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 July 16, 2026
Today’s
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/// Sea Cargo News ///
Kamarajar Port Becomes
India's Second Cape-Compliant Major Port with 18-Metre Draft
Kamarajar Port Limited (KPL) has achieved a major milestone with the successful completion of its Capital Dredging Phase VI Project, enabling the port to operate with an 18.0-metre draft and handle fully laden Capesize vessels of up to 170,000 DWT.
With this achievement, Kamarajar Port has
become the second major port in India to attain Cape Compliant Port status,
significantly enhancing its capability to accommodate larger vessels and
improve cargo handling efficiency.
The capital dredging project, executed at an
investment of ₹440 crore, is expected to deliver substantial operational and
economic benefits.
The increased draft will allow larger ships
to call at the port, resulting in economies of scale, lower logistics and
freight costs, faster cargo evacuation, and improved operational efficiency.
The development is also expected to
strengthen the port’s competitiveness in global maritime trade while providing
a major boost to India’s EXIM trade.
Congratulating the port on the achievement,
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal,
described it as another significant milestone in India’s journey towards
becoming a global maritime powerhouse under the Maritime India Vision 2030 and
Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047.
The enhanced infrastructure reinforces
Kamarajar Port’s position as one of India’s leading deep-water ports and
reflects its continued commitment to developing world-class maritime facilities
capable of meeting the growing demands of international shipping.
With the completion of the Phase VI dredging
project, Kamarajar Port is expected to attract more Capesize vessels, improve
cargo thoroughput and play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s port led
economic growth and global trade connectivity.
India Scraps Import
Duty on Electronics and EV Battery Inputs
The Indian government has removed import duties on a range of components used in the manufacture of smartphones, laptops and electric vehicle (EV) batteries, aiming to strengthen domestic manufacturing and improve the competitiveness of the country's electronics industry.
The duty exemption covers several critical
inputs and is expected to lower production costs for manufacturers operating
under the government's 'Make in India' initiative. The move is also intended to
support India's growing electronics exports and attract additional investment
into the sector.
Industry stakeholders believe the measure
will help deepen local value addition by ensuring easier access to essential
components that are not manufactured in sufficient quantities within the
country. It is also expected to benefit global companies expanding their
production base in India.
The decision comes as India seeks to position
itself as a major global manufacturing hub for electronics and electric
mobility, while enhancing supply chain resilience and accelerating the growth
of high value exports.
Bangladesh Looks to
CEPA as Trade Gap With India Widens
Bangladesh is pursuing a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) with India as part of its strategy to address the growing trade imbalance between the two neighbouring countries, according to information presented in the country's parliament.
The proposed agreement is expected to deepen
economic cooperation by improving market access, reducing trade barriers and
facilitating greater investment and services trade.
Bangladeshi officials believe a CEPA would
help expand the country's exports to India while strengthening bilateral
commercial ties. India remains one of Bangladesh's largest trading partners,
although the relationship is marked by a significant trade deficit in India's
favour.
The initiative also reflects both countries'
broader efforts to enhance regional economic integration and build more
resilient supply chains through closer bilateral cooperation.
Evergreen Unveils New
China–Philippines Express Service
Evergreen Marine has launched a new China–Philippines Express service to strengthen regional connectivity and meet growing demand for intra-Asia container shipping.
The new route is designed to provide faster
and more reliable transport for cargo moving between major ports in China and
the Philippines.
The service will enhance supply chain
efficiency by offering improved transit times and more frequent sailings,
supporting exporters and importers engaged in the movement of manufactured
goods, consumer products and industrial cargo.
It also expands Evergreen's intra-Asia
network, providing customers with greater flexibility and broader market
access. The launch reflects increasing trade activity between China and the
Philippines, where demand for efficient maritime transport continues to grow.
By enhancing direct connectivity, the carrier
also aims to improve service reliability while supporting regional economic
integration.
Evergreen said the new express service forms
part of its ongoing strategy to strengthen its regional shipping network,
expand customer offerings and provide competitive logistics solutions across
key Asian trade lanes.
ONE
replaces WIN service with new India North America Express
Ocean Network Express (ONE) will replace its West India-North America (WIN) service with the new India North America Express (INE) from August 2026.
According to the carrier, the new INE service
is designed to strengthen network stability between West India, West Asia and
the US East Coast while providing improved sailing frequency and optimized
transit times.
The new rotation will be : Nhava Sheva –
Mundra – Salalah – New York, Norfolk, Savannah, Charleston and back to Nhava
Sheva.
The final WIN sailing will be operated by San
Francisco Bridge voyage 0086E/W, calling at Mundra on July 23, 2026 and
arriving in New York on September 03, 2026.
The INE service will commence with Tucapei
voyage 6132@/6232E, scheduled to call at Nhava Sheva on August 08, 2026 and New
York on September 12, 2026.
One also confirmed that cargo moving between Colombo and New York, Jacksonville, Charleston and Savannah will be served via its EC3 loop.
U. S.
appeals court backs FMC on detention fee rules
The U. S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit unanimously rejected a petition filed by Evergreen Shipping Agency (America) Corp, affirming the FMC’s ruling that detention charges imposed during a three-day port closure were unreasonable.
The case involved detention fees charged to a
trucking company for the late return of a container and chassis over a holiday
weekend when the port was closed, leaving the trucker with no practical
opportunity to return the equipment.
The court agreed with the FMC’s
interpretation that detention and demurrage charges should primarily serve as
financial incentives to improve freight fluidity. Because the trucker could not
return the equipment return and therefore failed to meet that objective.
The ruling also confirmed that carriers bear
the burden of demonstrating that such charges are justified, including
providing evidence that the fees reasonably compensate for actual costs when
claiming a compensatory purpose.
/// Air Cargo News ///
CMA CGM Secures
Damascus Airport Cargo Agreement
CMA CGM has secured an agreement to develop and manage cargo operations at Damascus International Airport, expanding its logistics footprint in Syria and strengthening its presence in the Middle East.
The
deal is expected to enhance the airport's air cargo capabilities and support
the country's efforts to restore trade and logistics infrastructure. Under the
agreement, CMA CGM will work to modernise cargo handling facilities, improve
operational efficiency and streamline freight movement through the airport.
The
project aims to facilitate faster processing of imports and exports while
improving connectivity with regional and international supply chains.
The
cargo initiative complements CMA CGM's broader strategy of integrating
maritime, air freight and inland logistics services to provide end-to-end
transport solutions. It also reflects the company’s continued investment in
strategic logistics assets across key global markets.
The
agreement is expected to support economic activity by improving cargo capacity,
attracting additional freight traffic and strengthening Syria’s role in
regional trade as infrastructure development progresses.
My Freighter signs interline deals with
Air Canada Cargo, SIA Cargo
My Freighter, part of Centrum Holding, has signed new interline agreements with Air Canada Cargo and Singapore Airlines Cargo, expanding its cargo connectivity between Central Asia and key markets across North America, Asia-Pacific and Europe.
The
agreements are aimed at providing customers with broader network access,
greater routing flexibility and improved connectivity through the combined
cargo networks of the partner airlines. Announcing the partnership with Air
Canada Cargo, Khafizjon Gafurov, Shareholder at My Freighter and Centrum
Holding, said, “For us, partnerships such as this are about much more than
network growth.
They
are about creating new trade corridors, improving connectivity and providing
our customers with seamless access to global markets. By combining Air Canada's
extensive North American network with My Freighter's growing presence across
Central Asia and beyond, we are opening up new opportunities for businesses
across our region.
He
added that international partnerships are becoming increasingly important as
supply chains continue to evolve. "As global supply chains continue to
evolve, strong international partnerships will play a crucial role in shaping
the future of logistics. We are proud to work with leading global carriers such
as Air Canada as we continue strengthening Central Asia's connectivity with the
rest of the world."
On
the other hand, Abdulaziz Abdurakhmanov, Founder and CEO of Centrum Holding and
My Freighter, announced the signing of an interline agreement with Singapore
Airlines Cargo, marking the carrier's 25th interline agreement. According to
the CEO, the partnership provides access to Singapore Airlines Cargo's network
spanning Southeast Asia, South Asia, East Asia, the Pacific, Europe and beyond,
connecting Central Asia with major international trade and logistics hubs.
Under
the interline framework, cargo can be transferred seamlessly between flights
operated by both carriers, offering customers greater routing flexibility,
optimised transit options and access to global supply chains. The agreement is
expected to support businesses trading between Central Asia and the wider
Asia-Pacific region.
Commenting
on the agreement, Abdurakhmanov stated in a social media post, “This agreement
is a further testament to My Freighter's commitment to becoming the premier
logistics bridge between Central Asia and global markets. The airline continues
to expand its interline portfolio with leading international carriers,
consistently raising the bar for service quality, connectivity, and reliability
for its customers worldwide.”
The
agreement with My Freighter comes as Singapore Airlines continues to expand
strategic collaborations across both passenger and cargo operations. Earlier
this month, Air China and Singapore Airlines signed a memorandum of
understanding to establish a commercial joint venture partnership. The proposed
cooperation includes expanding their codeshare network, coordinating flight
schedules, exploring joint fare products and pursuing joint marketing and
revenue-sharing arrangements, subject to regulatory approvals.
In
June 2026, Singapore Airlines and Malaysia Airlines also launched their
strategic joint business partnership after receiving regulatory approvals. The
collaboration introduced joint fare products for travel between Singapore and
Kuala Lumpur as part of broader commercial cooperation between the two
carriers.
My
Freighter continues to expand global interline network The Air Canada Cargo and
Singapore Airlines Cargo agreements are the latest additions to My Freighter's
growing portfolio of international airline partnerships. In February 2026, the
carrier signed an interline agreement with China Southern Airlines,
strengthening cargo connectivity between Central Asia and China. The
partnership combines My Freighter's regional network with China Southern
Airlines' domestic and international services, enabling seamless cargo
transfers and expanded access to industrial and commercial centres across
China.
A
month earlier, in January 2026, My Freighter announced several new interline
agreements with Chinese carriers, including SF Airlines, Loong Air and Juneyao
Air, as well as Taiwan-based STARLUX Airlines.
The
company said these agreements would expand network coverage and improve cargo
flows between China, Central Asia, Europe and other international markets. At
the time, My Freighter said strengthening cooperation in Asia formed part of
its broader strategy to develop an extensive international partnership network.
The
carrier noted that it had already established interline agreements with
Cargojet, American Airlines, National Air Cargo, Air Serbia, Biman Bangladesh
Airlines, Aeromexico, Air Europa, Challenge Group and Icelandair Cargo. In
December 2025, My Freighter entered into an interline agreement with Cargojet,
providing customers with improved access to the Canadian logistics market and
strengthening cargo connectivity between Central Asia and North America.
The
partnership was designed to optimise routings, reduce transit times and support
cargo movements including perishables, pharmaceuticals, e-commerce shipments,
automotive components and general cargo. Alongside its expanding partnership
network, My Freighter has continued to invest in fleet growth.
In
April 2026, the airline added another Boeing 767, bringing its fleet to 10
aircraft. The aircraft, registered UK67022, was named after Uzbek writer
Abdulla Qodiriy, continuing the company's initiative of naming aircraft after
prominent historical figures. With the latest addition, the combined fleet of
My Freighter and sister airline Centrum Air reached 26 aircraft.
In
April 2026, My Freighter also expanded its commercial partnership with ECS
Group, strengthening cargo connectivity between Europe and Central Asia through
gateways including Liège, Maastricht, Basel, Tallinn and Paris CDG, with
Tashkent serving as the central hub for onward connections across the region.
The
latest agreements with Air Canada Cargo and Singapore Airlines Cargo further
strengthen My Freighter's international interline network as the carrier
continues expanding connectivity between Central Asia and major global cargo
markets.
AerCap to lease Boeing 777-300ERSF
converted freighters to China Southern
Aircraft
lessor AerCap has signed lease agreements with China Southern Air Logistics,
which operates as China Southern Airlines Cargo, for three Boeing 777-300ERSF
converted freighters.
Known
as “The Big Twin”, the 777-300ERSF is converted by Israel Aerospace
Industries (IAI) through its Bedek Aviation
Group passenger-to-freighter (P2F) programme, for which
Dublin-headquartered AerCap is the launch customer.
The
first of China Southern’s three 777-300ERSF aircraft is scheduled for
delivery in October 2027, while the second and third aircraft are scheduled for
delivery in the first and second quarter of 2028, respectively.
Li
Xiao, chairman of CSA Logistics, said: “We are delighted to sign this
significant agreement, extending our long-standing partnership with AerCap.
“The
introduction of the Boeing 777-300ERSF converted freighters marks a major
milestone in the continued evolution of our fleet.
“These
aircraft will provide strong support for our strategy to expand
intercontinental routes, enabling us to deliver superior service to customers
worldwide.”
“We
are delighted to once again support the China Southern Group, a long-standing
AerCap customer and a key participant in the global air transportation market,”
added Aengus Kelly, chief executive of AerCap.
“Through
this important transaction, China Southern Airlines Cargo will add three
B777-300ERSF aircraft to its fleet, offering an exceptional combination of
range, payload capability and efficiency, powered by the proven GE90 platform.
“The
aircraft will integrate seamlessly into China Southern Air Logistics’ existing
B777 fleet. We extend our sincere thanks to the teams at China Southern
Airlines, China Southern Air Logistics and China Southern Airlines Cargo for
their trust and partnership, and look forward to supporting their continued
expansion.”
The
Challenge Group signed a deal witH
AerCap in
January 2025 to add two converted Boeing 777-300ERSF freighters to its fleet,
the first 777-300ERFs converted freighters to be added to a European AOC.
In
September 2025, AerCap delivered the first two
777-300ERSF converted
freighters to launch operator Kalitta Air after the programme gained
certification the month before.
More
recently, in March, Ethiopian Airlines
signed lease agreements with AerCap for two Boeing 777-300ERSFs and in May,
Air Atlanta Icelandic was in the process of
adding its
second 777-300ERSF for its partnership with Fly Meta and Hungary Airlines.
Lufthansa Cargo evaluating options for
A321 freighter fleet
Lufthansa
Cargo is continuing to evaluate its options to get its fleet of Airbus A321
freighters back into the skies after they were temporarily grounded as a result
of cuts made to sister airline Lufthansa CityLine that had been operating the
aircraft.
The
aircraft have been on the ground
since mid-April when
Lufthansa CityLine operations were stopped as part of measures aimed at
tackling rising costs and labour disruption impacting its operations.
A
Lufthansa Cargo spokesperson said it was likely an outside airline would
operate the freighters in the future.
“We
are currently working intensely to evaluate the available options for operating
our A321-fleet,” said the spokesperson.
“Currently,
it appears that this will be handled by an operator outside Lufthansa Group. It
has not yet been definitively determined whether the suspension will remain in
effect for the entire summer flight schedule.”
The
decision to ground the CityLine fleet was part of a series of measures
announced yesterday by Lufthansa in view of increased kerosene prices, which it
said had more than doubled compared to the period before the Iran war, as well
as rising additional burdens from labour disputes.
Lufthansa
Cargo launched
its A321 freighter network in 2022 to cover to intra-European demand and
demand between Europe and North Africa.
The
28-ton capacity converted aircraft were based at Frankfurt Airport and operated
by CityLine under a wet lease agreement.
According
to FlightRadar data, two of the airline’s A321Fs have operated
Frankfurt-Frankfurt flights in the last seven days.
Missing K2 Boeing 737 freighter located
The
wreckage of the K2 Airways Boeing 737-400 freighter that disappeared over the
Arabian Sea during a flight to Karachi earlier this week has been identified.
The
Pakistan Airports Authority said that the aircraft was discovered off the coast
of Karachi after a 12-hour search and rescue
operation.
The
aircraft was located around 98 km south of the port of Ormara and efforts are
now underway to find the five missing crew members.
The
aircraft had departed Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates on 7 July but lost
contact at 21:21 Pakistan local time.
Pakistan’s
civil aviation authority said the crew “reported navigational system issue” at
21:18, and was in contact with Karachi area control centre.
However,
the aircraft was then seen on radar displays to be “rapidly descending” with a
“rapid heading change” and contact was lost at 21:21, with the jet 155nm west
of Karachi.
K2
Airways said the aircraft was carrying two pilots, two engineers and a
loadmaster.
Public
flight-tracking data, yet to be verified, suggests the aircraft was cruising at
35,000ft, some 1h 20min after departure, when it deviated from its heading and
lost altitude over the Arabian Sea.
The
airline identified the missing twinjet as AP-BOI, a 1999 airframe formerly in
service with Aeroflot and Garuda Indonesia before being converted to a
freighter.
The
company has not specified the nature of any cargo on board, and whether it
included any hazardous goods.
K2
Airways is a relatively young carrier, having been established in 2018. The
company said its first aircraft arrived in Karachi two years ago, in July 2024.
Boost for freighter operations at
Schiphol
Dutch
logistics group Evofenedex is hopeful that a new government motion regarding
the distribution of slots at Schiphol Airport could help boost freighter
operations at the airport.
The
Dutch House of Representatives recently adopted a motion put forward during a
Schiphol Committee debate that would actively monitor the redistribution of
slots at Schiphol following a change in the way slots are distributed during
the upcoming winter season.
“This
is good news for companies that depend on air cargo, as it provides clearer
insight into how the available capacity at Schiphol can be utilised,” Evofendex
said.
The
increased monitoring will allow an assessment of the extent to which the
redistribution of slots leads to a more efficient use of available capacity and
a stronger Dutch air cargo ecosystem.
Casper
Roerade, air cargo policy advisor at Evofenedex, said: “This approach offers
opportunities to create more room for cargo flights within Schiphol’s existing
capacity
“This
is important for companies that depend on air cargo for high-value exports.
Moreover, a strong air cargo ecosystem contributes to the international
competitiveness and innovation capacity of the Netherlands.”
Starting
from the 2026 winter season, slot coordinator Airport Coordination Netherlands
(ACNL) will adjust the allocation of returned slots.
Evofendex
explained that until now, these slots often only became available when airlines
cancelled flights during the season.
“As
a result, there was hardly any capacity available for full freighters at the
start of a season, when air cargo companies plan their operations,” it said.
“This caused bottlenecks, particularly during the busy months of November and
December.”
With
the adjusted procedure, released slots are reallocated before the start of the
season to ensure the allocation “aligns better with reality, where thousands of
scheduled flights are cancelled annually”.
“This
creates more room for cargo flights within the existing maximum number of
aircraft movements,” Evofendex said, pointing out that similar systems already
exist at major airports, such as Heathrow.
The
debate around slots at Schiphol has become increasingly intense in recent years
as regulators have sought to limit increases in the number of flights at the
airport.
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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