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

 

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

 

Corporate News Letter for  Thursday  June  25,  2026


Today’s Exchange Rates


CURRENCY

PRICE

CHANGE

%CHANGE

OPEN

PREV.CLOSE

 

USD/INR

94.66

0.079994

0.084436

94.89

94.74

 

EUR/USD

1.1338

0.0044

0.386577

1.1382

1.1382

 

GBP/INR

124.7305

0.615204

0.490806

125.2643

125.3457

 

EUR/INR

107.4255

0.682304

0.631133

107.8825

108.1078

 

USD/JPY

161.735

0.184998

0.114514

161.55

161.55

 

GBP/USD

1.3142

0.0062

0.469551

1.3204

1.3204

 

JPY/INR

0.5854

0.0013

0.221585

0.5864

0.5867

 


///                   Sea Cargo News            ///

Great Nicobar Project to Transform India’s Maritime Landscape, Says Lt Governor


The ambitious Great Nicobar Island development project is poised to become a transformative force in India's maritime sector, positioning the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as a major logistics and transshipment hub in the Indo-Pacific region, Lieutenant Governor D.K. Joshi has said.

Speaking to PTI, Joshi highlighted that the project is entering the implementation phase, with the International Container Transshipment Terminal (ICTT) emerging as its flagship component.

The first phase of the terminal is expected to handle around 6 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) at an estimated investment of ₹20,000 crore and is targeted for completion within three years of commencement.

"In the final phase, the terminal's capacity could reach 21 million TEUs, making it one of the largest container ports not only in India but potentially across the Indo-Pacific," Joshi said.

Located strategically at the Malacca Strait, one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors, Great Nicobar is expected to emerge as a dominant transshipment hub, enhancing India’s role in global maritime trade and reducing dependence on foreign ports for container trans-shipment.

The project will be implemented under a public-private partner-ship model, with authorities emphasizing a balanced approach that combines port-led economic growth with environmental safeguards and protection of indigenous communities.

The development plan also includes a greenfield international airport, with at least one runway expected to become operational within three years. Simultaneously, the runway at INR Baaz in Campbell Bay is being extended to nearly three kilo meters to accommodate larger aircraft.

DGS, Mitsui E&S Explore Partnerships to Strengthen India’s Shipbuilding Ecosystem


In a significant step toward enhancing India's shipbuilding and marine engineering capabilities, a high-level follow-up meeting was held at the Directorate General of Shipping (DGS) headquarters in Mumbai with participation from Japan-based marine engineering major Mitsui E&S and key stakeholders from the Indian maritime sector.

The meeting, chaired by the Director General of Shipping, brought together senior DGS officials and representatives from leading shipyards to discuss opportunities for sectoral expansion, technology collaboration, and investment in India's growing shipbuilding industry.

Discussions focused on strengthening domestic shipbuilding capabilities through potential joint ventures and strategic partnerships between global technology providers and Indian shipyards.

Key areas of deliberation included capacity enhancement, technology adoption, innovation and measures to improve the competitiveness of Indian shipyards in the global market.

Participants also reviewed ways to align industry development with the country’s long term maritime objectives under the maritime India Vision 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 frameworks, which seek to position Indian among the world’s leading maritime nations.

The meeting provided a platform for industry stakeholders to exchange perspectives and identify actionable pathways for accelerating growth in the shipbuilding sector through collaboration, technology transfer and investment.

The engagement underscores DGS continued commitment to fostering industry dialogue and facilitating strategic partnerships aimed at transforming India into a globally competitive hub for shipbuilding, marine engineering, maritime innovation. 

Port of Johor to Be Included in Lloyd’s List Annual Rankings


The Port of Johor is set to be included in the annual port rankings published by Lloyd's List, marking a significant milestone in the port’s development and growing prominence within regional and global maritime trade. The inclusion reflects the port’s rising operational profile, supported by improvements in cargo handling, infrastructure development, and its expanding role in regional supply chains. Recognition in the rankings places the Port of Johor among a select group of ports monitored for their performance, throughput, and strategic importance to international shipping networks.

Industry observers view the development as an indication of Johor’s increasing relevance within Southeast Asia’s maritime sector. The port has benefited from growing trade volumes, investments in logistics capabilities, and its strategic location along key shipping routes connecting major Asian and global markets.

Port officials believe the recognition will help enhance the port’s international visibility and attract greater interest from shipping lines, cargo owners and logistics service providers seeking efficient gateway options in the region.

The ranking inclusion also highlights broader growth within Malaysia’s port sector, which continues to expand its role in supporting regional trade and manufacturing supply chains. As global shipping patterns evolve, ports that demonstrate operational efficiency and capacity growth are increasingly gaining attention from industry stakeholders.

Analysts note that being featured in a widely followed maritime ranking can strengthen a port’s reputation and reinforce confidence among investors and customers, supporting future development and long term competitiveness.

Empty LNG Tanker Returns to Qatar as Maritime Risks Persist


An empty liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier has returned to Qatar for the first time since the outbreak of regional hostilities, highlighting the growing impact of maritime security concerns on global energy shipping routes.

The vessel’s return without loading cargo underscores the heightened caution being exercised by shipowners, operators, and charterers as geopolitical tensions continue to affect navigation through key energy transit corridors.

The development reflects the challenges facing the LNG industry as security risks influence vessel deployment decisions and voyage planning.

Qatar, one of the world’s largest LNG exporters, plays a critical role in supplying natural gas to markets across Asia, Europe, and other regions.

Any disruption to shipping operations involving Qatari LNG exports is closely monitored by energy traders, importers and policymakers due to its potential implications for global energy security.

Industry analysts note that while LNG exports have continued, shipping companies are increasingly assessing route risks, insurance costs, crew safety considerations and operational flexibility. The return of an empty tanker suggests that market participants are adapting strategies to navigate an uncertain security environment.

Maritime experts warn that prolonged instability in key shipping lanes could lead to increased transportation costs, longer transit times and tighter vessel availability. Such developments may influence freight rates and contribute to volatility in global energy markets.

Despite the latest incident, Qatar’s energy sector remains a cornerstone of international LNG supply. However, the movement of the empty carrier serves as a reminder of how geopolitical tensions can quickly affect maritime logistics and the flow of critical energy commodities across global trade networks.

Strait of Hormuz Traffic Yet to Recover Despite US-Iran Deal, Signs of Shipping Rebound Emerge


Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains significantly below pre-conflict levels despite the recent US-Iran agreement, according to maritime intelligence platform Kpler, although early signs suggest a gradual recovery may be underway ahead of the waterway's planned reopening on Friday.

Kpler data shows that eight vessels carrying raw materials transited the strategic chokepoint on Monday and six on Tuesday, broadly in line with the previous week's average of eight daily transits.

However, this remains far below the approximately 120 vessels per day that passed through the strait before hostilities disrupted regional shipping, according to industry estimates.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical artery for global trade, handling around one-fifth of the world's hydrocarbon exports in addition to substantial volumes of other commodities and raw materials.

A notable development has been the reactivation of AIS trans-ponders by several tankers linked to Iran’s so-called shadow fleet. Vessels including the Amber, Diona, Sonia I, Starla, Tour 2 and Hero II resumed transmitting location data on Tuesday and Wednesday after remaining dark for months to void maritime surveillance and sanctions enforcement.

According to Kpler, these vessels had loaded crude oil at Iran’s Kharg Island terminal and departed through the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict with their tracking systems switch-ed off. Most have now resumed AIS transmission from Chabahar, Iran’s southeastern port on the Gulf of Oman, situated near the entrance to the Strait of Hormuz.

Intra-Asia Shipping Rates Rise as Port Congestion Persists


Freight rates on intra-Asia shipping routes are moving higher as persistent congestion at key regional ports continues to disrupt vessel schedules, tighten available capacity, and extend transit times.

Shipping industry participants report that operational bottlenecks at several major gateways have led to longer waiting times for vessels, reducing network efficiency and limiting the availability of equipment across important trade lanes.

The resulting capacity constraints have contributed to upward pressure on freight rates despite broader efforts by carriers to stabilize schedules.

Congestion-related delays are affecting cargo flows across multiple sectors, including manufacturing, consumer goods, and intermediate industrial products. Exporters and importers are increasingly facing challenges in securing space and maintaining predictable delivery schedules.

Market analysts note that while demand remains relatively stable, reduced operational productivity at ports has effectively tightened supply, allowing freight rates to remain firm. The situation has also prompted some carriers to adjust service rotations and deploy additional resources to manage disruptions.

Logistics providers say shippers may need to plan shipments further in advance and build greater flexibility into supply chains as congestion continues to affect regional transport networks.

Industry observers expect freight rates to remain supported in the near term if port delays persist, particularly during seasonal demand peaks and periods of increased cargo movement across Asia’s manufacturing and trading hubs.

///                   Air Cargo News            ///

ATC Secures Dangerous Goods Training Contract With SolitAir


ATC has been appointed as the dangerous goods training partner for SolitAir, marking a step forward in strengthening safety, regulatory compliance, and operational excellence across the carrier’s cargo operations.

Under the agreement, ATC will deliver specialized training programs designed to ensure SolitAir personnel are equipped to handle, process, and transport dangerous goods in accordance with international aviation regulations and industry best practices.

The training will cover classification, packaging, labeling, documentation, and emergency response procedures associated with hazardous cargo shipments.

The partnership comes as air cargo operators face increasing regulatory scrutiny and growing volumes of specialized freight, including chemicals, batteries, pharmaceuticals, and other products classified as dangerous goods. Comprehensive staff training is considered essential for maintaining safety standards and minimizing operational risks.

Solit-Air said gthe collaboration aligns with its commitment to maintaining high levels of compliance and operational reliability as it continues to expand its cargo services. By partnering with an experienced training provider, the airline aims to strengthen workforce capabilities and support the safe movement of regulated cargo.

Industry experts note that dangerous goods training has become a critical component of air cargo operations with airlines and logistics providers investing heavily in employee certification and recurrent training programs to meet evolving regulatory requirements.

The agreement is expected to enhance Solit-Air’s readiness to manage complex cargo shipments while reinforcing a culture of safety and compliance throughout its operations.

 Hong Kong Air Cargo selects Aeroprime as it targets India growth

                          Image: © Hong Kong Air Cargo

Hong Kong Air Cargo has appointed Aeroprime as its GSSA in India as it looks to expand its presence in the fast-growing cargo market.

Under the agreement, Aeroprime will be responsible for cargo sales, marketing, customer engagement, and business development activities for the airline’s services to and from Delhi.

The two companies said that the partnership would help support Indian exporters and freight forwarders.

The GSA said that trade between India and East Asia continues to witness robust growth, particularly across sectors such as electronics, telecommunications equipment, pharmaceuticals, automotive components, fashion, perishables, and e-commerce shipments.

Hong Kong Air Cargo vice president, commercial, Raymond Chen, said: “India remains a strategically important market for Hong Kong Air Cargo. Delhi, in particular, serves as a major gateway for high-value and time-sensitive shipments.”

Abhishek Goyal, executive director and chief executive of Aeroprime Group, added: “Hong Kong remains one of the most important air cargo hubs globally, offering seamless access to major manufacturing, trading, and
consumption markets.

“This partnership reflects our continued commitment to delivering value-driven cargo solutions to the logistics community while supporting Hong Kong Air Cargo’s growth ambitions in India.”

Aeroglobe Aviation Services has also recently started providing cargo handling services for Hong Kong Air Cargo in Turkey.

Hong Kong Air Cargo operates flights to various charter and scheduled destinations with six Airbus A330 freighters.

These destinations include Amman, Bangkok, Budapest, Chennai, Delhi, Dhaka, Hanoi, Istanbul, Manila, Shanghai, Singapore and Taipei.

The airline added its sixth A330 Freighter in January.

Aeroglobe becomes cargo handler for Hong Kong Air Cargo in Turkey


Aeroglobe Aviation Services has started providing cargo handling services for Hong Kong Air Cargo in Turkey.

Hong Kong Air Cargo operates scheduled freighter services connecting Istanbul Airport with Hong Kong International Airport.

The Istanbul-based ground handler announced the new contract in a LinkedIn post on 16 June.

“We are pleased to announce that, as of today, Aeroglobe Aviation Services has officially commenced providing cargo handling services for Hong Kong Air Cargo in Türkiye,” said Aeroglobe.

“This achievement reflects our commitment to delivering reliable, efficient, and customer-focused aviation services while supporting the growth of air cargo operations in the region.

“We would like to thank Hong Kong Air Cargo and all stakeholders involved for their trust and cooperation. We look forward to building a strong and successful partnership together.”

Aeroglobe’s services includes aircraft handling supervision, ground support coordination, and tailored management solutions for both commercial and private aviation clients.

Hong Kong Air Cargo has been steadily expanding in Europe. As well as its established route to Istanbul, it has more recently added Cyprus and Athens to its network.

The airline started operations in the region in October 2023 with a service to Milan Malpensa.

In January this year, Hong Kong Air Cargo added an Airbus A330-200 passenger to freighter (P2F) aircraft to its fleet of five A330-200 production freighters, all dry leased from parent company Hong Kong Airlines.

The airline also has an EFW-converted Airbus A330-300P2F that is on ACMI lease.

Oman Air Cargo starts RFS between Muscat and Dubai

                                       Image © Oman Air

Oman Air Cargo has begun a daily Road Feeder Service (RFS) between Muscat, Oman and Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) to enable larger and widebody-compatible cargo to be transported between the two countries.

Operating daily, the new service supports growing trade flows between the UAE and Oman by trucking goods in and out of both countries, while providing customers with greater flexibility and connectivity across the region.

“This new service creates greater flexibility for cargo movement between Dubai and Muscat by complementing traditional air freight operations and enabling the transport of a wider range of cargo types,” said Michael Duggan, head of cargo, Oman Air.

“As regional supply chains continue to evolve, Oman Air Cargo remains focused on delivering reliable, customer-centric transport solutions that support trade across the Middle East.”

The new RFS offering will transport perishables and general cargo, while also accommodating shipments that cannot be carried on narrowbody aircraft.

In January, Oman Air Cargo appointed Gokul Sudamani to the newly created role of regional head of sales for the Middle East and Gulf as the airline looked to expand its presence in the region.

The airline also introduced fuel and war risk surcharges in March as a result of the conflict in the Middle East.

Vietnam Airlines selects ECS Group for South Korea                                 

                                   Image: © ECS Group

Vietnam Airlines has selected ECS Group to provide GSSA services in South Korea as it looks to capitalise on trade between the two countries.

Under the agreement, ECS will provide services including sales development, capacity management, operational supervision, digital services and customer support.

ECS said that South Korea ranks among the top three cargo markets across the Vietnam Airlines network and plays a critical role in the carrier’s international growth strategy.

The sales agent added that Vietnam is strengthening its role as a regional manufacturing and export hub, generating strong demand for shipments of electronics, semiconductors, automotive components, perishables, pharmaceuticals and e-commerce products.

“ECS Group presented a compelling business plan centred on revenue optimisation, supported by dedicated Vietnam Airlines teams in Incheon and Busan and backed by advanced digital capabilities,” said Jean Ceccaldi, chief executive of the ECS Group.

“We are proud to strengthen our partnership with Vietnam Airlines and to bring the expertise, sales reach and CargoTech-powered digital ecosystem that have already delivered successful results in other markets.”

Both companies also confirmed that discussions are underway regarding potential expansion into additional strategic cargo markets in the future.

The deal is not the only one an ECS group company has struck with an Asian airline in recent months.

In May, ECS Group’s Globe Air Cargo (GAC) France confirmed it was working as a single point of sale for Nippon Cargo Airlines (NCA) in the French market, following NCA’s acquisition by All Nippon Airways (ANA).

GAC France already has an established, centralised ANA Cargo team that coordinates all operations and customer follow-ups. Key verticals include aerospace, pharma, automotive, and high-tech.

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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