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 13, 2026
Today’s
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/// Sea Cargo News ///
PSA Mumbai Crosses 13
Million TEUs, Reinforcing India's Trade Connectivity
PSA Mumbai has achieved a major operational milestone by surpassing 13 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in cumulative container throughput, underscoring its position as India's largest container terminal.
The company said the achievement reflects its
strong operational excellence, extensive global network, trusted partnerships,
and the unwavering commitment of its workforce, whose efforts continue to
ensure the seamless movement of international trade.
The milestone highlights PSA Mumbai's growing
role in supporting India's expanding containerized trade and strengthening the
country's position in global supply chains.
Looking ahead, PSA Mumbai said it will
continue to focus on enhancing trade efficiency, expanding global connectivity,
and delivering world-class terminal services to support India's economic growth
and international trade ambitions.
APEDA Facilitates
First Export of Premium J&K Areko Cherries and Scentrose Plums to UAE
The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, has facilitated the first export shipment of premium Areko Cherries (High-Density European Sweet Cherries) and Scentrose Plums from the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir to Abu Dhabi and Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The inaugural consignment, comprising one
metric tonne of premium stone fruits sourced from farmers in Shopian and
Pulwama districts, marks a significant milestone in promoting Jammu &
Kashmir's high-value horticultural produce in international markets. The
shipment also reflects the rising global demand for premium Indian fruits.
The export was virtually flagged off by APEDA
Chairman Abhishek Dev in the presence of APEDA officials, represent- atives
from the Department of Horticulture, Govt. of Jammu & Kashmir, exporters,
international buyers and other stakeholders from the horticulture sector.
The event highlighted the coordinated efforts
of government agencies, exporters and growers to expand overseas market access
for the region’s premium produce.
India’s Apple Exports
to New Zealand Surge 63% Ahead of FTA
India's apple exports to New Zealand have recorded a remarkable 63% increase, reflecting stronger bilateral agricultural trade ahead of the proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two countries.
The surge highlights growing demand for
Indian fresh produce and signals expanding market opportunities for Indian
fruit exporters. Industry stakeholders attribute the growth to improved product
quality, enhanced cold chain logistics and increasing acceptance of Indian
apples in overseas markets.
Exporters have also benefited from
streamlined trade procedures and stronger engagement with buyers in New
Zealand.
The proposed India-New Zealand FTA is
expected to further strengthen agricultural trade by reducing tariff and
non-tariff barriers, improving market access and facilitating smoother movement
of goods. Exporters believe the agreement could unlock additional opportunities
for a wider range of Indian horticultural products.
The sharp rise in apple exports underscores
India’s efforts to diversify its agricultural export destinations and increase
the global presence of its fresh produce.
With trade negotiations progressing, industry
participants remain optimistic that the FTA will provide long-term momentum to
bilateral commerce and enhance the competiti- veness of Indian agricultural
exports.
CMA CGM Set to
Overtake Maersk as World's Second-Largest Container Line by 2027
French shipping giant CMA CGM is on track to surpass A.P. Moller – Maersk as the world's second-largest container shipping line by fleet capacity, with industry analysts expecting the milestone to be reached by mid-2027.
Speaking to French business daily Les Echos,
CMA CGM Chairman and Chief Executive Rodolphe Saadé said the Marseille-based
carrier is expected to move ahead of its Danish rival within the next 18
months.
According to industry analyst Linerlytica,
the transition could occur as early as July 2027. Current fleet rankings from
Alphaliner place Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) firmly in first place
with approximately 7.3 million TEUs of capacity, followed by Maersk at around
4.7 million TEUs and CMA CGM with about 4.4 million TEUs. The French carrier’s
substantial order book is expected to close the remaining gap.
The shift reflects contrasting strategic
priorities among the industry’s leading carriers. While Maersk has focused on
trans-forming itself into a integrated logistics provider with a disciplined
fleet expansion strategy, CMA CGM has aggressively increase vessel capacity
while investing across terminals, logistics, air cargo and inland
transportation.
Hua Joo Tan, Founder of Linerlytica, noted
that Maersk’s expected decline in ranking stems from its deliberate emphasis on
logistics integration rather then fleet expansion, allowing its competitors to
captilaize on stronger earnings in the ocean shipping business.
Industry observers believe the ranking change
carries symbolic significance beyond capacity figures. Maersk long served as
the benchmark for the global container shipping industry, but MSC has already
established a commanding lead, while CMA CGM has leveraged strong pandemic-era
profits to build a diversified global transport and logistics group.
Alan Murphy, Chief Executive of
Sea-Intelligence, said Maersk appears wiling to sacrifice its second place
ranking, suggesting the company believes maintaining fleet size offers fewer
benefits than pursing its long-term integrated logistics strategy.
Analysts also caution that Maersk could
eventually slip further in the rankings, with China’s COSCO Shipping positioned
to challenge for third place over the longer term.
Despite its expected rise, CMA CGM’s
expansion comes as the container shipping industry enters another major vessel
delivery cycle. Experts warn that increasing global capacity could pressure
freight rates and profitability, making financial discipline and operational
efficiency as important as fleet size in the years ahead.
Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd
Shift AE15 Service Back to Suez Canal
A.P. Moller–Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd have announced a structural change to their Gemini Cooperation network, confirming that the AE15 Asia-Europe service will resume sailing via the Suez Canal instead of routing around the Cape of Good Hope.
The move follows a comprehensive assessment
of the security situation in the Red Sea and marks another step in the
carriers' gradual return to the trans-Suez corridor. The first vessel to
operate on the revised routing will be the Majestic Maersk.
According to Maersk, the Suez Canal remains
the fastest, most sustainable and most efficient maritime corridor connecting
Asia and Europe, enabling shorter transit times and improved supply chain
efficiency for customers.
The AE15 service links Asia, the
Mediterranean and Europe, and its return to the Suez route is expected to
enhance schedule performance while reducing voyage distances.
Despite the routing change, Maersk and Hapag
Lloyd stressed that the safety of crews, vessels and cargo remains their
highest priority. Both carriers said they will continue to closely monitor
developments in the Middle East & retain contingency plans to revert the
service to the Cape of Good Hope should the security situation deteriorate.
Qatar Ports Achieve
493,000 TEUs Throughput During Q1 2026
Qatar Ports handled 493,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) during the first quarter of 2026, reflecting steady container throughput and reinforcing the country's position as a key maritime trade and logistics hub in the Gulf region.
The strong performance was driven by
sustained import and export activity, efficient port operations and continued
investments in modern infrastructure.
The ports also managed a diverse mix of
containerized cargo, general cargo and project shipments, supporting the
country's growing trade requirements.
Qatar Ports attributed the performance to
ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency, streamline cargo handling
processes and improve connectivity with regional and international shipping
networks.
Investments in digital technologies, smart
port solutions and expanded logistics facilities have also contributed to
faster vessel turnaround times and improved customer service.
Industry observers note that stable container
volumes underscore the resilience of Qatar’s maritime sector despite evolving
global trade conditions. With continued infrastructure development and a
strategic focus on logistics, Qatar Ports is well positioned to support the
nation’s economic diversification goals while strengthening its role as a
regional gateway for international commerce.
/// Air Cargo News ///
Airlines Plan
Cargo Flight Migration to Navi Mumbai Airport
Airlines are preparing to shift freighter flight operations from Mumbai's existing airport to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, marking a significant step in enhancing cargo handling capacity and easing congestion at one of India's busiest aviation hubs.
The
planned migration is expected to improve operational efficiency by providing
dedicated infrastructure for cargo aircraft, modern handling facilities and
expanded warehousing capabilities.
Airlines
and logistics operators are coordinating with airport authorities to ensure a
smooth transition while minimizing disruptions to cargo movement.
Navi
Mumbai International Airport is being developed to complement Mumbai's aviation
infrastructure and accommodate growing demand for both passenger and cargo
traffic.
The
relocation of freighter operations is anticipated to free up valuable slots at
the existing Mumbai airport, enabling better utilization of capacity of
passenger services while strengthening the region’s air cargo ecosystem.
Industry
stakeholders believe the shift will enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce
turnaround times and support the increasing volumes of e-commerce,
pharmaceutical and perishable cargo moving through western India.
Once
operational, Navi Mumbai Airport is expected to emerge as a major air freight
gateway, reinforcing India’s logistics capabilities and supporting future trade
growth.
Qatar Airways
Cargo Launches Freighter Service to Tbilisi
Qatar Airways Cargo has reportedly launched a new freighter service to Tbilisi, expanding its cargo network in the Caucasus region and enhancing air freight connectivity between Georgia and key global markets.
The
new service is expected to provide exporters and importers with greater access
to Qatar Airways Cargo’s extensive international network, facilitating the
movement of high-value, time-sensitive and temperature-controlled shipments.
The
addition of Tbilisi is also set to strengthen trade links by offering improved
capacity and more efficient cargo transportation options.
Industry
observers believe the freighter operation will support the growing demand for
air cargo services in the region, particularly for sectors such as
pharmaceuticals, perishables, e-commerce and industrial goods. The dedicated
cargo flights are expected to improve supply chain reliability while reducing
transit times for businesses service international markets.
The
expansion aligns with Qatar Airways Cargo’s strategy of strategy of
strengthening its global freighter network and investing in markets with
increasing trade potential. By adding Tbilisi to its route map, the carrier
aims to enhance regional connectivity, support economic growth and provide
customers with more flexible and reliable logistics solutions.
AFKLMP Cargo signs 13 SAF contracts for
2026 at Air Cargo China
Air France KLM Martinair Cargo has signed 13 Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) contracts for 2026 with its freight forwarding partners and Hactl – Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited during Air Cargo China.
The
agreements are aimed at increasing the use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel and
supporting industry efforts to reduce aviation-related emissions. The signing
ceremony was held during the SkyTeam Cargo cocktail event, where the company
and its partners also reflected on the progress made through their
collaboration on sustainability initiatives.
Air
France KLM Martinair Cargo thanked its freight forwarding partners and Hactl
for their support in making the milestone possible.
The
company said the SAF programme is designed to help increase the adoption of
Sustainable Aviation Fuel and invited interested organisations to learn more
about the programme and how to participate.
Ezhou Shunjia secures all four IATA
CEIV certifications
Ezhou Shunjia Aviation Ground Service, a joint venture of KLN and SF Express, has achieved all four International Air Transport Association (IATA) Centre of Excellence for Independent Validators (CEIV) certifications — Pharma, Lithium Batteries, Fresh and Live Animals — becoming one of the few ground handling operators globally to secure the complete set of specialised cargo handling accreditations.
Operating
from Ezhou Huahu International Airport, Asia’s first dedicated cargo airport,
the company aims to strengthen global standards in special cargo handling while
expanding capacity and reliability across international supply chains.
The
milestone reinforces Ezhou Shunjia’s position as a specialised cargo handling
provider supporting the movement of sensitive and high-value shipments through
one of China’s fastest-growing air cargo gateways.
Established
in November 2023 as a joint venture between SF Express and KLN, the company
provides ground handling and cargo services at Ezhou Huahu International
Airport in Hubei Province, China.
According
to the company, operations recorded a 75% increase in cargo throughput in 2025,
handling approximately 300,000 tonnes of freight. The full suite of IATA CEIV
certifications reflects compliance with internationally recognised standards
across multiple specialised cargo categories.
These
include pharmaceutical shipments requiring temperature-controlled logistics,
lithium battery cargo governed by enhanced safety protocols, fresh cargo
requiring time-sensitive handling and live animal transport with strict welfare
and operational requirements.
Ezhou
Shunjia said the certifications are supported by precision handling systems,
end-to-end cargo visibility and specialised operating procedures designed for
sensitive shipments. The company also highlighted investments in automation
technologies, including fully automated sorting systems and robotic handling
equipment aimed at improving transit efficiency and operational speed.
By
combining the freighter network capabilities of SF Airlines with KLN’s local
operating expertise, the joint venture said it is positioned to provide more
reliable and flexible cargo transit services. The company added that its
integrated logistics model connects landside and airside operations to deliver
customised end-to-end freight solutions for customers transporting raw
materials, industrial components and finished products through the airport.
The
development reflects broader efforts across the global air cargo industry to
strengthen specialised cargo capabilities as demand increases for compliant,
temperature-controlled and time-critical logistics services.
CMA CGM to acquire FedEx Supply Chain
and collaborate on airfreight
CMA
CGM Group is set to acquire FedEx Supply Chain for an enterprise value of
$1.4bn and the takeover will see the companies work together on air cargo
capacity solutions.
The
acquisition, expected to close this year, would nearly triple the size of the
North American contract logistics operations of CEVA Logistics, a subsidiary of
the CMA CGM Group.
Following
the execution of this transaction, CMA CGM and FedEx also expect to enter into
multi-year commercial agreements related to air and ocean freight.
The
companies will work together on select air cargo capacity solutions to enhance
their respective global networks in the interest of higher aircraft utilization
and flexible long-haul capacity.
CMA
CGM will also become a preferred ocean carrier for FedEx, offering ocean
transport and carrier services under a non-exclusive agreement.
The air cargo and ocean freight
agreements are expected to commence in different phases between now and
2028.
Rodolphe
Saadé, chairman and chief executive of the CMA CGM Group, stated: “The
acquisition and partnership with FedEx represent a major step in the
development of CEVA Logistics and our logistics activities in North America.
“We
are strengthening our ability to provide customers with integrated supply chain
solutions. These deals also reinforce our long-term commitment to investing in
the United States and supporting the resilience and efficiency of its supply
chain.”
Raj
Subramaniam, president and chief executive of FedEx, added: “Today’s
announcement enables FedEx to further increase our focus on providing our
unique expertise for high-value verticals, including healthcare, automotive,
aerospace and data centers.
“By
streamlining our portfolio, FedEx is better positioned to execute our long-term
vision and continue to serve as the heartbeat of the industrial economy,
delivering unmatched connectivity, reliability, and value to our customers
globally.
“We
look forward to leveraging our complementary relationship with global logistics
solutions provider CMA CGM to support the next chapter for FedEx Supply Chain
and its team members.”
The acquisition is subject
to customary regulatory approvals.
Last
month, the CMA CGM Group signed a preliminary
agreement for
the acquisition of Crystal Aero Solutions, which specialises in aircraft
maintenance services for both cargo and passenger aircraft.
Will air cargo volumes be impacted by
end of de minimis in EU?
E-commerce
air cargo volumes into the European Union (EU) may be impacted by the end of
the de minimis exemption and the introduction of higher costs for shippers.
As
of 1 July, the EU introduced a temporary €3 customs duty on low-value parcels
imported from outside the EU, mainly through e-commerce.
EU
member states agreed in December to introduce
the customs duty charge per item on parcels valued below €150. This is intended
to bridge the gap until the EU Customs Data Hub is launched in 2028.
This
customs duty includes a wide range of products commonly bought online, such as
clothing, toys, electronics, and other consumer goods.
The
new duty will apply per item, based on tariff classification and not quantity,
said the European Commission. The seller or importer will be responsible for
declaring and paying the duty as part of the customs process.
It
may become clear in the following weeks and months what impact the end of the
exemption will have on e-commerce shipment volumes.
The
US government’s decision in April last year to end the de minimis exemption for
imports from China valued at less than $800 resulted in increased costs and a
drop in demand on China-US routes. The policy was extended to apply to all
countries of origin from the end of August last year.
China’s
e-commerce export volumes shifted from China-US to China-Europe, although
volumes to the US have now largely recovered.
“Every
day, millions of low-value parcels enter the EU,” said the EC. “Many contain
products that do not meet EU safety standards or are undervalued or falsely
declared to avoid customs duties.
“At
the same time, the current customs duty exemption gives non-EU sellers an
unfair advantage over businesses that manufacture or sell products in the EU.”
The
EC added: “The new measure will help create fairer competition for EU
businesses, better protect consumers from unsafe products, tackle customs
fraud, and address environmental concerns over mass shipping.
“The
EU is working to modernise customs procedures to strengthen the single market
and ensure that all businesses selling into the EU compete on equal terms while
meeting the EU’s safety and compliance standards.”
Airfreight
rate analytics platform Xeneta predicted slower e-commerce growth this year due
to increased shipper costs, tax reporting requirements in China and declining
consumer purchasing power.
Parcelhero‘s
head of consumer research David Jinks warned that the move would alter the
economics of selling goods into Europe, pointing out that if a parcel contained
multiple items, each one of those would need to pay a €3 charge.
He
added that the late publication of official guidance – just weeks before
implementation – had also caused “alarm among logistics operators”.
A
coalition of logistics and parcel firms in May wrote to the European Union
requesting a phased implementation of the new rules.
They
warned that key elements of the framework are not ready for the 1 July start
date and that this could cause supply chain bottlenecks and an impact on the
availability of some medical supplies.
Jinks
said that the abolition of the de minimis rule could be followed later in the
year by a separate €2 processing fee, expected in November 2026.
Meanwhile,
some EU member states are already introducing their own local fees and
requirements in parallel with the EU-wide reform.
He
said Romania added a RON 25 logistics tax from 1 January; France followed with
a €2 small parcel tax from 1 March and Italy is introducing its own €2 Customs
administration fee from 1 July.
“The
patchwork of national charges emerging across member states is a real headache;
UK retailers can no longer treat exporting to the EU as a single, uniform
exercise,” said Jinks.
“They
now need to understand the specific requirements and fee structures of each
individual destination country, on top of the new EU-wide tariff. That is a
substantial compliance burden, particularly for smaller businesses.”
The
measures are only temporary, however, as the €150 de minimis threshold will be
fully removed and replaced with a new EU Customs Data Hub – replacing 27
national systems – in 2028, at which point a full Customs regime will apply to
all parcels with automated duty calculation.
But
despite the global crackdown on import rules, IATA has previously said it was
confident that demand for e-commerce
will remain firm and
the vertical will continue to drive air cargo volumes.
The
UK is also exploring the removal of its own exemption for e-commerce
parcels, although
this is not expected until 2029.
FIATA calls for delay to IATA changes
to direct air waybill framework
Freight
forwarder association FIATA has called for a delay to amendments to the IATA
Direct Air Waybill (DAWB) framework to allow for a proper review to be carried
out.
FIATA
exercised its formal right under the Cargo Agency Conference (CAC) Resolution
801c to request a review of the proposed
changes to the DAWB but
said that it has not been possible to complete the process in time for the 1
July implementation date.
The
association has therefore requested that the effective date be postponed until
1 October to allow the review process to be completed.
“Despite
repeated requests by Fiata, the review process has not been capable of being
completed before the scheduled date of effectiveness,” the association said in
a press release.
“Despite
Fiata’s repeated requests that the IATA-FIATA Consultative Council (IFCC) be
convened as a matter of urgency, the IFCC has not been convened in sufficient
time to formulate its recommendation to the CAC before the amendments are due
to take effect.”
FIATA
added that it has also written to airlines worldwide seeking “urgent
clarification” as to whether they intend to implement the changes in practice
as of 1 July and how the changes will be implemented, including the processes
that freight forwarders will be expected to follow before tendering cargo for
carriage.
There
have already been indications that implementation may differ between airlines,
with some reportedly not intending to implement the revised framework from 1
July.
“The
review mechanism exists for an important reason: to ensure that significant
changes affecting the rights, responsibilities and liabilities of all affected
market players – including freight forwarders, shippers and airlines – are
properly considered before they take effect”, said FIATA director general
Stéphane Graber.
“That
critical procedural safeguard has not been respected before the scheduled
implementation date. In the absence of a meaningful review, airlines should
provide complete transparency regarding the contractual framework they intend
to apply from 1 July.
“Freight
forwarders cannot reasonably be expected to assume significant new contractual
obligations or liabilities outside of their function without legal certainty or
a proper opportunity to assess the resulting operational and insurance
implications.”
Forwarders critical
of IATA changes to Direct AWB framework
IATA
argues that under DAWBs, which are largely used for high-risk shipments,
forwarders tender cargo to the airlines on behalf of the shipper, meaning they
are acting as agents of the shippers and not agents of the airlines.
“Airlines
have essentially entered into a contract with an entity they do not know and
have not performed due diligence, anti-money laundering or sanctions and
embargo compliance checks,” said Carlos Tornero, IATA’s director of legal
services, in
an article on the topic.
“Importantly,
they have not negotiated a rate prior to having a shipment land on their
warehouse floor.”
DAWB
implies that forwarders are merely the shipper’s agent, and so if things go
wrong, such as a lithium battery fire, airlines must seek recourse against the
original shipper — effectively, an unknown party, IATA argues
Meanwhile,
forwarders are concerned that under the changes to the DAWB framework, freight
forwarders could become liable for the shipment even when they are acting as a
shipper’s agent and are not the named shipper on the air waybill.
According
to Australia’s Freight & Trade Alliance, there are particular concerns that
the changes may also transfer responsibility and liability for Dangerous Goods
shipments to the freight forwarder, even when operational control,
documentation, cargo declarations and packaging information sit with other
parties in the supply chain.
FIATA
said that aspects of the current proposed framework may create legal
uncertainty and an unintended misalignment between liability, operational
control and insurable risk.
Too
late to respond?
The
International Forwarders and Customers Brokers Association of Australia
(IFCBAA) said that it believed FIATA has acted far too late in the process.
“At
this advanced stage, expressions of concern and requests for clarification,
while necessary, may no longer be sufficient to protect the interests of
freight forwarders globally,” it said.
“The
issue has moved beyond procedural dissatisfaction and into a matter requiring
urgent legal intervention if the industry is to avoid being forced into a new
framework without adequate review, consensus, or legal certainty.”
The
association called on FIATA to urgently commence legal action in the Swiss
courts to challenge the new rules and seek injunctive relief.
“Such
action would not only aim to halt or suspend implementation pending proper
review, but would also send a clear and necessary message that changes of this
magnitude cannot be imposed on the freight forwarding sector through
accelerated procedures that fail to respect due process and the legitimate
rights of affected parties,” the IFCBAA said.
The
Australian association said it felt the rule changes had the potential to
disrupt long-established commercial arrangements, create uncertainty around
liability allocation, and place freight forwarders in an exposed position
between shipper expectations and airline-imposed contractual terms.
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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