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 13,  2026

Today’s Exchange Rates

CURRENCY▲	PRICE	CHANGE	%CHANGE	OPEN	PREV.CLOSE
USD/INR	95.5675	0.247498	0.259649	95.50	95.32
EUR/USD	1.1745	-0.0038	-0.322501	1.1783	1.1783
GBP/INR	129.3549	-0.256897	-0.198205	129.7399	129.6118
EUR/INR	112.3043	0.152596	0.136062	112.2779	112.1517
USD/JPY	157.599	0.408997	0.260192	157.19	157.19
GBP/USD	1.3535	-0.0075	-0.55106	1.361	1.361
JPY/INR	0.6065	-0.0002	-0.032961	0.6064	0.6067

///                   Sea Cargo News            ///

 

CMA CGM Grand Palais Becomes Largest LNG Ship in Suez Transit

 

 

The Suez Canal has marked a significant milestone with the transit of the CMA CGM Grand Palais, now recognised as the largest LNG-powered container vessel to pass through the waterway.

 

Operated by CMA CGM, the vessel represents a growing shift toward cleaner fuel technologies in global shipping. Its LNG propulsion system is designed to reduce carbon emissions and improve environmental performance compared to conventional fuel-powered ships.

 

Authorities highlighted the transit as a testament to the canal’s capability to accommodate next-generation mega vessels, reinforcing its role as a critical artery for global trade.

 

The milestone also underscores the industry’s ongoing transition toward more sustainable shipping solutions while maintaining high-capacity operations on key maritime routes.

 

Largest LNG Container ship – The vessel measures :

 

**  400 Meters in length

 

**  61 Meters beam

 

**  Capacity of 23, 876 TEU

 

**  Tonnage of 240,000 Tons.

 

It is currently the largest container ship powered by LNG, reflecting the industry’s shift toward lower-emission vessels.

 

The ship joined the southern convoy after passing through the Bab el-Mandab Strait.  Officials said the transit highlights the canal’s ability to handle next-generation mega vessels and reinforces its role as a key global trade route.

 

MSC adds Zarzis to Libya Service

 

 

MSC Mediterranean Shipping Company has introduced Zarzis as a new port of call on its Italy -North Africa Libya Service I, marking the first time the Tunisian port will be included in a regular container shipping rotation.

 

Located approximately 50 kilo meters from the Libyan border, Zarzis is expected to enhance regional connectivity and provide additional logistics options for cargo flows between North Africa and Southern Europe.

 

With the update, the revised service rotation will be Gioia Tauro, Misurata, Tripoli, Zarzis and return to Gioia Tauro. The call at Zarzis will be included on selected sailings.

 

The addition reflects MSC’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its network coverage in the Mediterranean and improve access to emerging regional trade hubs.

 

Hapag Lloyd reopens Upper Gulf bookings via alternative routing

 

 

Hapag Lloyd has reopened bookings to and from Upper Gulf locations using alternative routes that bypass the Strait of Hormuz.

 

Routing via Sharjah – Cargo will be routed through Sharjah as a trans-shipment hub, connecting to :

 

*  Kuwait  * Dammam (Saudi Arabia) * Qatar * Iraq and United Arab Emirates.

 

 

The solution supports :  1) Dry, Reefer and in-gauge special cargo,  2) Bonded trucking between Sharjah and Khor Fakkan and 3) Connections to Oman and India.

 

Operational notes -  a) Feeder services run without fixed weekly schedules,    b) Transit depends on regional safety conditions  and c)  Bonded transport between Sharjah and Khorfakkan takes about five days.  Carrier haulage solutions via Jeddah remain available.

 

MSC launches Europe – Red Sea – Middle East Express service

 

 

MSC has launched a new Europe-Red Sea-Middle East Express service to strengthen connections between Europe and key Middle Eastern markets.

 

The new service responds to growing demand for trade between Europe and the Red Sea, as well as ongoing operational challenges in the region.

 

Direct links to key Red Sea Ports – The service will connect major European ports directly with :

 

King Abdullah Port, Jeddah Port (Saudi Arabia) and Aqaba, Jordon.

 

It will also offer onward connections to the UAE and Upper Gulf through multimodal solutions, including feeder and trucking services. The first sailing is scheduled from Antwerp on 10 May (Voyage OC619 A).  The eastbound rotation will be :

 

Gdansk – Klaipeda – Bremerhaven – Antwerp – Valencia – Barcelona – Gioia Tauro – Abu Kir – King Abdullah – Jeddah – Aqaba.

 

 

The carrier will also leverage its wider European network, covering origins from Northwest Europe, Scandinavia, the Baltic, West Mediterranean, Adriatic, East Mediterranean and th Black Sea.

 

The launch comes as shipping lines continue to adapt to disruptions in the Middle East, including routing challenges and security concerns.

 

BY strengthening direct connections and adding multimodal options, MSC aims to maintain supply chain continuity and flexibility for customers moving cargo between Europe and the Middle East.

 

Five Indian Seafarers Safe After Tanker Attacked in Strait of Hormuz; Shipping Movements Resume Amid Tensions

 

Five Indian seafarers aboard the crude oil tanker MV Barakah are safe after the vessel came under attack while transiting the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways confirmed on Monday.

 

According to ministry officials, the Liberia-flagged tanker—built in 2021 and managed by ADNOC Logistics & Services—was targeted in the early hours of the morning while attempting to navigate the high-risk corridor.

 

“There was a report of an attack around 2:30–3:00 AM (UAE time). All five Indian crew members onboard are safe,” said Opesh Sharma, Director at the ministry, during an interministerial briefing on West Asia.

 

The development comes amid heightened geopolitical tensions in the Persian Gulf, where vessel movement has been severely disrupted following escalating hostilities between Iran and the United States.

 

 

MOL Advances Green Shipping Push with Dual-Fuel VLGC Energia Grandeur

Global shipping major Mitsui O.S.K. Lines (MOL) has taken another significant step toward decarbonizing maritime transport with the introduction of its dual-fuel very large gas carrier (VLGC), Energia Grandeur, designed to operate primarily on cleaner alternative fuels.

 

The vessel is part of MOL’s broader strategy to build an environmentally friendly fleet powered by low-impact fuels. It features a distinctive hull design blending the company’s signature blue with turquoise—symbolizing its environmental commitment and aligning with the MOL Group mission of sustaining lives and ensuring a prosperous future through the oceans.

 

Energia Grandeur is capable of running on both LPG and conventional heavy fuel oil. When operating on LPG, the vessel can reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions by approximately 20%, while cutting sulphur oxides (SOx), particulate matter (PM), and other pollutants by around 90% compared to traditional fuels.

 

In addition to LPB, the vessel is designed to transport ammonia, a next generation clean energy source that emits no CO2 during combustion and is expected to see rising global demand. The ship is also equipped with a shaft generator to improve operational efficiency and further reduce greenhouse gas emissions beyond conventional dual-fuel VLGC standards.

 

The vessel’s has been supported by a transition-linked financing structure, reinforcing MOL’s commitment to sustainable investment practices.

 

Energy major TotalEnergies has entered into a charter agreement for the vessel, further strengthening its long-standing partnership with MOL. The two companies already collaborate across marine fuel trading and long-term LNG shipping and bunkering projects.

 

MOL has positioned sustainability at the core of its long-term strategy under the “BLUE ACTION 2035” management plan and its “Environmental Vision 2.2”, which targets net-zero emissions by 2050. The company aims to accelerate this transition through continued fleet innovation and group wide environmental initiatives.

 

US Warns Shipping Firms of Sanctions Over Iran ‘Transit Fees’ in Strait of Hormuz

 

The Office of Foreign Assets Control has warned global shipping companies that they could face sanctions if they make payments to Iran in exchange for safe passage through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, escalating pressure amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

 

In an advisory, the US agency said both American and non-American entities risk punitive action if they engage in financial transactions with Iran linked to maritime transit. The warning specifically targets what officials described as a “tollbooth” system, under which vessels were reportedly charged fees to navigate alternative routes near Iran’s coastline.

 

The development follows months of disruption in the strait, after Iran curtailed regular shipping traffic during heightened conflict involving the United States and Israel earlier this year. While limited vessel movement has since resumed, access has remained restricted and conditional.

 

In response to Iran’s actions, the United States imposed a naval blockade on April 13, preventing Iranian oil tankers from exiting the region. The United States Central Command said that atleast 45 commercial vesse shave been instructed to turn back since the blockade took effect.

 

The Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global energy supplies, handles a significant share of the world’s seaborne oil trade. Any disruptions or escalation in the region is closely watched by shipping markets, energy traders and governments worldwide.

 

///                   Air Cargo News            ///

Qatar Airways Cargo Resumes Iraq Operations, Expands Capacity 

Qatar Airways Cargo has resumed its cargo operations to Iraq, reinstating services with an expanded capacity to meet rising demand across the region.

The move marks a strategic step to strengthen connectivity and support trade flows between Iraq and key global markets. The carrier has deployed additional capacity on the route, enabling higher cargo volumes and improved service frequency. 

This is expected to benefit sectors such as pharmaceuticals, perishables, and general cargo, which rely on reliable and timely air freight solutions. Industry observers note that the resumption reflects improving operational conditions and growing demand for air cargo services in Iraq. 

The enhanced capacity is likely to boost supply chain efficiency and provide greater flexibility for shippers as regional trade activity gains momentum. 

Swissport expands China Eastern partnership in Melbourne

Swissport has started ground handling and cargo operations for China Eastern Airlines at Melbourne International Airport, expanding the companies’ partnership across the Asia-Pacific region. The agreement covers passenger services, ramp handling, cargo operations, and aircraft cleaning for the airline’s operations in Melbourne.

The partnership links Melbourne with Shanghai Pudong International Airport, a route that handles both passenger and cargo traffic between Australia and China. Swissport said the collaboration builds on its existing relationship with China Eastern Airlines in Shanghai and supports the carrier’s international growth plans.

“This partnership reflects both the trust China Eastern Airlines places in Swissport and the strength of our Asia-Pacific network to deliver fully integrated aviation services for our airline customers,” said Brad Moore, CEO Asia-Pacific at Swissport. “Building on our collaboration in Shanghai, we are now extending that partnership in support of China Eastern Airlines’ international expansion.”

“The partnership has enabled Swissport to jointly develop a unique service and support model for Chinese carriers. Like Swissport, China Eastern Airlines has a steadfast and unwavering focus on safety across its operations, which is strongly reflected in the standard operating procedures in place for China Eastern Airlines,” Moore added.

The development comes as cargo demand between Australia and China continues to grow, supported by exports of fresh produce, seafood, and pharmaceutical products from Australia, alongside increasing e-commerce imports from China. Shanghai Pudong International Airport handled 4 million tonnes of cargo in 2025, while China Eastern Airlines transports around 19,500 tonnes annually on the Shanghai to Melbourne route.

Swissport said its Melbourne cargo facility includes cold-chain infrastructure and pharmaceutical handling capabilities aimed at supporting temperature-sensitive and high-value cargo moving through the Australia-China corridor. The company said the integrated model covering cargo, cabin care, and ground handling is intended to improve coordination across airline operations.

China Eastern Airlines currently operates up to 14 weekly flights between Shanghai and Melbourne during the March to September low season, increasing to 17 weekly services during the October to February peak season. The airline also operates three weekly flights linking Melbourne with Nanjing Lukou International Airport and Xi’an Xianyang International Airport. To prepare for the launch, Swissport’s Melbourne operational team underwent training at China Eastern Airlines’ headquarters in Shanghai.

According to the company, the programme included operational procedures, systems training, service standards, and safety protocols for the airline’s ground handling operations. The agreement also marks the expansion of Swissport’s Cabin Care aircraft cleaning services into Melbourne after the service was introduced at Sydney International Airport earlier this year.

Swissport said its cross-trained workforce is qualified in both cabin services and ground operations to support faster aircraft turnaround processes. The Melbourne launch adds to Swissport’s recent expansion efforts in the Asia-Pacific market.

The company recently entered a commercial agreement to manage and jointly operate the Digital & Intelligent International Cargo Terminal at Shanghai Pudong International Airport in partnership with SMARGO, a joint venture between AVINEX Logistics and China Eastern Airlines Logistics.

EU customs reset: What the end of de minimis means for logistics

European Union will abolish the long-standing €150 customs duty exemption on low-value imports from 1 July 2026, replacing it with a flat €3 duty per item line for qualifying B2C cross-border sales. 

The measure forms part of a broader transition towards a data-driven customs framework expected by 2028. For logistics providers, freight forwarders, marketplaces and cross-border retailers, the change represents a structural shift in how low-value shipments are declared, processed and delivered across the EU.

Based on a recent webinar by UPS, the decision follows concerns raised by EU finance ministers in December 2025 over undervaluation, duty evasion and uneven competition between EU and non-EU sellers. The reform also addresses product safety risks, fraud and the environmental impact of high-volume low-value shipments, positioning customs as a regulatory tool rather than purely a revenue mechanism.

From July 2026, all imports below €150 will be subject to duty. A flat €3 charge will apply per item line in qualifying B2C shipments, significantly changing how low-value consignments are processed.

Item-level customs declarations will become mandatory, replacing consolidated approaches that previously enabled faster clearance. Additional product data requirements will also apply, including merchant and manufacturer identifiers, while non-IOSS (Import One-Stop Shop) shipments will need to clear customs in the destination country rather than at the first point of entry.

The reform also introduces cost implications for returns, as duties will not be automatically refundable. During the recent UPS webinar, Emanuele Frezza, EU Affairs Senior Manager at UPS, highlighted that the new customs rules will apply specifically to goods entering the EU from outside the bloc, while shipments moving within the EU will not be affected.

This distinction is important for logistics network planning and compliance strategies. Also Read - DHL Express launches AI tool to automate customs item details Operationally, the reform increases both the volume and complexity of customs processing. Logistics providers will need to manage higher declaration volumes with detailed item-level data, while ensuring greater accuracy in product classification and documentation.

The webinar also highlighted that errors in product descriptions, HS codes or identifiers may result in delays or clearance issues, making data quality a critical requirement rather than a back-office function. The changes also have direct implications for network design.

The traditional model of clearing shipments at a central EU hub and distributing them internally becomes less effective for non-IOSS flows. Instead, shipments must align with destination-country clearance requirements, increasing routing complexity and requiring more precise planning across line-haul and last-mile operations.

Commercial models are also expected to evolve. Duties are likely to be billed to shippers or platforms rather than end consumers, requiring updates to invoicing systems, contractual agreements and customer communication processes. The €3 per item structure further adds complexity to multi-item shipments, affecting pricing strategies and cost allocation.

The impact is expected to be most significant for e-commerce operators that rely on low-value, high-volume cross-border shipments. The removal of the duty-free threshold increases landed costs, which may affect pricing, margins and product assortment decisions. IOSS-compliant shipments retain a relative advantage by allowing clearance at the first point of entry, while non-IOSS shipments face more fragmented and potentially slower processing.

At its core, the reform introduces a stronger dependence on structured product data. Each item will require multiple identifiers, including merchant and manufacturer details and, where available, standardised product codes such as GTIN, EAN or UPC. This increases the importance of accurate product master data across supply chains.

GTIN stands for Global Trade Item Number, while EAN stands for European Article Number (now also called International Article Number), and UPC stands for Universal Product Code. What logistics players say Industry stakeholders broadly agree that the removal of the €150 de minimis threshold will reshape cross-border e-commerce flows.

Kathy Liu, VP, Global Sales & Marketing at Dimerco Express Group, said, “The proposed EU de minimis reforms may create a structural shift for cross-border e-commerce flows, particularly for high-volume, low-value shipments that have relied on the de minimis. In the short term, we expect some front-loading of shipments ahead of implementation. Over the longer term, supply chains are likely to adapt toward bonded warehousing and regional distribution models within Europe.

This will not eliminate demand, but it will rebalance it, with growth in direct air parcel volumes likely to get moderate.” From an airport infrastructure perspective, Stephan Horn, Senior Manager Strategy & Business Development at Fraport AG, noted, “We anticipate that upcoming EU de minimis regulatory changes will temporarily slow overall market growth in this segment.

However, e-commerce will remain a resilient and key growth driver in the air cargo sector. Frankfurt Airport will continue to adapt infrastructure and processes to support efficient e-commerce flows, even as regulatory conditions evolve.”

DHL Aviation said the changes will introduce additional complexity and cost for cross-border e-commerce, particularly for low-value shipments, but demand is expected to remain robust over the long term as shippers adapt.

The company added that higher duties and customs fees will reduce the attractiveness of ultra-low-cost imports, with demand likely to shift towards consolidated shipping, EU warehousing and pre-stocked inventory. Jukka Hämäläinen, Sales Director Asia at Finnair Cargo, said, “EU de minimis changes may moderate growth in very low-value e-commerce shipments, but are unlikely to materially reduce overall China–Europe air cargo demand.

E-commerce is expected to adjust through consolidation and revised fulfilment models, rather than shifting away from air freight.” James Gilliard, Vice President Cargo Sales Europe at Chapman Freeborn, added, “While regulatory changes such as EU de minimis adjustments may have an impact, cost remains the dominant factor shaping demand on the China–Europe corridor.”

Mazen Zaher, Founder of Sama Airleasing, said the reforms “will undoubtedly reshape cross border e-commerce flows on the China–Europe route.” He noted that cross-border e-commerce from China accounts for a significant share of freighter capacity, with 4.6 billion small parcels imported into the EU in 2024.

The €3 flat-rate tax per item, along with additional processing costs, is expected to challenge the low-cost shipping model. Zaher pointed to early signs of disruption, citing France’s parcel tax introduced in March 2026, which led to a 92% drop in customs declarations for small parcels at Paris Charles de Gaulle and the loss of around 50 freighter flights in the first week. However, volumes shifted to alternative hubs such as Liège, Amsterdam and Frankfurt.

Over time, he said, any broader decline in e-commerce volumes could free up freighter capacity, which may be redeployed towards high-growth sectors such as AI infrastructure and high-tech cargo, while older, less fuel-efficient aircraft may exit the market.

The shift is likely to favour larger operators with established customs infrastructure and strong data capabilities, while smaller merchants and simplified import models may face higher compliance costs and operational challenges. At the same time, the removal of the €150 exemption reduces the cost advantage previously held by non-EU sellers, potentially rebalancing competition within the EU market.

For logistics companies, the immediate priority is to review low-value shipment flows, strengthen data quality, and adapt routing and clearance strategies in line with the new requirements. IT systems and commercial agreements will also need to be updated to reflect the changes in duty structure and compliance obligations.

Ultimately, the reform marks a broader transition towards a customs system driven by data, product-level visibility and destination-based processing. For the logistics sector, this represents a fundamental shift in operating models, where compliance and data accuracy become central to maintaining efficiency in cross-border trade.

FedEx bats for CSK, drives India’s cross-border trade growth

When FedEx chose the Chennai Super Kings as its brand partner in India, it was not merely signing up a cricket team. It was securing a strategic foothold in one of the most commercially powerful ecosystems in global sport.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) is no longer just a cricket tournament; it is a heavyweight financial asset. Driven by actual franchise sale prices, surging brand valuations, and record-breaking broadcast sponsorships, the total enterprise value of all IPL franchises combined in 2026 is estimated at an astonishing $18.5 billion, according to multiple industry reports.

What started as a $2 billion property in 2008 has grown into a league that commands attention from private equity boardrooms in New York and London, far beyond the stadiums of Chennai and Mumbai.

Against this backdrop of massive global investment and unmatched audience reach, FedEx's alignment with CSK is a highly calculated manoeuvre. The logistics giant recently launched "FedEx. The Move India Needs," a campaign built around digital films fronted by CSK stars Mahendra Singh Dhoni, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Urvil Patel. 

The narrative smartly targets high-growth industry verticals driving India's export economy. In a seamless flow, it showcases vaccines being shipped from India to markets across Asia, highlights traditional Banarasi sarees finding buyers in European boutiques, and features Indian-made car parts heading into the United States supply chain.

Now in its second consecutive year, the partnership clearly produces results beyond basic brand visibility. Nitin Navneet Tatiwala, Vice President of Marketing, Customer Experience, and Air Network for the Middle East, Indian Subcontinent, and Africa at FedEx, said: "FedEx is built to handle complexity – so businesses don't have to.

Our continued collaboration with CSK brings this to life, reflecting an all-round approach to meeting diverse shipping needs. Through our comprehensive solutions, we're enabling faster, smarter, and more reliable movement of goods, helping businesses stay agile and competitive across markets." KS Viswanathan, Managing Director of Chennai Super Kings, added: "We are delighted to continue our partnership with FedEx as they return for the second year of their association with Chennai Super Kings.

Their 'The Move India Needs' campaign reflects a spirit of progress and momentum that resonates strongly with our team and our fans. We look forward to building on this successful collaboration in the seasons ahead." The campaign lands at a critical junction for India's macroeconomic landscape as the country rapidly expands its role as a global manufacturing hub.

For logistics players, India's aggressive export ambitions represent a multi-decade growth corridor. FedEx is making the case that it is an end-to-end trade enabler offering priority access to key trade lanes.

In a market where ambitious local businesses want to scale internationally without managing complex supply chains, that proposition carries immense commercial weight. The IPL gives FedEx a platform that simply cannot be replicated by any other media vehicle in the region. For a brand selling global connectivity and reliability, the IPL is the ultimate stage.

Silk Way West Airlines marks a decade of cargo operations in Japan

The celebration of ten years of continuous operations in Japan marks a significant chapter in the history of Silk Way West Airlines, reinforcing the vital role the Japanese market plays within its international network. This milestone is a reaffirmation of a long-term commitment to enhancing cargo connectivity through the airline’s primary hub in Baku.

Since launching its inaugural Baku–Komatsu flight in 2016, the airline has expanded its Japan network to include Kansai and Narita. By maintaining its current schedule of two weekly flights, the carrier provides an important cargo link between Japan and Silk Way West Airlines’ wider global reach.

Over the course of the past decade, Silk Way West Airlines has successfully operated around 1,300 flights to and from Japan and transported more than 145,000 tonnes of cargo. These figures underscore both the scale of its operations and the depth of its commitment to the market.

The achievement comes as the Japanese air cargo market continues to grow, with 2025 volumes estimated to be around 12% higher than in 2024. As one of Asia’s leading gateways, Japan plays a vital role in connecting trade flows, supported by advanced infrastructure and a focus on high-value, time-sensitive goods.

Through its hub in Baku, the airline supports onward connectivity for Japan-linked shipments across regional markets, helping facilitate cargo flows between Japan and destinations across Central Asia, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and beyond.

The anniversary was recently marked at a celebration event at The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, attended by partners, civil aviation authorities, embassies and government officials. Japan remains a strategically important market and a core part of the airline’s broader vision to strengthen trade links between East and West through Azerbaijan.

Commenting on the occasion, Zaur Akhundov, President of Silk Way Group, said: “This 10-year milestone reflects the strong partnership Silk Way West Airlines has built in Japan over the past decade.

We greatly value the trust of our customers, partners and stakeholders in Japan, and we remain committed to strengthening this cooperation and supporting cargo connectivity between our regions in the years ahead.”

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.