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

 

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

 

 

Corporate News Letter for Monday  July  27,  2026


Today’s Exchange Rates


CURRENCY

PRICE

CHANGE

%CHANGE

OPEN

PREV.CLOSE

 

USD/INR

96.56

0.020004

0.020713

96.64

96.58

 

EUR/USD

1.1365

-0.0012

-0.105473

1.1377

1.1377

 

GBP/INR

128.6018

-0.520096

-0.402794

128.6453

129.1219

 

EUR/INR

109.9707

-0.2341

-0.212423

109.9707

110.2048

 

USD/JPY

163.791

-0.069

-0.042109

163.86

163.86

 

GBP/USD

1.3319

0.0004

0.030037

1.3315

1.3315

 

JPY/INR

0.5899

0.0005

0.084836

0.5893

0.5894

 


///                   Sea Cargo News            ///

APEDA Facilitates First Export of Frozen French Fries from Uttarakhand to Iraq


In a significant boost to India's value-added agricultural exports, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has facilitated the first export of 24 metric tonnes of frozen French fries from Kashipur in Uttarakhand's Udham Singh Nagar district to Iraq.

 

The consignment, exported by Virun Global Trade Pvt. Ltd., marks an important milestone in promoting processed food exports from Uttarakhand while strengthening India's growing presence in the global processed food market. 


 

India Invites Bids for UK Vehicle Import Quotas Under CETA



The Indian government has invited applications from eligible importers for tariff-rate quotas (TRQs) covering imports of passenger vehicles from the United Kingdom under the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA), marking another step toward implementing the recently concluded trade pact.

 

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued the application process for allocating import quotas that will allow eligible vehicles from the UK to enter India at concessional customs duty rates, subject to the terms and annual quota limits specified under the agreement.

 

The quota mechanism is designed to ensure transparent and equitable allocation among importers while facilitating phased market access for British automobile manufacturers. Importers will be required to meet prescribed eligibility criteria and comply with documentation and regulatory requirements outlined by the DGFT.

 

The India-UK CETA aims to deepen bilateral trade and investment by reducing tariffs across a wide range of goods and improving market access for business in both countries.

 

The vehicle quota system is one of the key provisions of the agreement, balancing greater consumer choice with safeguards for India’s domestic automotive industry.

 

Industry stakeholders expect the concessional import regime to benefit premium and luxury vehicle brands manufactured in the UK while encouraging greater trade and investment between the two countries. The move is also expected to provide Indian consumers with wider access to UK built vehicles under a structured and regulated import framework.

 

China and India Lead Global Drop in LNG Imports

 


China and India recorded the largest decline in liquefied natural gas (LNG) imports in 2025, reflecting weaker demand, higher inventories, and changing energy market dynamics that have weighed on global LNG trade.

 

According to industry data, both countries reduced LNG purchases amid softer industrial activity, increased domestic energy production, and greater reliance on alternative fuel sources. The decline in imports has contributed significantly to the slowdown in global LNG demand during the year.

 

In China, lower gas consumption by industry and adequate domestic supply helped curb import requirements, while in India, higher price sensitivity among buyers and increased availability of alternative fuels led to reduced LNG procurement. Seasonal demand fluctuations and inventory management also influenced purchasing decisions in both markets.

 

The slowdown in imports by the world’s two largest LNG-consuming economies has eased pressure on global LNG supply, contributing to improved cargo availability for other importing regions. Analysts note that the shift has also spot LNG prices and prompted exporters to explore alternative markets.

 

Despite the decline, industry observers expect LNG demand in China and India to recover over the medium and long term, supported by economic growth, industrial expansion and ongoing efforts to transition toward cleaner energy sources. Market participants will continue to monitor demand trends, pricing and policy developments that could influence import volumes.

 

Somali Pirates Seize Tanker off Yemen Coast

 


A tanker has reportedly been seized by suspected Somali pirates off the coast of Yemen, with the vessel believed to have been diverted towards Puntland, raising fresh concerns over maritime security in the Gulf of Aden and the wider western Indian Ocean.

 

According to initial reports, armed pirates boarded and took control of the tanker while it was transiting waters near Yemen. The vessel was subsequently steered towards the Somali coast, where authorities and international maritime security agencies are closely monitoring the situation.

 

The incident marks another reminder of the persistent piracy threat in the region, despite years of coordinated naval patrols and enhanced security measures that had significantly reduced attacks.

 

Shipping companies operating through the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea have been advised to maintain heightened vigilance and adhere to established best management practices for transiting high-risk areas.

 

The hijacking comes at a time when merchant shipping is already facing elevated security challenges in nearby waters due to regional geopolitical tensions, forcing many operators to reassess voyage planning and risk management strategies.

 

Maritime security experts warn that any resurgence of Somali piracy could increase insurance premiums, operational costs and transit risks for vessels using one of the world’s busiest shipping corridors. Authorities are continuing efforts to verify the vessel’s status, ensure the safety of its crew and co-ordinate an appropriate response with regional and international partners.

Andhra to move cargo ops from Vizag to Mulapeta Port


The state government is planning to shift dusty bulk cargo operations from Vizag Port to the upcoming Mulapeta Greenfield Port located in Srikakulam district in phases, said BC Janardhan Reddy, Minister for Investments and Infrastructure, Govt of Andhra Pradesh, announced.

 

A Group of Ministers will now examine the proposals before submitting recommendations for Cabinet approval. The plan involves relocating commodities like coal and minerals away from the city, easing congestion at Vizag Port, helping improve vessel turnaround times, and reducing demurrage costs.

 

The proposal aims to reduce urban air pollution in the city, while improving cargo handling and supporting the new port’s commercial viability. Also, Visakhapatnam Port Authority has proposed to acquire a 50 per cent stake in the Mulapeta Port SPV.

 

PIL's First 13,000 TEU LNG Dual-Fuel Vessel Kota Elok Makes Maiden Singapore Call

 


Pacific International Lines (PIL) has marked a significant milestone in its fleet renewal programme with the maiden call of its first 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel container vessel, Kota Elok, at the Port of Singapore on July 15.

 

To commemorate the vessel's inaugural arrival, PSA Singapore presented a commemorative plaque to Capt. Kan Liang, Master of Kota Elok, during a ceremony held onboard the vessel.

 

The maiden voyage also marked another industry first for PIL, as Kota Elok became the company's first vessel to receive Lloyd's Register certification for compliance with the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) Unified Requirements (UR) E26 and UR E27 for cyber security.

 

The newly introduced IACS cyber resilience standards, mandatory for all newbuild vessels contracted form July 1, 2024 are designed to strengthen cyber security across the maritime industry. While UR E26 focuses on ensuring the cyber resilience of the ship as a whole, UR E27 required onboard systems and equipment to be designed with built-in-cyber security protections from the outset.


 

///                   Air Cargo News            ///

Air India Cargo marks first overseas export from Navi Mumbai Airport


Air India Cargo has transported the first international export shipment from Navi Mumbai International Airport, marking the start of overseas cargo operations from the new gateway, Ramesh Mamidala, Head of Cargo, Air India, announced.

The inaugural 1.79-tonne consignment of guavas from Maharashtra’s Konkan region and Drumstick Moringa was flown to Abu Dhabi aboard an Air India Express flight.

The new Navi Mumbai–Abu Dhabi service offers around 2.5 tonnes of belly-hold cargo capacity per flight and is expected to handle nearly 25 tonnes of cargo every month through thrice-weekly operations.

The route is designed to support exports of perishables and other time-sensitive commodities from western India to the UAE and the wider Gulf market.

Backed by temperature-controlled handling facilities and specialised cold-chain equipment, the service is expected to strengthen agricultural exports, improve market access for growers and exporters, and reinforce Navi Mumbai’s role as an emerging international air cargo gateway.

Turkish Cargo expands SMARTIST hub with more capacity


Turkish Cargo has selected Lödige Industries to automate the second phase of its SMARTIST cargo hub at Istanbul Airport, a project that will double the facility’s annual handling capacity from 2–4.5 million tonnes, said Murat Yalçın Kirca, Cargo Operations (Global), Vice President, Turkish Cargo.

Building on the automated systems installed during the first phase in 2021, SMARTIST 2.0 will integrate next-gen digital technologies across 370,000 sqm cargo complex. The upgraded facility will feature automated storage and retrieval systems for ULDs and in-house pallets, enabling faster cargo processing, and improved operational flow.

The expansion is aimed at accommodating rising volumes, while improving handling efficiency through advanced automation. It is likely to strengthen Istanbul’s position as a global air cargo gateway, while supporting Turkish Cargo’s long-term network growth.

HKAC to launch new charter service in August


Hong Kong Air Cargo (HKAC) will begin charter cargo flights between Hong Kong International Airport and Navi Mumbai International Airport from 10 August, marking its entry into India’s newest global cargo gateway, according to a company statement.

The service will operate weekly, with flights departing Hong Kong on Mondays and return from NMIA on the same day. The launch follows the airline’s appointment of Aeroprime as its general sales and service agent (GSSA) in India as part of its expansion strategy in the country’s air cargo market.

The Navi Mumbai service adds to HKAC’s growing international network. It is expected to strengthen cargo linkage between East Asia and western India, while supporting growing trade flows between the two markets.

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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