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 June 22, 2026
Today’s
Exchange Rates
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94.33 |
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/// Sea Cargo News ///
US, Iran
begin talks as Lebanon conflict threatens deal
Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif (C) speaks next to US Vice President JD Vance (L) and Qatar's Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani during a quadrilateral meeting between the United States, Iran, Pakistan and Qatar at the Burgenstock luxury hotel complex overlooking Lake Lucerne, Switzerland, on June 21, 2026, as part of high-level talks aimed at advancing a deal to end the Middle East conflict.
BURGENSTOCK: The
United States and Iran were holding talks
in Switzerland on Sunday after signing a preliminary agreement to end their
war, with the conflict in Lebanon threatening to derail the deal.
The negotiations to end a war that sowed
chaos across the Middle East and rattled the global economy are meant to
trigger a 60-day period to settle broader issues that have dogged US-Iranian
relations for decades, from Iran's nuclear programme to crippling sanctions.
American and Iranian representatives gathered
alongside delegations from mediators Pakistan and Qatar at the luxury Swiss
resort of Burgenstock perched high above Lake Lucerne, with Doha confirming in
the afternoon that the four-way talks had begun.
Yet the talks to end the months-long conflict
are taking place against the backdrop of Iran closing the strategic Strait
of Hormuz again in response to Israel's attacks
on Lebanon, where its war with Hezbollah has flared despite a new ceasefire.
"It is not possible to enter the
negotiation phase for a final agreement," foreign ministry spokesman
Esmaeil Baqaei wrote on X, unless there was an end to the war in Lebanon.
Washington
and Tehran's memorandum of understanding signed
earlier in June extended the truce in the war that began in late February with
US-Israeli strikes on Iran. It included a provision to end fighting in Lebanon
between Israel and Hezbollah.
But there have been repeated clashes in
Lebanon since, which prompted Iran to say it would again shutter the crucial
oil and gas trade route, having opened it as part of the deal.
By Sunday afternoon, however, there had been
no reports of Israeli strikes or continued fighting in Lebanon since the day
before.
Israel insisted on Sunday, though, that its
troops would stay inside what it calls a "security zone" in southern
Lebanon and respond to any threats, despite the US-Iran deal.
All 14 Indian
Seafarers Safe After MSV VIRAT-1 Sinks Off Oman
All 14 Indian seafarers aboard the India-flagged mechanised sailing vessel MSV VIRAT-1 have been rescued and are safe after the vessel sank approximately 80 nautical miles off Ras Al Hadd, Oman, following a reported engine failure.
Authorities confirmed that a coordinated
search and rescue operation involving Omani maritime agencies, international
partners, and nearby vessels ensured the successful evacuation of the entire
crew.
The Directorate General of Shipping (DGS)
stated that continuous coordination with Omani authorities, the Embassy of
India in Oman, and maritime stakeholders played a crucial role in safeguarding
the seafarers.
The incident prompted an immediate emergency
response, with rescue teams working swiftly to account for all crew members.
Reaffirming its commitment to the safety,
security and welfare of Indian seafarers worldwide, the DGS said it is closely
monitoring the situation and remains engaged with all relevant agencies to
ensure necessary support and follow up actions.
Qatar
announces launch of Lake Lucerne Summit, first high-Level committee meeting
with participation of US, Iran, Pakistan
The State of Qatar announced, in its capacity as a mediator, the launch of the Lake Lucerne Summit and the first meeting of a high-level committee bringing together representatives of the United States of America, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the two mediating states, the State of Qatar and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, hoping that the meetings would lead to a comprehensive and lasting agreement addressing all issues covered by the memorandum of understanding.
In remarks to the Qatar News Agency (QNA),
Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of
Foreign Affairs, Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari, said specialized technical
and expert working groups had been established to negotiate the provisions of a
final agreement covering all aspects of the memorandum of understanding.
He added that follow-up groups had also been
formed to oversee implementation of the memorandum and monitor progress toward
the conclusion of a final agreement, reflecting the commitment of all parties
to move forward with the negotiating process in good faith and to reach a
comprehensive and sustainable agreement.
Dr. Al Ansari said Qatar, as one of the
mediating states, would continue working with Pakistan and all relevant parties
to foster a positive environment that would enable the negotiations to achieve
their objectives. He said the effort stemmed from Qatar's firm belief that
dialogue and diplomacy remain the most effective means of resolving conflicts
and settling disputes.
Adviser to the Prime Minister and Official
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also expressed Qatar's
appreciation for the important role played by the Islamic Republic of Pakistan
as a partner and mediator in the process, praising its close cooperation and
efforts in support of the negotiations.
He further expressed Qatar's appreciation for
the commitment of the United States and Iran to diplomatic solutions, as well
as for the support provided by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the Republic of
Turkiye, the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, along with
other friendly and sisterly countries, which helped create favourable
conditions for advancing the process.
Dr. Al Ansari reiterated the State of Qatar's
full support for all efforts aimed at ensuring the success of the negotiations
and reaching a final agreement that would strengthen lasting peace, security,
stability and prosperity in the region.
Containership
orders continue across multiple market segments
A fresh wave of containership orders has emerged across the liner and ship owning sectors, with carriers and non-operating owners contracting vessels ranging from feeder ships to mid-sized containerships as fleet renewal and expansion efforts continue, as reported by Dynaliners.
Among the largest deals, CMA CGM has
reportedly ordered eight 6,000 TEU containerships from Hengli Heavy Industry.
While further details have not been disclosed, the vessels are understood to be
conventionally fuelled.
Meanwhile, Global Ship Lease has announced
orders for ten mid-sized containerships with high reefer capacity, representing
a total investment of approximately USD 917 Million. Deliveries are scheduled
between the fourth quarter of 2028 and the first quarter of 2030. Industry
sources indicate that eight conventionally fuelled 6,200 TEU vessels will be
constructed by Taizhou Sanfu Marine Engineering.
In Southeast Asia, MTT Shipping has
constructed two 3,300 TEU containerships at Wuhu Shipyard. The vessels are
valued at around USD 40 million each and are expected to be delivered in March
and June 2029.
Elsewhere, Hong Kong based Synelysia Ltd has
signed contract for rour 1,900 TEU newbuildings at Xinle Shipyard. The
agree-ment includes two sets of optional vessels that could increase the
programme to as many as eight ships.
Ningbo Ocean Shipping has also expanded its
fleet plans with an order for route 1,900 TEU vessels plus two options at
Wuchang Shipbuilding Industry Group, China. The project carries an estimated
value of approximately USD 251 Million, with delivers scheduled throughout
2028.
In Greece, Athens based non-operating owner
Erasmus Shipinvest has ordered two 1,900 TEU containerships from Huangpu
Shipbuilding, with options for two additional vessels. The ships are scheduled
for delivery in mid-2028 and early 2029 and will be charted to CU Lines.
The latest orders highlight continued
confidence in the container shipping sector despite ongoing market uncertainty,
with owners targeting both regional feeder segments and larger intra-regional
trade routes through a mix of fleet expansion and renewal programmes.
Alang Shipbreaking
Yard Faces Deepest Downturn as Vessel Arrivals Plunge
Alang, the world’s largest shipbreaking and recycling yard, is facing one of the most challenging periods in its history as vessel arrivals have fallen sharply, raising concerns across India’s ship recycling industry.
Industry participants describe the current
slowdown as one of the deepest downturns the sector has experienced, with
significantly fewer ships being sent for dismantling compared with previous
years.
The decline in vessel arrivals has been
attributed to a combination of factors, including stronger earnings in global
shipping markets, extended vessel operating lives, and a limited supply of
ships available for recycling.
Shipowners have generally preferred to keep
vessels in service for longer periods, particularly in segments where freight
rates and demand remain supportive.
The slowdown has affected recycling yards,
ancillary businesses, and workers who depend on shipbreaking activities at
Alang.
Lower volumes have reduced business
opportunities for recyclers, steel recovery operations, equipment suppliers and
service providers that form part of the broader ecosystem surrounding the yard.
Industry representatives also point to
evolving environmental and regulatory requirements as influencing ship
recycling decisions. Growing emphasis on compliance with international
standards and sustainable recycling practices led to changes in market dynamics,
affecting the flow of vessels to traditional recycling destinations.
Stakeholders remain hopeful that vessel
recycling activity will recover over the longer term as older ships approach
retirement and fleet renewal programs gather pace across the shipping industry.
For now, however, the sharp decline in arrivals underscores the difficult
market conditions facing ship recyclers and highlights the sector’s dependence
on broader trends in global maritime trade and vessel economics.
India Tractor Sales
Cross 1.08 Lakh Units in May, Exports Rebound Above 10,000 Mark
India’s tractor industry maintained its robust growth momentum in May 2026, with domestic sales surpassing the one-lakh-unit milestone for the third consecutive month, driven by strong rural demand, improved farm economics, and the continued impact of lower GST rates on tractors.
According to data released by the Tractor and
Mechanization Association (TMA), domestic tractor sales reached 1,08,229 units
in May 2026, registering a 20 per cent increase compared to 90,500 units sold
during the same month last year.
The industry has witnessed steady growth
throughout the year, with monthly domestic sales rising from 88,522 units in
January to 1,03,193 units in March, followed by 1,05,021 units in April before
reaching 1,08,229 units in May.
Exports show strong recovery – India’s
tractor exports also posted a significant recovery, crossing the 10,000 unit
mark for the first time in 2026. Overseas shipments rose to 10,165 units in
May, the highest level recorded since March 2025, when exports stood at 10,733
units.
Industry experts attribute the sustained
growth to improving rural affordability and stronger demand fundamentals.
Poonam Upadhyay, Director at CRISIL Ratings, said the 20% year-on-year growth
reflects a healthy demand environment, supported by the GST reduction on
tractors, which has enhanced affordability for farmers and rural buyers.
She noted that maintaining monthly sales
above one lakh units for 3 consecutive months underscores the strength of the
market, although the pace of sequential growth has begun to moderate as the
industry faces a higher comparison base.
Monsoon and Input Costs Remain Key
Watchpoints – The GST reduction, implemented in September 2025, continues to
support demand, but industry analysts caution that monsoon performance will
remain a critical determinant of tractor sales through FY 2026-27.
Meanwhile, Kubota Ltd, in its May sales
bulletin, highlighted that growth momentum remained healthy across both
wholesale and retain segments. However, the company pointed to rising
fertilizer costs, softer prices for certain cash crops and evolving geopolitical
developments as potential near-term challenges that could affect farmer
affordability and input avail-ability ahead of the Kharif sowing season.
Despite these concerns, the Indian tractor
market continues to demonstrate resilience, supported by strong rural demand
and improving agricultural sentiment.
Port of Singapore
Handles 3.94 Million TEU in May as Bunker Demand Softens
The Port of Singapore recorded container throughput of 3.94 million TEU in May, reflecting a 3% increase compared with the same period last year, underscoring the resilience of one of the world’s busiest transshipment hubs despite softer demand in the marine fuel market.
The growth in container volumes highlights
continued strength in regional and international trade flows passing through
Singapore, which serves as a key gateway connecting major shipping routes
across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the Americas.
Strong transshipment activity and sustained
liner services contributed to the increase in cargo handling during the month.
In contrast, bunker fuel sales at the port declined by 6.8% year-on-year in
May.
The drop reflects changing vessel operating
patterns, market conditions in the global shipping sector, and evolving fuel
procurement strategies among shipowners and operators.
Industry analysts also point to ongoing
efforts by shipping companies to improve fuel efficiency and optimize voyage
planning as factors influencing bunker demand.
Despite the decline in bunker sales,
Singapore remains the world’s leading bunkering hub, supported by its extensive
fuel supply infrastructure, strategic location and broad range of marine
services. The port continues to play a central role in supporting global
shipping networks and facilitating inter-national trade.
Looking ahead, Singapore is expected to
maintain its position as a major maritime and logistics hub through continued
investments in port infrastructure, digitalization and sustainability
initiatives. These efforts are aimed enhancing operational efficiency and
supporting long-term growth in container handling and maritime services.
Jebel Ali Climbs
Global Container Port Rankings With 15.536 Million TEU
DP World’s Jebel Ali Port has strengthened its position among the world’s leading container hubs after securing ninth place in the latest global port rankings published by Lloyd’s List.
The port handled 15.536 million TEU,
reflecting its continued importance as a key gateway for trade between Asia,
Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. The ranking underscores Jebel Ali’s role
as one of the busiest and most strategically located container ports globally.
Its extensive connectivity, modern
infrastructure, and integrated logistics ecosystem have enabled it to maintain
strong cargo flows despite ongoing challenges in the global shipping and trade
environment. As DP World’s flagship facility, Jebel Ali serves as a critical
hub for regional and international supply chains.
The port is supported by a vast network of
shipping services and multimodal transport links, facilitating the movement of
containerized cargo to markets across the Gulf region and beyond. Its proximity
to major industrial zones and logistics parks further enhances its
attractiveness to shipping lines and cargo owners.
Industry analysts note that the port’s strong
throughput performance reflects sustained demand for transshipment and gateway
cargo, as well as the UAE’s position as a major centre for trade, logistics and
distribution. Continued investments in digitalization, automation and capacity
enhancement have also helped improve operational efficiency and customer
services.
Jebel Ali’s top-10 global ranking highlights
the growing significance of Middle Eastern ports in international trade
networks. The facility continues to play a central role in supporting economic
diversification efforts in the UAE while service as a vital link in global
supply chains.
Looking ahead, DP World is expected to
continue investing in infrastructure and technology to strengthen Jebel Ali’s
competitiveness and accommodate future trade growth. The port’s latest ranking
reinforces its status one of the world’s premier container gateways and a
cornerstone of regional maritime commerce.
Chennai Port handles record 3,600 cruise passengers in a day
The arrival of the liner ‘MV Empress’ opened a three-month cruise season intended to establish Chennai as a ‘homeport’.
The Chennai Port Authority processed a
record-breaking 3,600 cruise passengers in a single day on Saturday, as the
arrival of the liner ‘MV Empress’ opened a three-month cruise season intended
to establish the city as a ‘homeport’ for maritime tourism on India’s east
coast. The flagship luxury vessel operated by Cordelia Cruises, spanning 210m
in length and 30m in beam, is one of the largest passenger cruise ships.
The turnaround — 1,800 passengers
disembarking and a similar number boarding — was described by port officials as
the largest such operation the facility has handled, and comes as Indian ports
compete for a still-nascent cruise market. The reception for arriving
passengers, organised jointly by the Chennai Port Authority and the Tamil Nadu
Tourism Development Corporation, leaned heavily on cultural presentation: tilak
markings, garlands, and a classical music recital at the West Quay berth.
‘MV Empress’ is scheduled to make 21 voyages
out of Chennai between June and August, anchoring Chennai Port as the premier
gateway to southeast India. The port has been serving as a homeport with
itineraries reaching Sri Lankan ports including Hambantota, as well as
Visakhapatnam and Puducherry along India’s eastern seaboard.
The push coincides with the opening of a
refurbished international cruise terminal at West Quay IV, a 4,103-sqm facility
built to process up to 800 passengers an hour, with integrated customs and
immigration counters, and modern baggage screening.
/// Air Cargo News ///
Does the rising cost of fuel mean the
end for four-engine freighters?
In
early June, European Cargo entered receivership, which brought down the curtain
on A340-600 aircraft turned into freighters without going through a full
conversion.
A
relic of the Covid lockdown era, the type served European Cargo hauling
e-commerce and general cargo from Asia to the UK, but its vulnerability
to fuel price volatility and weaker rates undermined its viability.
After
the outbreak of the US-Israeli war on Iran, the price of aviation fuel doubled,
reaching $4.80 per gallon on 2 April.
It
declined in May and early June, but the duration of the conflict and the time
needed to ramp up oil production point to a prolonged spell of high prices,
which raises questions about four-engine freighters, namely the Boeing 747.
Some
operators, such as Silk Way West and Air China Cargo, have moved to reduce
their 747F contingents.
Comparing
the A340-600 ‘preighter’ to the 747-400F is a bit of a stretch, notes Tom
Crabtree, managing director of Transport Research Advisory.
The
former lasted surprisingly long, given its constraints, notably the
labour-intensive loading/unloading process and long turn times, he says.
“The
747 is still a very much sought after airplane that is very hard to replace,”
comments Robert van de Weg, chief executive of Mexican cargo airline mas, who
had a lengthy involvement with 747Fs in previous roles in the industry.
Above
all, in the absence of the AN-124 and the IL-76 freighters, the factory-built
747F’s nose-loading capability makes it the only viable widebody freighter
aircraft for large, bulky cargoes, notes industry veteran and former Emirates
SkyCargo chief Ram Menen.
“Operators
will nurse theirs as long as they can,” says Crabtree.
Menen
is not concerned about the recent lofty heights of fuel prices.
“This
is not the first time oil prices have soared to quite high levels, and this is
not going to be the last time it will happen. We have had the oil highs far
worse than what we are seeing right now, and that too with much lower yields
than what we have today during/just post the economic crisis, in the late first
decade of this century,” he comments.
Moreover,
market conditions are favourable, he says, pointing to ongoing adjustments in
manufacturing and consumption and the associated challenges that favour the use
of airfreight.
“The
market rates are strong enough for the existing multi-engined freighters to
sustain and survive. The economics, compared to the twins, are a bit worse but
it still has its role within the air cargo industry to carry on into the next
decade,” he says.
“Maybe
the fuel price hurts the 747 more than the Boeing 777, but it’s still a very
good aircraft,” agrees van de Weg.
Although
fuel surcharges insulate freighters to some degree, Crabtree does see a threat
to four-engine planes from high fuel prices but points out some factors that
work in favour of an ongoing role for the 747F.
For
the most part, the existing models have been paid off and do not have to
generate income for interest payments.
And
utilisation rates of the 747 are not far below those of the 777, he points out.
That
said, maintenance costs are bound to rise as planes age, which add to the
higher fuel consumption, he notes, but this is further down the road for the
most part.
Over
time, he anticipates the 747’s share of global volume to dwindle, with a
gradual shift for the type from scheduled operations to charters moving special
loads that require nose loading.
777s
on the rise
A
flanking factor in this is the proliferation of the 777 freighter (and the
A350F). Last September the 777 overtook the 747 in terms of numbers of units in
service.
This
year Boeing has delivered 12 777 freighters so far, and its management hopes to
get the green light for a final run of 777-200F production freighters before
the 777-8F enters the market.
Despite
the increase in freighter output, availability is still hamstrung by a shortage
of widebody aircraft altogether due to the supply chain problems that have
haunted the large plane makers.
The
repercussions of this conundrum were amply illustrated by a converted freighter
that was ready for delivery but remained on the ground – minus its engines,
which were stripped off to power a passenger plane.
Under
such circumstances, most operators will think twice before divesting themselves
of a functional widebody freighter.
“Conceivably,
with more 777s around, the decision to shift 747s to the project market and go
for
charter margins will be more appealing,” Crabtree says.
This
is not an option for the 747 freighters that started life in passenger
configuration, as they lack nose doors.
“The
first to retire will be converted 747-400s,” Crabtree says. “747-8s were built
between 2011 and 2023. They will be around arguably for 40 years.”
Crabtree
raises another aspect that should keep 747 freighters in action despite high
fuel costs.
“What’s
going to trump the cost element is revenue. It always does,” he says.
Air cargo cautiously welcomes US-Iran
peace deal
The
tentative peace framework reached between the US and Iran has been welcomed by
the forwarding and logistics industry, but a return to pre-war operations and
fuel prices could take time.
The
framework agreement is set to be signed in Geneva on Friday and should see the
opening of the Strait of Hormuz, an essential artery for the transport of oil
that has been closed since the start of fighting in February.
The
closure has massively pushed up jet fuel prices while the fighting itself has
resulted in supply chains shifting away from the Middle East, although
operations have been returning since airspace reopened.
Rotate
data shows that airfreight capacity between the Middle East and Europe was last
week down around 20% compared with a year earlier, while from Asia to the
Middle East there was a 4% decline compared with a year ago.
The
higher fuel prices have also added to pressure on consumer spending,
contributing to the rising cost of living.
Responding
to the news, the US Airforwarders Association (AfA) cautiously welcomed the
reported peace framework, which it said could help ease pressure on consumers
and businesses in the US, and the wider global economy.
However,
it warned a lot could still change by Friday.
“The
airfreight industry now needs clarity on how the Strait of Hormuz will reopen
and free passage will be enforced,” the AfA said.
“Freight
forwarders and the wider air cargo sector have worked tirelessly to protect
supply chain resilience, keep time-critical goods moving, and respond to
fast-changing operating conditions.
“Recent
events have again shown that air cargo is not only a commercial service, but an
essential part of economic stability, emergency response, and national
resilience.
“US
forwarders have faced sustained disruption and uncertainty from government
shutdowns, tariffs, and conflict in the Middle East.
“Our
industry now needs certainty, stability, and a return to predictable trade
policy, so businesses can plan, invest, and move goods with confidence.”
The
news was also welcomed by Logisitcs UK, although the organisation warned that a
return to pre-conflict operations could take time.
“Reports
that the conflict could soon be over will be welcomed across the globe, but it
will be months before supply chains are operating as they were pre-conflict,
with vessels out of position and contracts on hold, as well as the rise in fuel
prices,” said Logistics UK chief executive Ben Fletcher.
Fletcher
added that the conflict and a decline in the UK economy in April highlighted
the need to build more resilience into the economy to keep goods moving.
“The
Middle East conflict is a stark reminder that it is impossible to predict the
future: our members are certain that building resilience into the economy is
the only way to manage the impact of similar unforeseen events.
“The
increased business confidence we saw at the beginning of the year was beginning
to deliver growth, yet the sudden economic volatility caused by the Middle East
conflict effectively put a handbrake on this and April saw the economy contract
by 0.1%.”
Logistics
UK is calling for the government to introduce measures to help keep fuel costs
under control and to suport low carbon fuel, electricity costs and business
rates
US
president Donald Trump has claimed on social media that oil tankers are already
starting to move out of the Strait of Hormuz, although reports suggest shipping
companies will wait for the deal to be signed and mines removed before
operations restart at scale.
KLM chief frustrated with A350
freighter delays
KLM
chief executive Marjan Rintel has expressed her frustration over delays to the
Airbus A350 freighter programme and its impact on the airline’s operations at
Schiphol Airport.
Speaking
at a small roundtable meeting during the IATA AGM in Rio de Janeiro earlier
this week, Rintel pointed to a delay of “more than one-and-a-half years” in the
launch of the programme.
This
was making operations at its main hub more difficult.
“The
initial plan was 2026 and now it’s 2027, and that will influence our operation
in a huge way because we still operate the [Boeing] 747-400 and we have noise
restrictions and capacity restrictions at Schiphol, so it’s not helping if you
need to fly with old fleet,” she said.
The
Air France KLM Group originally placed orders for eight of the aircraft, with
four destined for Air France and four heading to KLM subsidiary Martinair.
However,
in March last year, the
group said that it planned to reduce its orderbook for A350Fs from eight to
six, cutting one aircraft from Martinair and one from Air France.
At
the time, the Franco-Dutch airline group said that the decision to slim down
its order had been made in light of production delays and following a
fleet portfolio assessment.
“Air
France-KLM constantly assesses its fleet portfolio to best balance future
capital expenditures with commercial and operational efficiency,” a
spokesperson for the airline said at the time.
“With
this in mind, and in the context of Airbus’s announcement that the Airbus A350F
Full Freighter’s entry-into-service
would be delayed,
the group has decided to adjust its order of the type, from eight to six Airbus
A350F aircraft.”
The
A350Fs will replace Air France’s Boeing 777-200F aircraft and KLM/Martinair’s
Boeing 747-400F aircraft, whose leases can be extended to ensure the continuity
of full-freighter operations.
At
present, AFKMP Cargo operates two Boeing 777Fs and four Boeing 747-400Fs.
China Cargo Airlines adds 20th 777
freighter
China
Cargo Airlines has added a newbuild Boeing 777 freighter to its operations,
market data shows.
Shanghai-headquartered
China Cargo Airlines now has a total of 20 777Fs, according to fleet tracking
website, Planespotters. Delivery of the aircraft, first reported by Cargo Facts, took place this
month.
The
aircraft, registered B-228S, was completed at Boeing’s Everett factory in
Washington, US. It was then flown from Seattle Paine Field International
Airport in Washington to Shanghai Pudong Airport in China.
This
latest aircraft follows delivery of China Cargo Airlines’ 19th 777F in
February. Another three 777Fs are also on order.
The
airline, a subsidiary of China Eastern Airlines, has been steadily investing in
the 777F for 16 years. It acquired its first 777F in 2010, and that aircraft is
now 16 years old.
Boeing
has also seen sustained demand for the 777F, which has a revenue payload of 102
tonnes and a range of 4,970 nautical miles.
In
December, the aircraft manufacturer filed an emissions exemption petition with
the US Department of Transportation (DOT) to enable it to continue selling 777
freighters beyond
the end of 2027 and bridge the gap until its 777-8 freighter comes to market.
The
company said it aimed to sell 35 more 777Fs, but the FAA is currently still
considering the exemption request.
Boeing
recorded a total of 15 777 freighter
orders and
35 777 freighter deliveries last year. The company’s order and deliveries data
shows 12 777Fs have been delivered to customers so far this year.
China
Cargo Airlines’ 777F fleet investment is supporting its continued network
expansion. In January, the airline launched 777F flights between
Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport in China and Budapest Ferenc Liszt
International Airport in Hungary.
The
airline also relaunched its 777F freighter route connecting China and
France in
November.
IATA: Disappointing SAF production puts
pressure on zero emissions targets
IATA
has criticised Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production levels and said that
zero emissions are looking increasingly difficult to hit.
The
airline association said that this year SAF production is expected to reach
around 2.4m tonnes, up 25% from 2025 levels.
However,
the growth rate is down from the 90% increase
registered in 2025 and
the total amount produced represents “just” 0.8% of aviation fuel use. In 2025,
SAF accounted for 0.6% of jet fuel.
IATA
director general Willie Walsh said the slow progress of SAF production would
put pressure on airlines’ ability to meet the 2050 net zero emissions target
that has been set for the industry.
To
achieve the target, IATA believes 65% of jet fuel will need to be SAF by 2050.
“It
looks to be another disappointing year for SAF production,” said Walsh. “Five
years after committing to achieve net zero by 2050, SAF production will only
account for 0.8% of airline fuel use this year.
“The
path to meeting 65% of our needs in 2050 is growing more difficult with each
year of ineffectively sequenced government policies and oil companies’ manifest
lack of interest.
“The
current energy shock should add even more urgency to the development of
renewables, including SAF. But we have yet to see either the energy shock, the
need to develop energy independence and jobs, or the urgency to mitigate
climate change materialise in the incentives needed to create a viable SAF
market.”
To
help increase SAF production levels, IATA would like to see sufficient volumes
at commercially viable prices for airlines’ financial and economic
sustainability.
It
added that a book-and-claim system is essential to transform the SAF market
from “local to global” by making it accessible to airlines and SAF producers
regardless of their domicile.
“A
global SAF market must also be supported by harmonised standards that create
enduring rules and fair competition,” IATA added.
Elsewhere,
IATA would like to see renewable energy supply expanded to ensure sufficient
feedstocks and clean energy are available; ensure open access to fuel
infrastructure, including pipelines, storage, and airport fuel systems and
policy support through effective sequencing of production incentives and
investment frameworks that provide certainty and reduce risk before any
mandates are imposed.
IATA
was also critical of e-SAF mandates introduced by the European Union and the
UK. E-SAF does not require biomass or waste oils, but does require large
amounts of renewable electricity, green hydrogen, water, and CO2.
The
EU and the UK have mandated e-SAF production of around 0.6m tonnes by 2030 but
production capacity currently operating and under construction stands at around
0.02m tonnes.
“The
2030 e-SAF targets by the UK and the EU are beyond unrealistic – they are
utterly detached from reality,” said Marie Owens Thomsen, IATA’s senior
vice president of sustainability and chief economist.
“It
is a reckless energy market creation strategy to impose mandates before
production is enabled. Such a strategy will only drive up the price. Coupled
with penalties, it diverts scarce resources from being allocated to actual CO2
emissions reductions.
“The
strategy is also bewildering given that Europe has the highest renewable energy
prices in the world. A serious strategy would first scale renewable energy
production to drive its price down and build the e-SAF production capacity on
sound economics.”
Cathay Cargo expands reach of Air-Land
Fresh Lane
Cathay
Cargo has further expanded the reach of the Air-Land Fresh Lane for perishables
into the Greater Bay Area (GBA), to Macao.
The
Air-Land Fresh Lane enables the import of perishables via Hong Kong to the GBA
under a single air waybill.
The
process is expedited by a “transhipment certificate” issued by the Hong Kong
Customs and Excise Department.
With
this new direct extension to Macao, the process has been adapted to its local
import requirements while retaining an expedited cold chain model, enabling
consignees to receive goods in as little as four hours from aircraft landing in
Hong Kong.
Towards
the end of May, Cathay Cargo operated the Air-Land Fresh Lane to Macao for the
first time with a shipment of live blue lobsters from Anglesey in Wales.
The
shipment was on one skid, weighed more than 220kg and went via the bridge to
Macao from Hong Kong International Airport on a truck under a single air
waybill.
Few
road feeder service operators in Hong Kong are able to cross the bridge and
enter Macao directly, so the goods were transferred between vehicles at a
staging point at the border for onward delivery.
The
truck to Macao was also assigned a “flight number” for the single air waybill
process.
Macao’s
premium tourism, retail, and casinos create an opportunity for shippers, said
Cathay Cargo.
“Macao
has more than 40 five-star hotels, many with high-end international
restaurants,” said head of cargo sales Hong Kong and the GBA, Frank Yau. “I
think these will create the natural consumption market for this new service.”
In
September last year, Cathay Cargo become the first airline to
utilise the Air-Land Fresh Lane to improve the efficiency of moving
goods across the Hong Kong–Zhuhai–Macao Bridge (HZMB).
The
initiative allowed fruit and live or chilled seafood arriving at Hong Kong
International Airport (HKIA) to be transported into the GBA via
temperature-controlled trucks equipped with GPS tracking and accredited
e-locks.
In
April, Cathay Cargo also enabled imported premium perishables to Hong Kong to
be brought by sea
directly from HKIA to
the HKIA Logistics Park in Dongguan.
Strong
existing demand
The
Air-Land Fresh Lane via Zhuhai has been picking up and there have been regular
shipments of chilled and live seafood and fruit via the expedited cross-border
process, noted Cathay Cargo.
“We’ve
just come to the end of the Australian cherry and grape season, but these fruit
shipments will start up from the Americas soon,” said Yau.
“Shipments
are becoming more regular, and we are pleased that we can extend this service
to Macau right now, which shows we are working together with our partners to
develop the solution.”
These
partners include Airport Authority Hong Kong, which will be subsidising the new
Air-Land Fresh Lane to stimulate demand for the service.
“We’re
very grateful to be working with such a proactive airport authority and Hong
Kong Customs, which are facilitating trade by supporting efforts to develop
imports into the GBA,” added Yau.
“Developments
like this will help ensure that Hong Kong retains its status as the world’s
busiest air cargo hub and leading position as a gateway to the wider Greater
Bay Area.”
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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