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 16,  2026

Today’s Exchange Rates

CURRENCY▲	PRICE	CHANGE	%CHANGE	OPEN	PREV.CLOSE
USD/INR	94.71	0.410004	0.431038	94.68	95.12
EUR/USD	1.1616	0.0048	0.414934	1.1572	1.1568
GBP/INR	127.1728	0.471298	0.369228	127.277	127.6441
EUR/INR	109.9335	0.252899	0.229519	109.8459	110.1864
USD/JPY	160.036	-0.20401	0.127315	160.26	160.24
GBP/USD	1.3439	0.0033	0.246155	1.3407	1.3406
JPY/INR	0.5914	-0.0022	0.370611	0.5939	0.5936

///                   Sea Cargo News            ///

CMA CGM VENDOME makes first transit through the Suez Canal

The mega container ship CMA CGM VENDONE completed its first transit through the Suez Canal on June 09, 2026. The vessel joined the northbound convoy while sailing from France to Malaysia.

CMA CGM operates the vessel. It measures 400 Meters in length and 61.3 meters in beam. The ship sails with a 16 metre draft and a gross tonnage of 244,000.

CMA CGM VENDOME operates on the Ocean Alliance’s FAL-3 service. The service links the Far East with North-West Europe.

The voyage marks the first south-bound transit of the FAL-3 service through the Suez Canal since January 2026. Suez Canal Authority (SCA) Chairman Admiral Ossama Rabiee directed SCA teams to provide full support during the transit.

The authorities assigned senior pilots to the vessel and deployed escort tugboats to ensure safe passage. As part of the first-transit protocol, senior pilots boarded the vessel, welcomed the crew and presented a commemorative gift to the ship’s master.

Rabiee said geopolitical challenges to reshape shipping routes and global supply chains. He said shorter transit times and lower operating costs are encouraging carriers to return to the Suez Canal instead of using the Cape of Good Hope route.

He added that the transit highlights the Canal’s ability to accommodate the world’s largest and most advanced container ships. Rabiee also highlighted CMA CGM’s continued reliance on the waterway.

Between January and May 2026, CMA CGM completed 104 transits through the Canal. Those voyages generated a total tonnage of 12.5 Million tonnes. Rabiee said the Authority continues to improve navigation services and introduce new offerings to meet customer requirements and enhance maritime safety.

Captain Daniel Martin, Master of CMA CGM VENDOME, said CMA CGM chooses the most efficient route for its customers. He said the Suez Canal remains the preferred alternative to the Cape of Good Hope because it reduces voyage times and fuel consumption while providing a safer and more efficient transit.

IMO Chief warns against risking seafarers in Strait of Hormuz

IMO Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez has warned ship-owners and operators against sending vessels through the Strait of Hormuz without credible security guarantees. He said he’s increasingly concerned by reports that ships continue to transit the area despite escalating security risks.

He stressed that the safety of seafarers must remain the industry’s highest priority. The IMO Chief noted that recent incidents have already resulted in deaths, injuries and detentions involving seafarers.

He said the situation in the region remains highly volatile and lacks reliable security assurances. “Under these circumstances, safe passage cannot be considered to exist”, he said. Further he reminded shipowners and masters of their responsibility to conduct thorough and realistic voyage risk assessments.

He also said masters and shipping companies remail ultimately responsible for voyage planning and compliance with safety and security management requirements. He urged the industry to apply the highest standards of caution when assessing voyages through high-risk areas.

He also stressed that commercial pressures should never outweigh crew safety. “No commercial or operational consider-ation can justify seafarers to such levels of danger”, he said. “The protection of their lives must remain the overriding priority at all times”.

Dominguez called on all stakeholders to act responsibly and avoid actions that could place civilian seafarers at risk.

CNC enhances JTVS service with faster links to Japan

CNC has upgraded its Japan Thailand Vietnam Service (JTVS) to improve schedule reliability and strengthen intra-Asia connectivity. The enhanced service features a streamlined port rotation designed to provide more consistent weekly connections to across Asia.

The updated rotation calls at Tokyo, Yokohama, Nagoya, Kobe, Busan, Gwangyang, Kaohsiung, Chu Lai, Laem Chabang, Ho Chi Minh city and Tokyo. 

CNC said the revised network will help customers improve their supply chain planning and support time-sensitive cargo movements, particularly refrigerated shipments from Vietnam and Thailand to Japan. The Carrier expects the new rotation to deliver stronger schedule reliability and greater service consistence.

The enhanced JTVS service also offers faster transit times from Southeast Asia to Japan, helping shippers move reefer and other time-sensitive cargo, more efficiently. In addition, the service strengthens connectivity across the region through a direct Japan-Busan link to global shipping networks.

The network also provides dedicated coverage of Chu Lai and a weekend call at Kaohsiung, expanding options for regional cargo flows. CNC said the upgraded service reflects its ongoing efforts to optimize network performance and meet evolving customer requirements across Asia.

Freightos Weekly Update : Ocean rates climbing, with more increases expected soon…

Israel and Iran’s brief exchange of military strikes – a first since early April – that concluded by Monday did not materially change the status quo in terms of the Iran war impact for the broader ocean freight and logistics markets: higher oil prices putting some upward pressure on freight rates via elevated fuel costs.

Likewise, the IRGC threat to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait via renewed Houthi attacks would not change much for freight if implemented, as the vast majority of container traffic continues to divert away from the Red Sea. The added tension may push back the timeline for a Hormuz reopening, though the White House continues to assert that negotiations are making progress.

The USTR has released the results of a Section 301 investigation of forced labour imports to 60 countries and found all had either not legislated or not sufficiently enforced laws meant to bar the entry of goods manufactured using forced labour.

The study argues that these imports harm the US and recommends 12.5% tariffs on countries without sufficient prohibitions and 10% on countries not sufficiently enforcing their laws.

U. S. Customs to open chilled cargo inspection facility at Port of Savannah

U. S. Customs and Border Protection (US-CBP) will open a new refrigerated facility at the Port of Savannah on July 01, 2026. The 4,000 square foot chilled cargo inspection site will allow authorities to inspect perishable imports without disruption the cold chain.

Georgia Port Authority (GPA) said the facility will help speed up the handling of temperature-sensitive cargo while maintaining food safety standards.

“Our on-terminal Customs station supports the expedited handling of perishable cargo,” said Griff Lynch, President and CEO of Georgia Ports Authority.  “We know it’s important for shippers to get these commodities onto store shelves as quickly as possible while maintaining food safety”.

The facility will perform inspections in a temperature-controlled environment. Specialized infrastructure will maintain temperature levels, cleanliness, ventilation and product freshness throughout the inspection process. The site also features 20 refrigerated power outlets for reefer containers positioned on chassis outside the building.

The new facility will support federal inspections aimed at protecting U.S. agriculture from invasive pests and plant diseases.  Produce importers will be able to complete inspections directly at the port, complementing the region’s extensive cold storage network.

The Savannah area currently offers nearly 2.4 million square feet of refrigerated warehouse space. This includes 1.64 million square feet dedicated to frozen cargo and more than 752,000 square feet for chilled products.

The new inspection facility supports one of the fastest growing cargo segments at the Port of Savannah. Imports of chilled cargo increased 10.5% during the fiscal year to date, reaching 43,540 TEU between July 01,2026 and May 31, 2026.

The refrigerated inspection area forms part of a US$49.25 million project that relocated Customs operation from 130,000 square foot building at Garden City Terminal.

The expanded site will also accommodate inspections by other federal agencies including the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife service. In addition to warehouse space, the facility includes 400,000 square feet of outdoor inspection parking.

AD Ports Group launches trial operations at Fafaga Terminal in Egypt

AD Ports Group has launched trial operations at Noatum Ports – Safaga Terminal in Egypt ahead of the facility’s full commercial opening later this year.

His Excellency Lieutenant=General Eng. Kamel El Wazir, Egypt’s Minister of Transport and Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, toured the new terminal alongside senior officials.

The visit included a review of operation systems, processes and infrastructure designed to ensure the terminal is ready for full-scale operations.

AD Ports Group is developing and operating the terminal under a 30-year concession agreement signed in 2023 with Egypt’s Red Sea Ports Authority (RSPA). Lieutenant General Engineer Kamel El-Wazir, Egypt’s Minister of Transport, said the project strengthens cooperation between Egypt and AD Ports Group across the maritime sector.

“Safaga Terminal serves as a key gateway for the development of Upper Egypt and will play a vital role in supporting the mining activities associated with the Golden Triangle Economic Zone,” he said.

He added that the terminal will facilitate import and export activities, improve regional connectivity and attract investments in industrial, logistics, warehousing, processing and assembly sectors.

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Managing Director and Group CEO of AD Ports Group, described Egypt as one of the Group’s most important international markets.

“With strategic access to the Red Sea, Noatum Ports – Safaga Terminal reinforces our position as an enabler of trade across key waterways,” he said.  “We look forward to the full operational launch of our new terminal later this year, which represents another major step in our cooperation with our partners in Egypt”.

The new terminal covers approximately 810,000 square meters and features a 1,000 metre quay wall. Once fully operational, it will handle up to 450,000 TEUs annually. The facility will also have capacity for 5 million tonnes of dry bulk and general cargo, 1 million tons of liquid bulk and 40,000 CEUs of Ro-Ro cargo.

AD Ports Group said the facility will become the first inter-nationally operated port terminal in upper Egypt. The terminal will strengthen trade links between Egypt, the Middle East, Africa and global shipping routes.

The Safaga project forms part of AD Ports Group’s broader expansion strategy in Egypt and along the Red Sea. In April 2026, Noatum Ports received three ship-to-shore cranes and six rubber-tyred gantry cranes for the terminal.

The Group recently launched cruise operations at Terminals in Sharm El Sheikh, Hurghada and Safaga. It also supports ferry services linking Safaga and NEOM to transport Hajj pilgrims between Egypt and Saudi Arabia.

AD Ports Group is also developing the 20 square kilometre KEZAD East Port Said Industrial and Logistics Park near the Suez Canal.

In November 2025, the company invested EGP 13.2 Billion (USD 279 Million) to acquire a 19.3% stake in Alexandria Container & Cargo Handling Company (ALCN) and later moved to secure a majority stake.

APSEZ secures marine services contract for LNG export project

Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone has secured a 10-year marine services contract for the Southern Energy FLNG Project in Argentina, marking APSEZ’s entry into South America and extending its international marine services footprint to a new continent.

The contract was awarded to APSEZ’s step-down subsidiary Adani Harbour International FZCO through a 51:49 joint venture with Argentia based Meridian Group, following a global competitive tender conducted by Southern Energy S.A.

The scope of services encompasses end-to-end marine support including tugboat operations for LNG carriers, offshore logistics and supply support and crew transfer services.

The contract will be executed through the joint venture entity Meridian Transportes Maritimos S.A. will be supported by four high-specification tugboats, one anchor handling tug supply vessel and one crew boat.

The Southern Energy FLNG Project is being developed by SESA, a joint venture between Golar LNG and Pan American Energy, located in the San Matias Gulf in Argentina’s Rio Negro province.

This project will liquefy natural gas from the General San Martin pipeline aboard the Hilli Episeyo floating liquefaction vessel, with commercial operations expected to commence in September 2027.

In its first phase, the project will produce 2.45 million tons of LNG annually, equivalent to approximately 28 cargoes per year, making it Argentina’s first operational LNG Export project.

Argentina is emerging as a significant new LNG supplier, with agreements supporting exports of up to 10 million tons annually to India from 2027. The contract, therefore, positions APSEZ at the intersection of a new bilateral energy trade corridor of growing strategic importance.

Pananma Canal to lower Neopanamax draft limit in July

The Panama Canal Authority (ACP) will reduce the maximum authorized draft for vessels transiting the Neopanamax locks from July 01, 2026. The new limit will be 49.5 feet (15 meters) a reduction of 0.5 feet from the current maximum draft.

ACP said the measure is precautionary and reflects lessons learned during the severe water shortage that affected canal operations in 2023 and 2024. The restriction comes as the canal prepares for maintenance work at the Gatun Locks.

The east lane of the Gatun Locks will close for dry lock maintenance from June 09 to June 17, 2026. During this period, vessels will transit through a single lane, resulting in lower transit capacity.

The canal will offer only 16 booked transit slots through the Panamax locks while maintenance is underway. That figure is approximately half the normal operating level. Under regular conditions, the Panama Canal handles up to 40 daily transits across the Neopanamax and Panamax locks.

The reduced capacity is expected to increase vessel queues and waiting times in the coming days.

 

///                   Air Cargo News            ///

Emirates SkyCargo launches weekly freighter flights to Almaty

Emirates SkyCargo will launch a dedicated weekly freighter service to Almaty International Airport in Kazakhstan from June 16, 2026, marking the carrier’s first cargo destination in Central Asia.

The new Boeing 777F operation will connect Almaty with Emirates SkyCargo’s global network through Dubai, creating a new trade corridor between Central Asia and international markets. The move expands the cargo division’s reach into a region that is gaining importance as a commercial and logistics centre.

Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, serves as a key economic gateway for Central Asia and plays a growing role in regional trade flows. The weekly freighter service, scheduled to operate every Tuesday, will provide more than 100 tonnes of cargo capacity each week.

The new service is expected to facilitate the movement of a range of commodities, including electronics, perishables, machinery and consumer goods. By linking Almaty directly to Dubai, Emirates SkyCargo aims to provide exporters and importers in Kazakhstan and neighbouring markets with access to its worldwide cargo network.

Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President of Emirates SkyCargo, said, "Emirates SkyCargo’s weekly freighter service to Almaty is in line with our role as a global trade facilitator and is an important step in expanding our network and connectivity to Central Asia, a region that is experiencing dynamic growth.

Our flights will provide new opportunities for businesses in Almaty and the surrounding region to scale their international operations while allowing our global customers convenient and rapid wide-body cargo connectivity to a strategic marketplace.

The expansion into Almaty supports our long-term growth strategy and D33 Dubai Economic Agenda objectives, accelerating foreign trade and Dubai's standing as a global logistics hub.” The launch forms part of Emirates SkyCargo’s wider strategy to expand its freighter operations and strengthen its global network in response to rising demand for air cargo services.

The carrier has taken delivery of four Boeing 777 freighters since March 2026 and expects six more aircraft before the end of the year.

Emirates SkyCargo anticipates that the addition of new aircraft will increase its freighter fleet to 21 by December 2026. The airline expects the expansion to enhance its capacity across key trade lanes and improve connectivity between emerging and established markets.

Alongside its freighter operations, Emirates SkyCargo continues to offer cargo capacity through the bellyhold space of Emirates passenger aircraft. Combined with its dedicated freighter fleet, the carrier serves destinations across six continents, providing customers with multiple options for moving freight through its Dubai hub.

The addition of Almaty to the network reflects the growing importance of Central Asia in global supply chains and highlights increasing efforts by airlines to connect the region with international manufacturing, consumer and distribution markets.

Prestwick signs MoU with Guangzhou Baiyun to expand China-UK trade

Glasgow Prestwick Airport has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport to strengthen cargo links between China and the United Kingdom, as the Scottish airport seeks to expand its role in handling Asian e-commerce imports and Scottish exports.

The agreement was signed during the International Air Transport Association (IATA) North Asia Cargo Day in Guangzhou, China, on June 10. It comes after a year in which Prestwick increased its presence as a gateway for cargo moving between Asia and the UK, handling growing volumes of e-commerce shipments from China while supporting exports including Scottish salmon and whisky.

Under the MoU, the two airports will work together on cargo development initiatives, operational knowledge sharing and improving network connectivity between their respective markets. The partnership is aimed at supporting trade flows in both directions at a time when air cargo networks are adapting to changing supply chain requirements, rising e-commerce demand and the need for faster access to overseas markets.

Jules Matteoni, Executive Director, Glasgow Prestwick Airport, said the agreement creates a direct framework for cooperation with one of Asia’s largest cargo gateways.

“This agreement gives Prestwick a direct platform to work with one of Asia’s most important cargo gateways at a time when e-commerce growth, capacity pressure, and demand for faster export routes are reshaping trade between China and the United Kingdom,” said Matteoni.

He added: “Prestwick’s value is its ability to turn available runway capacity into reliable cargo handling, fast landside access, and direct trade lanes that work in both directions, supporting Asian goods moving into the United Kingdom and Scottish exports moving into high-value overseas markets.”

The partnership reflects Prestwick’s efforts to build a cargo model that combines inbound e-commerce traffic from Asia with outbound export volumes from Scotland. Airport officials said the approach is designed to create more balanced cargo flows while offering airlines, freight forwarders and shippers direct access to trade lanes between the UK and Asian markets.

Prestwick currently handles 15 scheduled cargo services each week to and from mainland China, including flights linked to Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport. The airport also serves three weekly cargo flights connecting with Hong Kong, underscoring its growing role in trade between the UK and Asia.

The agreement with Guangzhou marks another step in Prestwick’s strategy to strengthen international cargo partnerships and deepen its position within transcontinental supply chains. By aligning with one of China’s major air cargo hubs, the airport aims to support increased movement of e-commerce shipments into the UK while providing exporters with improved access to overseas markets.

Prestwick operates cargo services around the clock and has positioned itself as a specialist freight gateway with facilities that include warehousing, cold-chain infrastructure and handling capabilities for a range of cargo categories. Its location and connectivity have helped attract air cargo operators seeking alternatives to more congested UK gateways while supporting trade routes linking Asia, the UK and other international markets.

National Airlines launches B777F with debut JFK charter

History was made at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) as National Airlines officially launched its first Boeing 777-200 Freighter (N791CA) into commercial service.

The twin-engine widebody aircraft successfully completed its inaugural on-demand charter cargo mission from the New York hub, signalling a new era of enhanced capability for the global carrier's rapidly modernising fleet.

The introduction of this high-capacity aircraft provides a significant boost to the airline's long-haul network operations. Renowned for its fuel-efficient performance, the modern freighter features an impressive payload capacity exceeding 105 tons.

This allows National Airlines to offer faster, more reliable, and sustainable logistics solutions across demanding international routes. Powered by advanced engines and cutting-edge avionics, the B777F provides an optimal platform for transporting critical, oversized, or time-sensitive shipments nonstop over vast intercontinental distances.

This maiden charter flight represents a milestone in the Florida-based carrier's ambitious fleet expansion strategy, which includes a total order of four brand-new Boeing 777 freighters. Working alongside its existing fleet of long-range heavy cargo lifters, the newly integrated twin-engine jet minimises fuel consumption and operational overheads while maximising cargo throughput.

The success of this debut mission highlights the airline's readiness to cater to specialised industries worldwide, including automotive, aerospace, defence, and humanitarian relief sectors. By scaling up its heavy-lift capabilities with this state-of-the-art aircraft, National Airlines continues to cement its position as a premier provider of flexible, on-demand global logistics.

Company leadership extended appreciation to the engineering, maintenance, and flight operations teams for ensuring a smooth entry into service. With one definitive milestone safely checked off at JFK, the airline is well-positioned to leverage its enhanced fleet capacity, fulfilling its long-standing corporate commitment of 'Delivering The World' to global markets every single day, while simultaneously opening up countless new opportunities for international trade and commercial cargo expansion.

ECS Group expands Asia air cargo network with technology focus

ECS Group is strengthening its presence in Asia’s fast-growing air cargo markets through investments in road feeder services, technology and sustainability, supported by a network of 32 offices serving more than 50 airline partners across 14 countries in the region.

ECS Group operates in Cambodia, China, Hong Kong SAR, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, the United Arab Emirates and Vietnam. Its network includes 20 subsidiaries and a regional Control Tower that supports shipment visibility, coordination and operational efficiency across the region.

The company said its commercial services are supported by operational oversight from TCE, while specialist capabilities in e-commerce and pharmaceutical logistics are provided through partnerships with Mail & More and HealthC’Air.

The company also uses technology developed by its Cargo Digital Factory and other CargoTech members to support its commercial and operational activities.

“ECS Group’s growth and results in Asia are a clear reflection of its strategic discipline, customer focus, and ability to deliver measurable value in competitive markets. ECS Group benefits from a powerful ecosystem that reinforces its agility, digital capabilities, and sector expertise,” said Jean Ceccaldi, CEO of ECS Group.

The company said Southeast Asia continues to be an important driver of global trade, supported by expanding economies, growing cargo volumes and increasing demand for e-commerce, perishables and pharmaceutical shipments. Singapore and Vietnam are among its strongest-performing markets, while Korea and Japan have also recorded strong commercial results.

Vietnam has emerged as a key market for ECS Group through its subsidiary AVS Global Services. The company said it continues to deliver consistent results for DHL Aviation, supporting growth across Southeast Asia. The operation recorded its highest monthly throughput in October 2025, handling more than 1,300 tonnes of cargo.

Dedicated freighter services at Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City continue to support shipments of high-tech products, electronics, garments and footwear. ECS Group also uses Hong Kong as a hub linking Vietnam with Europe, the United States and Latin America.

“Noor Azizah, Regional Vice President Asia Pacific (excluding China), said ECS Group opened its first office in Asia in 2002 through Globe Air Cargo but has significantly expanded its footprint over the past five years through new offices across the region.

“To date, we operate out of 14 Asian countries, represent more than 50 airlines in the Asia Pacific region, and employ over 444 staff here. We also continue to develop vital RFS networks to ensure shipment onforwarding from airports such as Phuket in Thailand, Penang in Malaysia, or Danang in Vietnam.

 There are strong market dynamics in North and Southeast Asia, but also volatility too. Market prices vary and therefore ECS Group emphasizes a fully regional approach toward sales opportunities and synergies,” she said. Looking ahead, ECS Group said it plans to continue expanding across Asia while increasing the use of digital technologies.

The company is rolling out AI-driven solutions aimed at improving decision-making, anticipating market trends, and optimising pricing and capacity management in real time.

AvAir opens Dallas facility to boost parts logistics

The Fort Worth region has a strong aerospace and aviation ecosystem and is home to one of North America's largest logistics networks, with Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) ranking among the world's busiest cargo hubs.

AvAir's new facility will capitalise on this strategic location to enhance distribution capabilities and enable faster deliveries across the United States, a key advantage when airlines need urgent parts to prevent aircraft-on-ground (AOG) disruptions.

Serving more than 3,100 customers worldwide, AvAir said the Dallas facility will support both domestic and international operations.

Tyler Botthof, COO of AvAir, said, “Our new Dallas location complements our facilities in Chandler and Dublin, creating a strategically located hub that enhances inventory availability and streamlines distribution to customers worldwide.”

In addition to its warehouse operations, the new facility will accommodate dedicated sales and support teams, comprising both existing employees and recruits.

As part of the expansion, Brian Longmeyer, vice president of sales, powerplants, will relocate to Dallas and take on the additional role of general manager, overseeing all Dallas-based operations while leading the regional sales team.

Longmeyer joined AvAir in 2021 and brings more than three decades of industry experience. At the same time, AvAir has promoted Kevin Lenz to executive vice president, powerplants. Based in Chandler, Arizona, Lenz, who has been with the company since 2010, will continue to enhance AvAir's powerplant operations and support its global growth strategy.

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.