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 May 06, 2026
Today’s
Exchange Rates
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95.28 |
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129.0668 |
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/// Sea Cargo News ///
Shippers Pay Premium
as CMA CGM Doubles Suez Canal Transits
CMA CGM has
reportedly doubled the number of vessel transits through the Suez Canal as
customers show willingness to pay premium rates for faster and more direct
shipping services. The move signals growing shipper demand for reduced transit
times compared with longer rerouting options around southern Africa.
Businesses
facing urgent inventory needs and tighter delivery schedules are increasingly
prepared to absorb higher freight costs in exchange for quicker cargo movement.
Industry
analysts say the decision reflects improving confidence among some carriers and
cargo owners in selectively using the Suez route despite ongoing regional
security concerns. Faster passage through the canal can significantly shorten
voyages between Asia, Europe, and the Mediterranean.
The trend
highlights how supply chain priorities are shifting toward speed and
reliability, particularly for time-sensitive goods. If demand continues, more
carriers may consider expanding premium routing options through the Suez
corridor.
South Korea Supports
Shippers With Freight Rate Discounts
South Korea
has introduced freight rate discounts to support domestic shippers facing
elevated logistics costs and ongoing uncertainty in global shipping markets.
The assistance is aimed at easing the burden on exporters and importers dealing
with volatile freight charges, longer transit times, and capacity disruptions
across major trade lanes.
Small and
medium-sized enterprises are expected to be among the primary beneficiaries of
the support measures. Officials say the initiative is designed to help maintain
export competitiveness for key sectors such as electronics, automobiles,
machinery, chemicals, and consumer goods. Lower transport costs could also
improve supply chain stability and enable businesses to fulfill overseas orders
more efficiently.
Industry
observers view the move as part of broader to shield trade-dependent economies
from maritime disruptions and geopolitical risks. Stakeholders expect the
discounts to provide short-term relief while supporting South Korea’s broader
trade momentum.
Evergreen Launches
Asia–South Africa Service Focused on Sustainability
Evergreen Marine Corporation has launched a new Asia–South Africa service designed to enhance trade connectivity while incorporating sustainability-focused operational practices across the route. The new service aims to improve cargo flow between major Asian manufacturing hubs and South African markets, supporting demand for consumer goods, machinery, automotive components, and industrial supplies.
The route is
expected to strengthen South Africa’s role as a key gateway for African trade
distribution. A key highlight of the service is its emphasis on environmental
performance, with the deployment of more fuel-efficient vessels and operational
measures intended to reduce carbon emissions. The initiative aligns with
broader industry efforts to transition toward greener shipping solutions and
improved energy efficiency.
Industry
observers say the move reflects growing demand for reliable and sustainable
long-haul shipping connections between Asia and Africa. The service is expected
to enhance supply chain stability, reduce transit uncertainties and support
expanding trade flows between the two regions.
CULines Orders Four
Newbuild Vessels at Huangpu Wenchong Shipyard
CULines has
placed an order for four newbuild vessels at CSSC Huangpu Wenchong Shipbuilding
Company, marking an expansion of its fleet to strengthen regional and global
container services.
The new
vessels are expected to enhance the carrier’s capacity on key intra-Asia and
international trade routes, supporting rising demand for containerized cargo
driven by manufacturing and e-commerce growth. The investment reflects the
company’s strategy to scale operations and improve service reliability.
Industry
sources say the newbuilds will likely feature modern fuel-efficient designs
aimed at improving operational efficiency and reducing emissions in line with
global environmental regulations. This aligns with the broader shipping
industry trend toward greener and more sustainable vessel technology.
Analysts
note that continued fleet expansion by mid-sized carriers like CULines
highlights intensifying competition in the container shipping sector, as
companies seek to secure capacity and strengthen network coverage amid evolving
global trade flows and fluctuating freight markets.
UAE Expands Fujairah
Oil Exports, Reducing Reliance on Hormuz Strait
United Arab
Emirates has strengthened its ability to export more crude oil through
Fujairah, allowing greater volumes to bypass the strategically sensitive Strait
of Hormuz. The development enhances supply security and provides additional
flexibility for regional energy shipments.
Fujairah,
located on the Gulf of Oman, offers direct access to international shipping
lanes outside the Persian Gulf, making it a vital hub for storage, bunkering,
and crude exports. Expanded pipeline connectivity and terminal capacity enable
the UAE to route larger oil volumes without relying solely on tanker movements
through Hormuz.
The move
comes as energy markets remain alert to geopolitical risks and possible
disruptions in one of the world’s busiest oil transit chokepoints. By
increasing export capacity through Fujairah, the UAE can help maintain stable
deliveries to customers in Asia, Europe and other global markets.
Analysts say
the strategy improved the country’s resilience, strengthens its role in global
energy trade and underscores the growing importance of alternative corridors in
an increasingly uncertain maritime environment.
COSCO Shipping Ports
Reports Strong Q1 Growth as Throughput Nears 39 Million TEU
COSCO
SHIPPING Ports Limited reported strong first-quarter growth, with container
throughput approaching 39 million TEUs, reflecting robust global trade activity
and steady performance across its port network.
The company
said the growth was supported by higher cargo volumes across major Asian,
European, and emerging market terminals, driven by resilient manufacturing
output and sustained demand for containerized goods. Key hub ports within its
network continued to handle significant transshipment flows.
Operational
efficiency improvements, enhanced terminal capacity, and better coordination
with shipping alliances also contributed to the strong performance. The company
continues to focus on expanding its global port footprint and strengthening
integrated logistics capabilities.
Industry
observers note that the results highlight the resilience of global container
trade-despite ongoing geopolitical tensions and supply chain adjustments. COSCO
Shipping Ports is expected to maintain stable growth momentum, supported by
continued trade recovery and network optimization efforts.
/// Air Cargo News ///
Japan Airlines Tests Humanoid Robot for Baggage Handling
By automating repetitive processes, the airline aims to reduce strain on workers while improving turnaround times and operational consistency. Humanoid robots are seen as particularly useful in baggage operations because they can navigate environments designed for humans and potentially use existing tools and workspaces without major infrastructure changes. The technology may also enhance workplace safety in busy ramp and cargo areas.
Market observers say the pilot reflects a wider trend of airports and airlines investing in automation, artificial intelligence and smart equipment to streamline operations. If successful, the trial could pave the way for broader adoption of robotic systems in aviation ground handling.
Qatar Airways Cargo resumes operations
to the UAE
Qatar Airways Cargo has resumed its freighter and belly operations to and from Doha, after the airline halted its cargo transportation service due to safety concerns. Recently, the carrier published its new schedule, including the resumption of freighter flights to Dubai World Central (DWC) twice weekly, starting from 26 April.
The schedule also incorporates freighter flights to Shajah (SHJ) three times weekly, commencing from 1 May, alongside restarting daily passenger flights to Dubai (DXB) and Sharjah (SHJ). It is expected that freighter destinations may increase to over 50 as of 1 May, and the passenger network may expand to over 150 destinations from 16 June.
Since the shipment restrictions have been lifted on particular urgent freight services to routes such as Victoria, Australia, the products that are going to be available, effective 1 May, include QRLIV that are special handling codes for commodities like fish, mammals, and diplomatic cargo, and LHO codes for live human organs and blood.
The rest of the Qatar Airways Cargo products remain accessible for booking through normal sales channels, and with the customer bookings open concerning the Digital Lounge and local Qatar Airways Cargo sales teams.
AfA slams FAA flight cuts at Chicago
O'Hare International Airport
The Airforwarders Association (AfA) has criticized the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) decision to reduce hundreds of daily flights at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, saying the move highlights years of underinvestment in airport infrastructure and air traffic management.
The FAA has instructed airlines to limit operations at O’Hare to 2,708 daily flights during the summer season, down from more than 3,000 scheduled peak-day movements, as part of efforts to ease delays and congestion at one of the busiest cargo and passenger hubs in the United States.
Brandon Fried, Executive Director at Airforwarders Association, said, “This is not a surprise, it is the consequence of years of underinvestment in airport infrastructure and a failure to adequately staff the air traffic control system. When demand outpaces what the system can safely handle, the result is disruption, reduced capacity, and higher costs that ripple across the supply chain.”
The AfA said the reduction in flights at a major global gateway would restrict air cargo capacity, lead to further delays, and intensify pressure on already stressed supply chains, particularly for time-sensitive shipments. The association also repeated its call for an immediate end to the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown, warning that the situation is reaching a critical stage for aviation security.
More than 780 Transportation Security Administration officers have resigned during the shutdown, and funding for the twice-monthly payroll is expected to be exhausted in early May.
Fried said, “While aviation security remains robust, the longer-term impact of workforce disruption is real. We urgently need a resolution that restores stability, including a sustainable, long-term approach to pay for Transportation Security Administration personnel.”
The AfA has called on federal authorities to take coordinated measures to tackle infrastructure challenges, restore staffing resilience, and ensure policy decisions facilitate rather than restrict the smooth movement of goods.
Emirates SkyCargo adds Toronto flights
as it expands freighter fleet
Emirates SkyCargo has added a new freighter flight between Toronto and the UAE as it looks to capitalise on increasing demand between the two locations and utilise its growing fleet of freighters.
The new service will operate weekly and will also include a stop at Amsterdam Schiphol on the outbound leg from the Middle East. The flight operates using one of the carrier’s 100-ton capacity Boeing 777 freighters and is in addition to existing bellyhold operations to the airport.
The
freighter service from Toronto will boost exports of commodities such as
pharmaceuticals, fresh produce, electronics & components, as well as other
general cargo, the airline said in a press release.
Between Amsterdam and Toronto, the freighter flight supports maindeck cargo capacity for the movement of pharmaceuticals, perishables and other manufactured goods from the European Union to Canada.
Badr Abbas, Emirates SkyCargo divisional senior vice president, said: “Exports from Canada to the UAE have been growing steadily in recent years, increasing 24% year on year between 2023 and 2024 facilitated by direct air connectivity and strong bilateral trade relations.
“Our weekly freighter to Toronto further amplifies this positive momentum, providing Canadian businesses with an additional 100 tons of export capacity every week over and above belly hold cargo capacity on Emirates passenger flights.
“Additionally, the flight will also provide important connectivity between Canada and one of its largest trading partners, the EU, on the inbound segment with a stop at Amsterdam.”
Toronto Pearson Airport chief commercial officer Kurush Minocher added that the airport handles around 45% of the country’s total air cargo volumes.
“This new service provides shippers with direct, reliable access to one of the world’s most expansive cargo networks and reflects continued confidence in Toronto Pearson as a strategic gateway for global trade,” he said.
EK9943 departs Dubai World Central (DWC) airport at 07.10hrs local time on Fridays, arriving at Amsterdam (AMS) at 12.15hrs local time. The flight then departs Amsterdam and continues to Toronto, arriving at 16.55hrs local time.
EK9944 departs from Toronto Pearson (YYZ) airport at 19.15hrs local time on Fridays, arriving at Dubai World Central (DWC) at 16.15hrs on Saturdays local time.
In a press release, Emirates SkyCargo said that it had transported over 11,000 tons of export cargo from Canada since 2023.
In
July 2023, Emirates SkyCargo also started offering cargo capacity on passenger
flights to and from Montreal.
Freighter additions
The
new service comes as the carrier has added four new Boeing 777 freighters since
March as part of plans to grow
its fleet of 777Fs from 11 at the start of the year to 21 by the end of the
year.
In total, its current fleet of freighters stands at 15 777Fs. At the start of the year, the carrier also operated five wet-leased Boeing 747 freighters, although it is not clear whether it is still utilising these aircraft.
Emirates SkyCargo took delivery of three 777 freighters last year, allowing the airline to retire older aircraft.
The airline currently has outstanding orders for six production 777 freighters, while it has also placed orders for 10 777 passenger-to-freighter conversions from Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
The carrier has also been adjusting its network this year. In January, the airline announced the start of scheduled cargo operations to Liege Airport in Belgium.
The service operates five times per week using one of the airline’s Boeing 777 freighter aircraft.
Three of the flights will connect Liege with Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai to transport critical, temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals.
The other two flights will originate in Hong Kong and carry e-Commerce shipments to and through Liege.
In March, the carrier started a new weekly freighter service to Mumbai connecting Dubai, Singapore and India.
In addition, the airline started a new dedicated freighter service between Ahmedabad and Dubai. The airline expects to carry pharmaceuticals, fresh fruits, vegetables and other perishables, as well as personal electronic devices, on both freighters.
US forwarders express dismay at Chicago flight cuts
Image:
© EQRoy/Shutterstock.comUS-based freight forwarders have hit out at the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) decision to cut flights at Chicago O’Hare International as part of efforts to reduce congestion.
The FAA two weeks ago limited the number of daily flights to 2,708 during the summer to avoid worsening flight delays at the airport. The limit was imposed when it was found that airlines – mainly United and American – had planned to increase flight numbers by 14.9% year on year to 3,080 daily operations this summer, despite delays being experienced by more than 40% of flights last year.
The airport is one of the country’s busiest cargo hubs, ranking number six in 2024. The Airforwarders Association (AfA) has said the FAA decision to cut hundreds of daily flights at Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) reflected long-standing failures to invest in aviation infrastructure and air traffic control.
The AfA warned that cutting flights will constrain air cargo capacity, increase delays, and add further pressure to already strained supply chains, particularly for time-sensitive shipments.
“This is not a surprise. It is the consequence of years of underinvestment in airport infrastructure and a failure to adequately staff the air traffic control system,” said Brandon Fried, executive director of the Airforwarders Association.
“When
demand outpaces what the system can safely handle, the result is disruption,
reduced capacity, and higher costs that ripple across the supply chain.”
In its statement on the reasons behind last summer’s delays, the FAA pointed out that there were a lot of construction projects being carried out around the airport. Many of these projects are continuing this year.
“Reducing
the schedule at ORD for Summer 2026 is a strategic decision to mitigate
expected performance issues,” the FAA said.
“Proactively adjusting the daily scheduled operations will enhance on-time performance and minimise delays, thereby improving the overall efficiency and reliability of airport operations during this period of continued extensive construction.”
The flight cuts have been met with dismay by airlines, United in particular. The carrier feels that it will bear the brunt of the cuts.
United
Airlines feels the FAA’s proposal to cap the number of daily flights would
cause “widespread and unnecessary flight cancellations” – along with providing
rival American Airlines a more favourable competitive position at the
critical Midwest hub.
The FAA believes that significant progress on airfield construction through the Summer 2026 season will reduce the likelihood of the need for the scheduling limit beyond the end of the season.
The AfA also reiterated its call for an immediate resolution to the ongoing Department of Homeland Security (DHS) shutdown, warning that the situation is approaching a critical point for aviation security.
More
than 780 Transportation Security Administration officers have resigned during
the shutdown and funding for the twice-monthly payroll is expected to end in
early May.
“While aviation security remains robust, the longer-term impact of workforce disruption is real,” said Fried. “We urgently need a resolution that restores stability, including a sustainable, long-term approach to pay for Transportation Security Administration personnel.”
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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