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 June 24, 2026
Today’s
Exchange Rates
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94.73 |
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/// Sea Cargo News ///
Iran confirms US deal as
Strait of Hormuz set to reopen
Iran has confirmed it has signed a memorandum of understanding with the United States to end the recent conflict, paving the way for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the resumption of commercial shipping through one of the world’s most important maritime corridors.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaell Baqaei
confirmed the agreement on Thursday last week that after US President Donald
Trump announced the deal. According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, the
memorandum was signed electronically by both leaders.
“The text of the Islamabad Memorandum of
Understanding was finalised with the signatures of the presidents. Now it is
time to test the implementation of the agreement”, Baqaei said.
He added that Tehran saw little need for a
formal signing ceremony after both leaders had approved the document
electronically. A commemorative ceremony is expected to take place in
Switzerland on Friday to launch technical negotiations.
The memorandum establishes an immediate and
permanent end to military operations between the United States, Iran and their
respective allies. It also sets a 60-day timeline for negotiating a final
agreement, with the option of an extension by mutual consent.
ZPMC
advanced automation at Qinzhou and Qingdao terminals
ZPMC has delivered the first five Intelligent Guided Vehicles (IGVs) for the expansion of the Qinzhou automated container terminal. The vehicles have entered the installation and testing phase for the terminal’s Berths 9 and 10 expansion project.
The IGVs feature autonomous navigation, high
precision and obstacle avoidance technology. They will operate alongside
automated yard cranes and ship-to-shore cranes to support fully automated
container handling.
ZPMC said the system will improve berth
utilization, increase operational efficiency and reduce operating costs.
Separately, ZPMC completed the commissioning of a new quay crane at Qingdao New
Qianwan Container Terminal in just seven days after its arrival.
The company said this was the fastest quay
crane deployment in its history. Engineers worked around the clock to restore
and test the crane’s electrical systems, overcoming technical challenges during
the commissioning process.
ZPMC received a letter of appreciation and a commendation banner from the customer in recognition of the project’s successful delivery.
Everllence
secures first order for ME-GI 10.7 dual-fuel engine
Evellence has secured the world’s first order for its new B&W ME-GI Mk10.7 dual-fuel methane engine.
Norwegian shipowner Global Car Carriers (GCC)
selected the engine for four new 8,600 CEU car carriers under construction at
China Merchants Jinling Shipyard in Nanjing.
CSSC Engine Co. will build first commercial
application of the ME-GI engine on the new Mk 10.7 platform.
Evellence said the engine delivers high fuel
efficiency, operational flexibility, near zero methane slip and proven
reliability.
The company added that the dual-fuel design
allows operators to switch between methane and fuel oil without sacrificing
performance. The new engines will help shipowners reduce fuel consumption,
lower emissions and prepare for future environ-mental regulations.
Everllence said the ME-GI platform has now
surpassed 1,260 engine orders, representing more than 33 GW of installed engine
power. The company expects the Mk-10.7
generation to strengthen ME-GI engine’s position in the growing market for
dual-fuel propulsion.
Thailand
revives USD 30 Billion land bring project as alternative to Malacca Strait
Thailand has revived plans for 1 Trillion Baht (US$ 30.5 Billion) land bridge linking the Gulf of Thailand with the Andaman Sea, aiming to offer an alternative route to the Strait of Malacca, according to Reuters.
The proposal has regained momentum following
the conflict in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which highlighted
the risks of relying on major maritime chokepoints.
According to Reuters, the project includes
two new deep-sea ports in Chumphon and Ranong, connected by a 90 kilometre
logistics corridor featuring a standard-gauge railway, highways and links to
Thailand’s existing rail network.
Thail officials believe the corridor could
reduce logistics costs by nearly 30% and cut transit times by up to 14 days for
cargo moving between southern China and ports serving South Asia and the Middle
East.
The planned ports would have a combined
capacity of 20 million TEUs annually.
Thailand is targeting regional feeder
services rather than ultra-large container ships, hoping to capture part of the
trans-shipment market that currently moves through the Strait of Malacca.
However, analysts questioned the project’s
commercial viability. Reuters reported that investors remain cautions due to
the project’s high cost, while shipping lines would need to accept the
additional handling required to transfer cargo between ships by land.
The proposal also faces opposition from local
communities and environmental groups. Reuters said Thai regulators have ordered
a new Environmental and Health Impact Assessment before the project can move
forward.
A government appointed panel is expected to
submit its recommendation by the end of July 2026.
ZIM bidder
faces foreclosure despite USD 4.5 Billion takeover offer
Businessman Haim Sakal, who recently submitted a USD 4.5 Billion bid to acquire Zim Lines, is facing foreclosure proceed-ings over a property in Herzliya Pituach, according to Israeli business newspaper Calcalist.
The Haifa District Court appointed a receiver
after financing company Extra Credit sought to recover a debt of around NIS 15
Million. A foreclosure order was issued on June 07, 2026.
Sakal’s offer exceeded the USD 4.2 Billion
acquisition agreed between Zim, Hapag Lloyd and FIMI. However, ZIM’s board did
not consider the proposal because it had already signed the transaction.
According to Calcalist, Sakal did not
disclose the financing behind his offer. The report also said he had recently
explored a potential acquisition of Arkia Airlines.
Sakal is negotiating with Extra Credit to
settle the debt. The proposed settlement would see him repay about NIS 13
Million in exchange for reduced interest charges.
Sakal also expects to receive a commission
from a mining deal in Africa, which he believes would enable him to repay the
debt.
Sakal said: “The report contains
inaccuracies. The family has always stood behind its companies and all their
commitments”.
US
container imports from Asia rise 17.5% in May
U. S. Container imports from Asia increased 17.5% year on year to 1.75 Million TEUs in May 2026, according to Descartes Datamyne based on U.S. Customs and Border Protection records. Compared with April 2026, imports rose by 8.7%.
Overall U.S. container imports reached 2.43
million TEUs in May, up 11.6% from the same month last year. During the first
five months of 2026, U.S. imports from the 10 largest Asian trading partners
totalled 8.3 million TEUs, down 0.2% year on year.
Imports from China climbed 32.3% to 931,106
TEUs, recording the first annual increase in 13 months. Vietnam remained the
second largest origin, with imports rising 17.4% to 258,135 TEUs. The country
has now recorded year-on-year growth for 32 consecutive months.
Imports from Thailand also increased
strongly, rising 32% to 73,126 TEUs.
In contrast, Imports from South Korea
declined 9% to 187,193 TEUs, while shipments from India fell to 3.4% to 75,807
TEUs.
Japan recorded the sharpest decline among the
top 10 Asian exporters, with imports dropping 18.9% to 27,899 TEUs.
CMA CGM NOTRE DAME makes
first transit through Suez Canal
The Suez Canal has welcomed the CMA CGM NOTRE DAME, one of the world’s largest LNG-powered container ships, on its maiden transit through the waterway. The vessel sailed with the southbound convoy on its voyage from Singapore to France.
Operated by MCA CGM, the ship measures 399.9
meters in length, 61.3 metres in beam and has a draft of 16.5 Metres. It has a
gross tonnage of 245,000 tons and a capacity of 24,212 TEUs.
The CMA CGM NOTRE DAME is one of the most
technologically advanced vessels in the French fleet. It operates on LNG and
incorporates artificial intelligence technologies. The vessel serves the FAL3
service linking the Far East with North-West Europe.
The Suez Canal Authority (SCA) assigned
senior pilots and escort tugboats to support the vessel’s safe transit. As part
of the SCA’s first-transit protocol, canal officials welcomed the crew on board
and presented a commemorative gift to ship’s master.
SCA Chairman Ossama Rabiee said the
successful transit demonstrates the canal’s ability to accommodate the world’s
largest and most advanced container ships. He said the canal remains a key
global trade route connecting East and West while supporting resilient
international supply chains.
/// Air Cargo News ///
Cargo handler Hactl extends Hong Kong
franchise for 15 years
Hong
Kong cargo handler Hactl has signed a 15-year extension of its handling
franchise at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA).
The
deal was signed with the Airport Authority of Hong Kong and will run from July
2028 through to 2043.
The
signing of the deal comes after the airport added a third runway that has boosted cargo
operations at
the world’s busiest cargo hub and will prompt further investments by Hactl.
Hactl
chief executive Frosti Lau said: “The signing of this new agreement marks an
important milestone for Hactl, underscoring our commitment to Hong Kong and our
global outlook, while reaffirming our long-term support for the city’s air
cargo industry.
“We
will continue to invest heavily, with at least HKD1bn allocated to modernising
infrastructure, deploying new technologies, and further embedding ESG
principles into every facet of our operations — ensuring superior services
while driving sustainable development.
“With
the completion and commissioning of the third runway, Terminal 2, and other
facilities under the Three-Runway System, coupled with the government’s strong
backing, we are highly confident in the future of the air cargo industry.
“We
will continue to leverage innovation and sustainability to actively align with
Hong Kong’s positioning as an international aviation hub under the National
15th Five-Year Plan, reinforcing air cargo as a vital pillar of Hong Kong’s
economic development.”
Bridges Air Cargo puts second E190F
into service
Maltese
cargo operator Bridges Air Cargo has announced that its second Embraer E190F
converted freighter has now entered service.
Bridges
carried out the first commercial
flight for
the E190F in March and began regular operations later that
month.
“We’re
pleased to announce that our second EMB190F, 9H-CLW, has entered service,” said
the airline in a LinkedIn post today.
“This
milestone further strengthens our growing network connecting Europe and North
Africa.
“With
two EMB190F now in operation, we continue to expand capacity, improve
reliability, and reinforce Malta’s position as a strategic air cargo hub.
“More
to come as we scale our footprint across Europe and North Africa.”
Data
from Planespotters showed that the E190F registered 9H-CLW travelled from
Bratislava Airport to Cologne Bonn Airport on 14 June before entering services
with Bridges Air Cargo on 15 June.
Since
then it has undertaken five flights, according to flight tracking
Flightradar24. This includes Cologne to Malta, Malta to Tripoli, Tripoli to
Malta, Malta to Rome, and Rome to Malta.
Bridges
was announced as the launch operator of the E190F in June
last year, with
the first aircraft
delivery taking place in August.
The
airline was first issued with a Malta
AOC in 2023 and
offers logistics solutions for the express and courier industry. Its customers
include FedEx, DHL and UPS.
Embraer
launched its E-Jet freighter programme to convert E190 and E195 passenger
aircraft to freighters in March 2022.
The
Brazilian aerospace manufacturer said the E-Jet offers 40% more volume capacity
and three times the range of large cargo turboprops, and up to 30% lower
operating costs than larger narrowbodies.
Combining
cargo capacity under the floor and on the main deck, the E190F’s maximum
structural payload is 13,500 kg. The larger E195F will have a payload of 14,300
kg.
GWC establishes air-to-land logistics
corridor from Hamad Airport
Gulf
Warehousing Company (GWC Group) has established an air-to-land logistics
corridor at Hamad International Airport to strengthen Doha’s role as an air
cargo gateway and support the continuity of supply chains across the Gulf
Cooperation Council (GCC) states.
Cargo
arriving at Hamad International is transferred into sealed vehicles and
transported across Qatar and beyond to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates,
Kuwait, Oman, and Bahrain.
GWC
Group uses TIR, a customs transit system that allows for cross-border movement
under a single customs document and guarantee, reducing border delays,
minimising reinspection requirements, and improving delivery predictability
across the region.
By
integrating airfreight with cross‑border road transport, GWC’s model is
anticipated to deliver shipments at speed without impacting delivery timelines,
and with a significantly lower cost than air-to-air solutions.
GWC
said it provides a commercial solution for moving time-sensitive and high-value
cargo, particularly in sectors such as e-commerce and pharmaceuticals, where
speed, reliability, and cost control are critical.
GWC
Group provides a scalable and commercially viable solution for sustaining
supply chains under changing operating conditions.
As
shipments can be rapidly redistributed from a single entry point, this reduces
reliance on disrupted traditional routing structures and enables more flexible
movement across markets without the cost of full air-to-air routing, said GWC
Group.
Setrak
Khatchikian, senior vice president – GCC Transportation at GWC Group, said:
“What we have built is a commercially smarter route. GWC Group’s cross-border
land freight network now enables time-sensitive cargo to move from Doha across
the GCC under a single TIR document, combining the speed of air freight with
the efficiency of sealed cross-border trucking. The GCC no longer has to choose
between speed and cost.”
Rami
Karout, senior manager for TIR and Transit Development at the International
Road Transport Union (IRU), said: “Qatar has demonstrated strong agility in
activating new road corridors under the TIR system to keep vital goods moving
across the region.
“By
enabling cargo to move under a single customs document and guarantee, TIR
significantly reduces border delays and enhances delivery predictability. This
air-to-land model is a clear example of how TIR supports efficient, secure, and
scalable cross-border logistics, particularly in periods where traditional
routes are under pressure.”
Challenge adds new Europe-Asia
freighter route and boosts capacity on lane
Challenge
Group has announced more freighter capacity between Liège and Mumbai and added
a new freighter service between Liège and Shanghai to strengthen supply chains
between Europe and Asia.
The
existing route between Liege and Mumbai will switch from three weekly Boeing
767 frequencies to two weekly Boeing 777-300ERSF flights from 2 July, offering
customers enhanced capacity and connectivity.
Meanwhile,
Challenge Group’s new Liège-Shanghai service will operate three times a week
from 2 July and also utilise 777-300ERSF aircraft.
The
Shanghai service expands the Group’s China network, complementing its existing
ten weekly rotations between Liège and Zhengzhou.
Capacity
on both these routes is expected to create new opportunities for customers
moving cargo between Asia, Europe, the US, and South America, while further
enhancing the role of Liège as a strategic gateway within Challenge’s global
network.
The
new services will support a broad range of industries and cargo segments,
including pharmaceuticals and life sciences, technology shipments, project
cargo, industrial equipment, special loads, and high-value commodities.
Or
Zak, chief commercial officer of Challenge Group, commented: “These new
services are much more than additional flights. They represent another
important step in the execution of our long-term growth strategy and our
commitment to building a stronger global cargo logistics network for our
customers.
“India
and China continue to play an increasingly important role in global trade, and
by investing in direct connectivity to both markets, we are creating new
opportunities for our customers while strengthening the links between Asia,
Europe, the US and South America.
“As
supply chains continue to evolve, customers are looking for partners capable of
providing flexible, reliable and fully integrated logistics solutions. These
new routes reinforce our ability to deliver exactly that, while laying the
foundations for further expansion in the years ahead.”
Yossi
Shoukroun, chief executive of Challenge Group, added: “The launch of our Mumbai
and Shanghai services reflects the direction in which Challenge Group is moving
as an organisation. We continue to invest in our network, our fleet, our people
and our capabilities to ensure that we remain ahead of our customers’ future
logistics needs.
“These
routes are part of a much broader growth strategy designed to expand our global
reach and strengthen our position in key markets around the world. While this
marks an important milestone, it is only one step in our journey. We have an
ambitious vision for the future, and we are already actively working on the
next phase of our network development.”
Air Hong Kong to add A330 freighter for
regional operations
Cathay-owned
Air Hong Kong has signed a lease deal to add a converted Airbus A330 freighter
to expand its regional operations.
The
A330 freighter will join Air Hong Kong’s fleet in the fourth quarter of 2026
under a long-term lease agreement with Air Transport Services Group subsidiary
Cargo Aircraft Management.
Air
Hong Kong currently operates an all-A330 freighter fleet of 14 aircraft
providing express cargo services for DHL Express, after it retired
its A300-600Fs last year.
The
Cathay group said the additional capacity would be utilised primarily to
operate freighter services to the Chinese Mainland and other regional
destinations.
The
airline group said the addition follows the creation of a third runway at Hong
Kong International and the group’s recent order for eight next-generation
widebody Airbus A350 freighters that are due to start being delivered in 2027.
Cathay
director of cargo Dominic Perret said: “The Cathay Group is strengthening our
freighter fleet to support Cathay Cargo’s capacity growth plans, strengthen our
network, and reinforce Hong Kong’s status as the world’s leading air cargo hub.
“The
additional capacity offered by Air Hong Kong’s latest A330 freighter will
complement Cathay Cargo’s future A350F freighters, providing us with greater
agility to build our regional cargo network and making more options available
for our freight forwarder partners.”
Air
Hong Kong chief operating officer Agatha Lee said: “We look forward to
welcoming this newest addition to our fleet, which will enable Air Hong Kong to
leverage the opportunities presented by the Three-Runway System at Hong Kong
International Airport to expand our presence in the region.
“This
marks an exciting chapter for Air Hong Kong as we expand our business to
support the ongoing development of the Hong Kong international aviation hub.”
Cathay
Cargo currently operates its own fleet of 20 Boeing 747 freighters, in addition
to utilising belly capacity on the Cathay Group’s passenger network.
The
cargo division recently expanded its order of A350Fs by two additional
aircraft.
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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