in the CET time zone. In any case, Central Europe’s most enduring asset is its location. Sitting at the crossroads of East and West, the region offers unrivalled access across an entire continent.

Vienna Airport, for example, reaches the most important consumer and business centers across Central and Eastern Europe within 24 to 48 hours via road feeder services. And it is no surprise that Frankfurt’s position ‘at the heart of Central Europe’ has long made Germany an international air transport hub connecting to all global regions.

Growing cargo figures

Leaving Germany aside for the moment, a number of countries in Central Europe are showing striking results when it comes to cargo volumes. Vienna Airport delivered its best cargo figures to date in 2025, handling 313,763 tons – a 5.3% increase on previous year.

Budapest Airport has been even more dramatic: it handled 426,519 tons in 2025, a 42.3% increase versus the previous year [which, too, had seen a 48% increase on 2023] – representing a 200+% increase over five years (CFG reported). Almost half of its throughput is now e-commerce from China, but it also offers excellent solutions for perishables or high-value products, thanks to its BUD Cargo City, which was further expanded in 2022, enhancing its handling infrastructure. Warsaw’s Chopin Airport also had a record year – at roughly 137,000 tons throughput in 2025, it has grown its cargo volumes by 40% over the past 5 years.

And a new Polish airport is on the horizon in the next decade. Prague’s Václav Havel Airport, too, has seen impressive momentum, handling a record 96,481 tons of air cargo and mail in 2025 – a year-on-year increase of 48%. It is investing CZK 16 billion (EUR 641.1 million) in a new terminal and expanding its logistics hub to double its cargo handling capacity. The project’s completion is planned for 2029. These examples all confirm a continuing growth pattern.

What is driving this growth?

The answers to this question will be delivered on 02JUN26 at the TIACA Executive Summit panel on “Central European Challenges & Opportunities, plotting the pathway to further success”.

With Pawel Kazmierczak, Commercial Manager at 4RCargo, József Kossuth, Head of Cargo at Budapest Airport, Pawel Zagrajek, Commercial Deputy Director, Port Polska Program, CPK, and Michal Grochowski – Cargo and Mail Director at LOT Cargo, the panel offers a GSSA, Airport and Airline view on Central Europe’s success factors, its strategies for a strong future, its infrastructure investments, but also the risks and challenges it faces.

How have and are current events impacting growth? Are secondary airports becoming more attractive? Has the region been underestimated? What does and will it have to offer, once Port Polska (located between Warsaw and Lodz) opens in 2032? And what could the air cargo landscape look like in the next 5–10 years?

Looking ahead

Looking to 2031 and beyond, the Europe air cargo market is projected to grow from approximately USD 35.9 billion in 2024 to USD 54.8 billion by 2031. Central Europe has a good chance of capturing a great deal of that growth, as its development in cargo volumes is already confirming.

For airlines, freight forwarders, integrators, and shippers navigating an era of supply chain disruption and e-commerce acceleration, Central Europe is not just an option – it is increasingly the obvious choice.

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.