JUPITER SEA & AIR SERVICES PVT. LTD, EGMORE – CHENNAI, INDIA.
E-MAIL : Robert.sands@jupiterseaair.co.in Mobile : +91 98407 85202
Corporate News
Letter for Tuesday June 09,
2026
Today’s
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/// Sea Cargo News ///
PPPAC Clears
₹17,167-Crore Outer Harbour Container Terminal Project at VOC Port
The Public-Private Partnership Appraisal
Committee (PPPAC) has approved the revised proposal for the development of the
Outer Harbour Container Terminal at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority, paving
the way for one of India's largest port infrastructure projects.
The project is now estimated to involve an
investment of ₹17,167 crore and is expected to significantly strengthen the
country's container-handling capabilities on the east coast.
The proposed terminal is designed to create a
major transshipment and container gateway at Thoothukudi, enhancing India's
position in global maritime trade and reducing dependence on foreign
transshipment hubs.
Once completed, the facility is expected to
provide substantial capacity for handling container traffic and accommodate
larger vessels, supporting the growth of international trade and logistics.
The project includes the development of a
modern container terminal in the outer harbour along with associated marine
infrastructure such as dredging and breakwater facilities. The development is
planned under the Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) model, with the objective of
attracting private sector investment and expertise for long term port
expansion.
The approval marks a significant milestone
for VOC Port’s long-term expansion strategy and aligns with the Government of
India’s vision of enhancing port-led development, improving logistics
efficiency and strengthening the country’s maritime infrastructure under
national initiatives aimed at boosting trade competitiveness.
India’s seafood exports achieved a historic
milestone in FY 2025–26, reaching an all-time high of 19.72 lakh tonnes and
generating a record export value of ₹73,890 crore (US$8.46 billion).
The achievement underscores the growing
global demand for Indian seafood products and highlights the country’s
expanding presence in international seafood markets. Among the nation’s
maritime gateways, Visakhapatnam Port emerged as the leading seafood export
hub, handling 3.28 lakh tonnes of seafood exports valued at ₹20,217 crore
during the fiscal year.
The port’s strong performance reflects its
robust infrastructure, efficient cargo handling capabilities, and strategic
connectivity to key export markets.
The record-breaking national export figures
demonstrate the resilience and competitiveness of India’s seafood sector,
supported by advancements in aquaculture, processing standards, cold-chain
logistics, and export-oriented supply chains.
Seafood continues to be one of India’s most
significant agricultural export commodities, contributing substantially to
foreign exchange earnings and employment generation across coastal regions.
Visakhapatnam Port’s leadership in seafood
exports further reinforces its position as a critical maritime trade gateway on
India’s east coast. The port has played a pivotal role in facilitating seamless
movement of marine products to major international destinations, supporting
exporters with efficient logistics and world-class port services.
The achievement highlights the growing
synergy between India’s ports, fisheries sector and export ecosystem,
strength-ening the country’s reputation as a reliable supplier of high-quality
seafood to global markets. As demand for Indian marine products continues to
rise, ports viz. Visakhapatnam are expected to remain at the forefront of
driving export growth and enhancing India’s maritime trade performance.
India's maritime sector is rapidly adapting
to disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia, with shipping
services to alternative regional ports more than doubling in recent months as
vessel movements through the Strait of Hormuz face severe challenges.
According to government data, the number of
shipping services operating east of the Strait of Hormuz and through the Red
Sea increased significantly from 127 services in February to 257 in April,
before marginally easing to 245 in May.
The Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
noted that services operating west of Hormuz have become negligible due to the
conflict, while the sharp rise in alternative routes reflects the resilience of
India's maritime trade and continued confidence among shipping stakeholders.
India’s Coffee Exports
Jump 20% to Cross $503 Million in April–May
India’s coffee exports rose nearly 20% year-on-year to surpass $503 million during April and May, reflecting strong global demand and higher shipments to key international markets.
According to trade data, the growth was
driven by increased exports of both instant and specialty coffee varieties,
supported by competitive pricing and robust demand from Europe, the Middle
East, and other major consuming regions.
Industry stakeholders said favourable market
conditions and growing recognition of Indian coffee in overseas markets have
helped boost export volumes and earnings.
The performance comes amid efforts to expand
India’s presence in the global coffee trade and promote premium coffee
varieties produced in traditional growing regions.
India is among the world’s leading coffee
producers, with exports accounting for a significant share of its annual
production. The country is known for its high quality Arabica and Robusta
beans, primarily cultivated in the southern states of Karnataka, Kerala and
Tamil Nadu.
Exporters remain optimistic about maintaining
the growth momentum in the coming months, citing steady international demand
and expanding market opportunities for value-added coffee products.
Khorfakkan Port
Strengthens Position as Strategic RoRo and Automotive Gateway
Khorfakkan Commercial Terminal is steadily
emerging as a key hub for roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) and automotive logistics in
the UAE and GCC region, enhancing regional supply chain connectivity through
its strategic East Coast location and multipurpose cargo-handling capabilities.
The terminal has successfully expanded its
role in handling a diverse range of cargo, including automobiles, high and
heavy equipment, and electric vehicle (EV) shipments.
Recent vessel operations have showcased the
port’s growing capacity to manage increasing RoRo volumes, accommodate
LNG-powered vessels, and handle some of the world’s largest car carriers.
Operational performance has been a key
highlight, with the terminal achieving productivity rates of up to 124 vehicle
units per hour and vessel turnaround times of less than 14 hours. These
efficiencies underscore Khorfakkan Commercial Terminal’s ability to support
high-volume automotive logistics while maintaining flexibility and reliability.
With advanced multi-deck RoRo handling,
coordinated yard management and streamlined cargo movement processes,
Khorfakkan Commercial Terminal continues to strengthen its position as a vital
gateway for automotive trade and regional distribution networks across the GCC.
The terminal’s ongoing development reflects
its commitment to supporting future mobility solutions and facilitating
seamless connectivity for global and regional supply chains.
SeaLead container ship
makes third Strait of Hormuz crossing
The vessel Paya Lebar arrived in Jebel Ali on
29 May a month after it left the Gulf via the Strait.
The Antigua-Barbuda flagged container ship
Paya Lebar has made its third transit of the Strait of Hormuz in less than two
months on 29 May according to ship tracking data from Pole Star
Global.
The SeaLead Shipping operated and owned Paya
Lebar entered the port of Jebel Ali on 27 May having been last tracked leaving
Sohar, Oman five days earlier, and with its AIS transponder only turned on
sporadically since it left Kandla, India on 15 May.
This is the third crossing the container ship
has made of the Strait of Hormuz despite the critical security situation in the
waterway.
The Paya Lebar first transited westbound
through the Strait of Hormuz westbound into the Gulf on 13 April having been at
anchor in Nhava Sheva, India since late March. While in the Gulf the vessel
called at Jebel Ali and Khalifa ports in the UAE and Hamad in
Qatar.
The Paya Lebar then crossed the Strait of
Hormuz eastbound on 28 April and headed back to Nhava Sheva and then moved to
Kandla on 13 May.
Singapore-headquartered SeaLead was forced to
offhire nearly a third of its fleet in mid-2025 when chartered in vessels were
hit with Iran sanctions.
In July last year the US Office of Foreign
Assets Control (OFAC) sanctioned 16 container ships the company had on
charter over links with Iran. SeaLead acted to quickly terminate the charters
on the 16 vessels and denied it had ties with Iran.
However, in March this year the US Department
of Justice filed civil forfeiture complaints seeking to seize $2.4 million in
funds allegedly intended for Sea Lead Shipping Pte Ltd and its Indian
subsidiary, as part of a broader action targeting more than $15.3 million tied
to a sanctions-evasion network linked to Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, the son of
a senior adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader.
Suspected mine spotted
in Omani waters near Hormuz
Oman’s Maritime Security Centre issued a
navigation warning at the weekend after the object was spotted west of the
Inshore Traffic Zone in the strait. The MSC urged all mariners to exercise
extreme caution and maintain a safe distance from any suspicious
objects.
“Due to the sighting of a floating object
suspected to be a floating mine west of the Inshore Traffic Zone in the Strait
of Hormuz within Omani territorial sea, the Maritime Security Centre urges all
seafarers, fishermen, and vessels to exercise the utmost caution while
navigating in the area,” the MSC warned. “All maritime users are advised to
keep a safe distance from any suspicious objects and report them immediately to
the relevant authorities.”
A NAVAREA IX navigation warning placed the
sighting at position 26-24.3N 056-20.6E around where some vessels that have
transited out of the strait in recent weeks, deliberately hugging the Omani
coast to avoid Iranian interference.
The mine warning follows a US Central Command
announcement on May 25 that American forces had struck two Iranian boats in the
strait that were attempting to lay mines.
US NAVCENT has since warned that Iran
continues to attempt to impede mine clearance operations and that US forces in
the strait are on high alert for Iranian attack. Shipping has been advised to
avoid the Traffic Separation Scheme and coordinate any transit with US Naval
Cooperation and Guidance for Shipping.
Beyond the immediate physical threat,
analysts are increasingly focused on a more complex question: what kind of
waterway emerges from this crisis when the shooting eventually
stops.
Broker Hartland Shipping describied the
negotiating position in its latest weekly report as one where Washington’s
desperation to exit has become an Iranian advantage. “The president is a victim
of the short-war fallacy and is now so desperate to do a deal and exit that
Tehran has smelt blood,” the firm said.
The toll question is gaining traction. Iran
has been requesting payment for transits, though it remains unclear how many
operators are paying and how much. Tehran is reportedly considering making such
charges permanent, and has floated the idea of doing so in collaboration with
Oman.
Oman has denied any willingness to
participate, and President Trump has threatened military action should Oman
collaborate with Iran on transit fees. Qatar’s deputy prime minister said at
the weekend that while Doha opposes a permanent toll, a temporary fee tied to
mine clearance could be negotiable.
Sea-Intelligence argued yesterday (31 May)
that while the notion of paying for passage through a natural chokepoint
provokes outrage in principle, the shipping industry’s actual behaviour tells a
more complicated story.
Operators already pay for armed security
guards through piracy-prone waters, and war risk insurance is itself a form of
payment for operating in contested regions. “We should therefore not rule out
an outcome where some form of payment might be introduced in the Strait of
Hormuz,” the Danish consultancy said.
“It is increasingly difficult to tell whether
the Hormuz strait is likely to re-open, remain closed, become a toll road, a
convoy transit area, or another yet unknown arrangement,” law firm Campbell
Johnston Clark said in a new report.
“By far the largest uncertainty to be priced
into the market is not the current state of the strait, nor when it will
re-open, but what order will govern the strait when it does.
/// Air Cargo News ///
Chennai Leads Air
Cargo Expansion as India Overcomes West Asia Trade Challenges
India’s
air cargo sector continued to demonstrate resilience in FY 2025–26, recording
steady growth despite ongoing disruptions across key West Asia trade corridors.
Among
the country’s major cargo gateways, Chennai Airport emerged as the
fastest-growing hub, reflecting strong demand from exporters and manufacturers
in southern India.
The
growth comes at a time when geopolitical tensions and logistical disruptions in
West Asia have affected air and sea freight operations, leading to higher
transportation costs and route adjustments for carriers.
Despite
these challenges, India’s air cargo industry maintained positive momentum,
supported by robust exports of electronics, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods,
perishables, and e-commerce shipments.
With
Chennai leading the expansion among major airports, the country’s air cargo
industry is expected to remain on a growth trajectory as exporters seek faster
and more reliable logistics solutions in an increasingly complex global trade
environment.
Customs System
Outage Disrupts International Courier Shipments across India
The system failure, which was
reported on Thursday (28 May) evening, prevented courier operators from
obtaining customs clearance for consignments, leading to missed flight
connections and delayed deliveries for businesses and individual customers.
This marks the second major ECCS
outage reported during the month, raising concerns among logistics stakeholders
over the reliability of critical customs
infrastructure.
The ECCS serves as the primary
digital platform used by courier companies to submit import and export
documentation, including Bills of Entry for imports and Shipping Bills for
exports. The platform facilitates the electronic filing of shipment details such
as consignor and consignee information, product descriptions, and cargo
declarations required for customs processing.
With the system unavailable,
courier operators were unable to complete mandatory customs formalities,
resulting in the accumulation of cargo at airport facilities. Industry sources
indicated that shipments scheduled for onward movement missed planned flight
departures, creating a backlog that is expected to take time to clear even
after system restoration.
The disruption has affected a
wide range of sectors that rely on time-sensitive international courier
services, including e-commerce, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, and exporters
handling urgent documentation and high-value goods. Importers and exporters
have reported delivery delays and operational challenges as a result of the
outage.
Industry stakeholders have urged
authorities to restore the system at the earliest and implement measures to
improve resilience and prevent recurring disruptions. The incident has once
again highlighted the critical role of digital customs platforms in facilitating
international trade and the significant impact that system outages can have on
logistics operations.
Customs authorities are
understood to be working on resolving the technical issues and restoring normal
operations. However, logistics providers expect residual delays to continue
until the accumulated shipment backlog is cleared.
Qatar Airways Cargo launches EnergyLift
for global energy sector
Qatar
Airways Cargo has launched EnergyLift, a dedicated airport-to-airport logistics
solution for the global energy sector, becoming the first air cargo carrier to
introduce a fully specialised, end-to-end product designed specifically for
this industry.
The
new product is aimed at addressing the need for a fast, reliable and tailored
logistics solution for time-critical energy infrastructure components.
EnergyLift
is designed to support operations across the oil and gas, power generation,
renewable energy, including solar and wind, and water infrastructure sectors.
Launching today, EnergyLift combines Qatar Airways Cargo’s global network,
operational expertise and flexibility into a single offering built for
specialised energy shipments.
The
solution brings together priority handling, rapid transfer capabilities and
specialised logistics features under one integrated product.
The
product offers high loading priority, four-hour tail-to-tail transfers and the
ability to transport outsized and complex shipments. These features are
intended to ensure that critical equipment reaches destination airports within
hours. EnergyLift also includes advanced handling for dangerous goods and
optional temperature-controlled transportation.
When
combined with Q-Prime, customers can benefit from end-to-end shipment
monitoring, guaranteed uplift in critical recovery situations and 24/7 customer
support. The product is available for booking through Qatar Airways Cargo’s
Digital Lounge e-booking platform as well as the carrier’s third-party booking
platforms.
With
the launch of EnergyLift, Qatar Airways Cargo has expanded its portfolio of
specialised products and introduced a dedicated logistics solution tailored to
the requirements of the global energy sector.
Atlas Air acquires 49%
stake in Air Atlanta through strategic deal
Atlas
Air Worldwide has signed a Share Purchase Agreement to acquire a 49% minority
equity stake in Air Atlanta, an ACMI and aircraft management operator
headquartered in Iceland with platforms in both Iceland and Malta. The deal
marks a calculated move by Atlas to extend its reach in international aviation
markets at a time when widebody freighter capacity remains under structural
pressure globally.
The
transaction carries two components. Atlas, through its Titan Aviation Holdings
subsidiary, will separately acquire the aircraft owned by the Air Atlanta group
and lease them back to the Air Atlanta airline companies for continued
operation. Air Atlanta currently operates a fleet of 14 widebody freighters,
comprising Boeing 747 and 777 aircraft, along with four passenger 777 aircraft.
The airline operating companies will remain under the control of the existing
Air Atlanta management team, which retains a 51% controlling interest.
The
deal is being framed by Atlas leadership as an extension of its "One
Atlas" strategy, a push to consolidate commercial reach across global
markets under a unified platform. Michael Steen, Chief Executive Officer of
Atlas Air Worldwide, pointed to the geographic and operational fit between the
two carriers as central to the rationale.
"By
combining Atlas' global commercial platform with Air Atlanta's complementary
operating model and European-based footprint, we are expanding access to
capacity and further strengthening our ability to serve customers worldwide and
deliver value to our stakeholders," Steen said. "Air Atlanta has
built a strong reputation over decades of operations, and we are excited to
partner with their excellent team."
Air
Atlanta, established in 1986, has operated for four decades as a provider of
flexible capacity solutions to airlines and cargo operators. The company's
European base gives Atlas a foothold that complements its existing network,
particularly as demand for outsourced widebody capacity continues to grow
across trade lanes connecting Europe, Asia and the Americas.
Baldvin
M. Hermannsson, Chief Executive Officer of Air Atlanta, welcomed the
transaction as a catalyst for the company's next phase of growth. "We are
pleased to partner with Atlas in a transaction that strengthens our long-term
growth trajectory while accelerating our position as a leading European
widebody ACMI operator," he said. "We strongly believe in the future
growth potential of Air Atlanta, especially with the strategic partnership we
are entering into with Atlas today.
We
will have wider market reach and be better positioned to deliver flexible,
high-performing capacity solutions for our existing and future customers."
The announcement also marked a leadership transition at Air Atlanta. Hannes
Hilmarsson, who has served in leadership roles at the company for 20 years and
holds the position of Executive Chairman, will step down upon completion of the
transaction.
Hilmarsson
indicated confidence in the direction the company is taking. "After many
years dedicated to building Air Atlanta, I am proud to see the company enter
its next chapter," he said. "I leave the business in excellent hands
with the existing management team and with Atlas as the perfect partner for the
future." The transaction is subject to regulatory approvals and is
expected to close in the third quarter of 2026.
Atlas
Air Worldwide, the parent company of Atlas Air and Polar Air Cargo Worldwide,
operates what it describes as the largest fleet of Boeing 747 freighters in the
world and serves over 300 destinations across more than 90 countries with a
workforce of approximately 5,000 employees.
Titan Aviation, Bain Capital sell
Boeing 767-300ERF to CAM
Titan
Aviation Leasing (Titan), an Atlas Air Worldwide company, and Bain Capital have
completed the sale of one Boeing 767-300ERF aircraft to Cargo Aircraft
Management (CAM), a subsidiary of Air Transport Services Group (ATSG). The
aircraft involved in the transaction carries manufacturer’s serial number
33768.
The
companies said the transaction supports Titan’s strategy to actively manage and
optimise its aircraft portfolio while meeting the changing fleet requirements
of cargo operators and leasing platforms worldwide.
Eamonn
Forbes, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer of Titan Asset
Management Ireland Limited, said the sale reflects Titan’s disciplined approach
to portfolio management and its ability to monetise high-quality assets through
transactions with established industry participants such as CAM.
Forbes
added that Titan continues to actively manage its portfolio as part of its
broader asset management strategy. Andy Lawrence, President of Cargo Aircraft
Management, said demand for the Boeing 767 freighter platform remains strong as
operators continue to seek reliable aircraft capable of supporting a wide range
of cargo missions. He added that the acquisition strengthens CAM’s position in
the cargo leasing business while helping it meet the changing needs of the
global air cargo market. Titan Aviation Leasing is a freighter-focused leasing
company that provides dry leasing services to airlines worldwide.
Its
fleet supports international flag carriers, express operators, e-commerce
providers, and regional and domestic carriers. Titan also provides management
services to Titan Aircraft Investments I and II, its joint ventures with Bain
Capital, including aircraft acquisitions, lease management,
passenger-to-freighter conversion oversight, technical expertise, and aircraft
disposal.
DHL eCommerce signs landmark USPS
agreement
DHL
eCommerce has secured a new exclusive multi-year agreement with the United
States Postal Service (USPS) for last-mile parcel delivery services across the
U.S. Valued at more than $10 billion, the deal marks the largest commitment in
the 25-year partnership between the two organizations and is expected to
support their long-term growth and competitiveness.
The
strengthened collaboration will enable DHL eCommerce to capitalise on the
continued rise in e-commerce demand while expanding its domestic and
international services in the U.S. market over the coming years. Under the
arrangement, DHL eCommerce will manage parcel pickup, sorting through its 19
fully automated hubs, and transportation via its air and ground network.
USPS
will then handle final-mile delivery, leveraging its extensive network that
serves more than 41,550 ZIP Codes and over 170 million delivery points across
the country, six days a week.
Scott
Ashbaugh, CEO of DHL eCommerce Americas, said, “Working with USPS allows us to
serve communities nationwide in a highly efficient way, minimizing additional
vehicles on the road and supporting our commitment to reducing emissions.
Postal
Service carriers are trusted members of the communities they serve, and we’re
proud to partner with an organization that shares our focus on reliability,
transport safety, and public service.” Postmaster General and CEO David Steiner
shared, “This extended and exclusive agreement reflects a shared commitment to
innovation, operational alignment, and delivering greater value to the shipping
marketplace.
By
aligning more closely with our transformed network, we are creating a stronger,
more efficient last-mile solution that expands customers’ access to the Postal
Service’s unmatched reach. Together, we are building a more flexible,
market-responsive model that enhances reliability, supports growth, and
positions both organizations for long-term success.”
Supported
by DHL Group, the world’s largest logistics company, DHL eCommerce is a major
provider in the U.S. domestic and international e-commerce parcel market. Over
the years, the company has developed an extensive network and advanced
technology tailored to the needs of medium- and high-volume B2C online
retailers, offering dependable, cost-effective, and sustainable delivery
solutions.
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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