JUPITER SEA & AIR
SERVICES PVT. LTD, EGMORE – CHENNAI, INDIA.
E-MAIL : Robert.sands@jupiterseaair.co.in Mobile : +91 98407 85202
Corporate News
Letter for Friday July 10, 2026
Today’s
Exchange Rates
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CURRENCY▲ |
PRICE |
CHANGE |
%CHANGE |
OPEN |
PREV.CLOSE |
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95.38 |
0.190002 |
-0.19881 |
95.55 |
95.57 |
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|
1.1427 |
0.001 |
0.087582 |
1.1417 |
1.1417 |
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|
127.9256 |
0.4263 |
0.334355 |
128.0309 |
127.4993 |
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|
109.0298 |
0.044998 |
0.041288 |
109.2117 |
108.9848 |
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162.438 |
-0.151993 |
-0.093482 |
162.59 |
162.59 |
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1.3405 |
0.0016 |
0.119503 |
1.3388 |
1.3389 |
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0.5873 |
-0.0004 |
-0.068063 |
0.5877 |
0.5877 |
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/// Sea Cargo News ///
Indian Navy Thwarts Piracy Attempt in Gulf
of Aden
The vessel, MV Golden Arsenal, had one Indian crew member on board when suspected pirates attempted to board the ship. Following anti-piracy protocol, the crew immediately locked themselves inside a designated safe room and alerted authorities through an emergency communication channel.
INS Trikand, which was operating in the
region, moved swiftly towards the merchant vessel upon receiving the distress
call. As the warship closed in, the suspected pirates fled the area before they
could gain control of the vessel.
Following the incident, Indian Navy Marine
Commandos (MARCOS) boarded MV Golden Arsenal and carried out a thorough
sanitisation operation to secure the ship and rule out any remaining threat.
The vessel was subsequently declared safe.
Sources said MV Golden Arsenal was carrying
critical cargo destined for India. No injuries to the crew or damage to the
vessel were reported.
The incident underscores the continued threat
of piracy in the Gulf of Aden, a critical shipping corridor, and highlights the
Indian Navy’s ongoing anti-piracy patrols to safeguard maritime trade routes
vital to India.
Maersk
returns MECL service to Suez Canal route
Maersk has announced that its MECL service will return to the trans-Suez route via the Red Sea, following the successful transit of Majestic Maersk and the earlier structural changes to its AE15 service.
The carrier said the move marks another step
in its gradual return to the Suez Canal corridor, restoring a faster and more
efficient route between India, the Middle East and the US East Coast.
The revised routing will improve westbound
transit times by an average of seven days and eastbound transit times by an
average of 14 days.
The first westbound sailing via the Red Sea
will be Maersk Denver voyage 627W, while the first east bound sailing will be
Maersk Chicago voyage 624E.
As part of changes, Maersk will also
introduce a new eastbound call at Jeddah from August. The updated eastbound
rotation will be : Charleston – Savannah – Houston – Norfolk – Newark –
Tangiers – Jeddah – Salalah – Mundra – Pipavav and Nhava Sheva.
Maersk said it will continue to closely
monitor the security situation in the Middle East and has contingency plans in
place should conditions require the service to revert to the Cape of Good Hope
route.
Hapag
Lloyd raised India and Pakistan – Europe freight rates
Hapag Lloyd has announced higher ocean tariff rates for shipments from India and Pakistan to Northern Europe and the Mediterranean, effective for sailings from August 01, 2026.
For cargo from Nhava Sheva and Mundra, the
carrier will increase base rates by USD 2,000 per container. The new rates will
be USD 5,253 for 20Ft Dry Container and USD 4,556 for 40Ft Dry Container to
Northern Europe, while shipments to the Mediterranean will rise to USD 5,358
and USD 4,696, respectively.
For Cargo from Karachi and Port Qasim, Hapag
Lloyd will implement a USD 1,500 increase per container. Base rates to Northern
Europe will reach USD 4,593 for 20Ft Container and USD 4,236 for 40Ft Dry
container. Shipments to Mediterranean will increase to USD 4,548 and USD 4,396,
respectively.
The revised tariff levels will apply to all
affected sailings commencing on or after August 01, 2026.
CMA CGM May Scrap Missile-Damaged San
Antonio After Strait of Hormuz Attack
French shipping giant CMA CGM is considering scrapping its container vessel CMA CGM San Antonio after it sustained severe damage in a missile strike in the Strait of Hormuz during the Iran conflict in early May.
Speaking at a business conference in southern
France, CMA CGM Chairman and CEO Rodolphe Saadé said the extent of the damage
has raised doubts about whether the vessel can be economically repaired.
"It was so damaged that we're wondering
whether we should send it for scrapping," Saadé said. The missile attack
injured several crew members, who were subsequently evacuated.
The San Antonio was among dozens of
commercial vessels hit during the regional conflict that severely disrupted
maritime traffic through the strategically vital waterway.
After remaining stranded in the Strait of
Hormuz for several weeks, the vessel has now been safely escorted out of the
area, although the company did not disclose its current location.
Saade said CMA CGM has no immediate plans to
resume sending vessels into the Gulf, noting that Iranian authorities are
currently advising against such transits. He also reiterated the company’s
opposition to any proposal for transit fees on ships using the Strait of
Hormuz, an issue reportedly under discussion in ongoing U.S.- Iran
negotiations.
At the outbreak of the conflict, 14 CMA CGM
vessels were operating inside the Gulf. Several have since exited the region,
while the company is working to bring four more ships out. Some vessels,
however, are expected to continue operating within the Gulf to serve regional
trade.
The developments highlight the continued
security and operational challenges facing global shipping lines in one of the
world’s most critical maritime trade corridors.
British Military Reports Fresh Cargo Ship
Attack Off Yemen
The British military has reported a fresh attack on a commercial cargo ship operating off the coast of Yemen, underscoring the continued security risks facing merchant vessels transiting one of the world's most strategically important shipping corridors.
According to maritime security officials, the
vessel came under attack by unidentified assailants while navigating regional
waters.
Authorities are investigating the nature of
the incident, while monitoring the ship's condition and the safety of its crew.
Initial reports indicated that the vessel was able to continue its voyage,
although a detailed damage assessment remains under way.
The latest incident adds to a series of
attacks on merchant shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, where
heightened geopolitical tensions have disrupted maritime trade and prompted
shipping companies to adopt additional security measures.
Many carriers have revised sailing schedules,
re-routed vessels or imposed War Risk Security related surcharges in response
to the evolving threat environment.
The United Kingdon Trade Operations and other
international maritime agencies have urged vessels operating in the region to
maintain heightened vigilance, report suspicious activity promptly and follow
established protocols. Naval forces from several countries continue to patrol
key shipping lanes to safeguard freedom of navigation and support commercial
shipping.
Industry experts warned that continued
attacks on merchant vessels could further increase insurance costs, extend
transit times and place additional pressure on global supply chains.
Shipping companies are expected to closely
monitor the security and adjust operational plans as necessary to ensure the
safety of crews, cargo and vessels operating in the region.
India Eyes Revival of Chabahar–Zahedan Rail
Corridor to Boost Central Asia Trade
India is reportedly planning to revive and accelerate work on the strategic 700-km Chabahar–Zahedan railway in Iran, a move that could significantly enhance connectivity with Central Asia, improve access to Iranian energy supplies, and strengthen the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC).
According to reports, the proposed rail line
will link Iran's Chabahar Port on the Gulf of Oman with Zahedan, near the
Afghanistan border, integrating the port with Iran's national railway network
and the INSTC.
The project is expected to be discussed
during upcoming engagements between Indian and Iranian officials, although no
official timeline has been announced. The renewed momentum follows reports of
easing US sanctions on Iran under a recent peace agreement, which could allow
the resumption of Iranian crude oil exports.
If the policy shift remains in place, India
could restart regular imports of Iranian oil after nearly seven years while
improving the commercial viability of the Chabahar trade corridor.
Heavy Rains Disrupt JNPA Port Operations; Vessel Movement and Container Logistics Hit
Continuous
heavy rainfall accompanied by strong winds of 70–80 kmph has severely disrupted
operations at Jawaharlal Nehru Port (JNPA) in Raigad, which remains under a Red
Alert.
Adverse
weather conditions have significantly affected vessel berthing, sailing
schedules, and cargo movement across major container terminals.
At BMCTPL,
port operations were suspended from the midnight of July 5 after witnessing
very slow productivity during the day, leading to delays in vessel berthing and
departures.
Operations
at NSICT, NSIGT, and APM Terminals continue at a reduced pace, with work being
suspended intermittently whenever visibility deteriorates or wind speeds exceed
safe operating limits. Activities resume only when weather conditions improve.
Operations
at NSFT have been suspended since last night following a serious accident
involving the vessel M.V. Dalian. During the sludge removal operations, four
containers toppled onto a sludge removal tanker due to strong winds, resulting
in one fatality and another person sustaining severe injuries. The terminal
will remain closed until further notice pending investigation and safety
clearance.
Heavy
rainfall and widespread waterlogging have also caused severe traffic congestion
on approach roads to JNPA. Traffic Police have closed access from Chandni Chowk
Parking, around 7-8 km from the port, and are allowing trailers to proceed in a
regulated manner to ease congestion. The restrictions are expected to further
impact export container gate-in and import container evacuation across all
terminals.
Port
authorities and terminal operators are closely monitoring the weather
situations and are expected to resume normal operations once conditions
improve.
/// Air Cargo News ///
Emirates becomes first combination
carrier to deploy B777-300ERSF
Emirates has expanded its cargo fleet by becoming the first combination carrier to deploy the Boeing 777-300ERSF passenger-to-freighter converted aircraft. The aircraft (A6-EBK) will enter commercial service with a flight from Hong Kong to Dubai carrying over 100 tonnes of cargo.
The
converted Emirates Boeing 777-300ERSF offers 100 tonnes of payload capacity and
811 m³ of cargo volume, representing a 25% increase in cargo volume over the
Boeing 777-F production freighter.
At
47 pallet positions, the converted aircraft also accommodates 10 additional
pallet positions when compared with the Boeing 777-F production freighter,
making it ideal for transporting volumetric cargo such as e-commerce goods,
which currently constitute around 20% of global air cargo tonnage, with further
growth projected in the next few years.
Badr
Abbas, Emirates SkyCargo’s Divisional Senior Vice President said: “The
induction of the first converted Emirates Boeing 777-300ERSF into operational
service represents the next step in the expansion of our fleet and operational
agility.
We
are optimising our fleet assets by converting older Boeing 777-300ER passenger
aircraft to meet the growing demand for air cargo capacity to transport goods
rapidly across the world.
“Combined
with our growing fleet of Boeing 777-F production freighters, we have already
been able to scale our global freighter network from just over 40 destinations
in February this year to 62 destinations currently and growing. We are
providing our global customers with scalable cargo capacity and ultimate
flexibility and connectivity when moving cargo to and through our hub in
Dubai.”
The
converted Boeing 777-300ERSF is the sixth new freighter, following five Boeing
777-F production freighters, to join Emirates SkyCargo’s fleet since March
2026. As part of its expansion strategy, Emirates SkyCargo will also be taking
delivery of five additional Boeing 777-F aircraft as well as one additional
converted Boeing 777-300ERSF by December 2026.
Emirates
SkyCargo will also be introducing three additional converted Boeing 777-ERSFs
into its fleet in 2027. Emirates SkyCargo’s fleet and network expansion
reaffirm the carrier’s commitment to play a larger role in supporting global
trade, linking new destinations with businesses, and deepening connectivity to
key production hubs already on the carrier's global network spanning six
continents.
China Southern orders 7 B777 freighters
including 5 B777-8Fs
CSA Cargo, the 55%-owned cargo subsidiary of China Southern Airlines Company Limited, has signed an aircraft purchase agreement with Boeing for seven new widebody freighters, comprising five B777-8F aircraft and two B777F aircraft.
The
deal, disclosed to the Hong Kong and Shanghai stock exchanges after trading
hours on June 26, 2026, also secures CSA Cargo the right to purchase three
additional B777-8F aircraft. Boeing lists the B777-8F at approximately US$540
million per aircraft and the B777F at US$458 million apiece.
At
catalogue prices, the seven-aircraft order carries a combined list value of
around US$3.6 billion. Such catalogue price includes price for airframe and
engine. The actual consideration, negotiated at arm's length, is lower,
reflecting price concessions consistent with those obtained by the group in
previous Boeing transactions.
The
actual figure has not been disclosed, with the Stock Exchange of Hong Kong
granting a waiver from strict compliance with listing rule disclosure
requirements.
The
aircraft will be delivered in stages between 2027 and 2034, funded entirely
from the group's internal resources. The purchase remains subject to approval
from relevant government authorities in the People's Republic of China.
CSA
Cargo cited the continued maturation of cross-border e-commerce, accelerating
industrial globalisation, and major national strategies — including the
development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and
Road Initiative — as the strategic backdrop for the investment.
They
are actively seizing development opportunities, maintaining steady growth in
capacity share, and further optimizing their fleet structure. The board stated
that the purchase "will help enhance the profitability and core
competitiveness of the China Southern and CSA Cargo."
The
total cargo fleet currently stands at 19 B777Fs, split between China Southern
Airlines and CSA Cargo (call sign: Southern Cargo). The former operates six
freighters, including one parked aircraft, while the latter has 13 active
freighters.
Hactl partners with HKTDC to showcase
air cargo’s role in fashion
Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl), Hong Kong's largest independent cargo handler, has partnered with the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC) as a Strategic Partner to showcase home-grown fashion designers at Paris Fashion Week Men's Spring/Summer 2027, highlighting the increasingly important role of air cargo in supporting the global fashion supply chain.
The
cross-sector initiative aims to expand the global reach of Hong Kong designer
brands while demonstrating how logistics, aviation and creative industries work
together to connect fashion with international markets.
The
collaboration also underscores Hactl's continued commitment to industry
partnerships and sustainability, bringing together fashion, logistics and
circular economy initiatives on a global stage.
As
the first air cargo terminal operator in Hong Kong to serve as a Strategic
Partner of HKTDC at a premier international fashion event, Hactl joined hands
with HKTDC to present the collections of 11 Hong Kong designer brands at the
Hong Kong Designers Showroom, held from 24 to 28 June during Paris Fashion Week
Men's.
The
showroom featured Spring/Summer 2027 collections spanning apparel and fashion
accessories, while selected Hong Kong designers also collaborated with
Paris-based artist Yaz Bukey, with the collaborative creations unveiled during
the event.
Lufthansa Cargo opens first phase of
€600m Frankfurt hub upgrade
Lufthansa Cargo has started operations at the first and most important phase of its LCCevo infrastructure project at Frankfurt Airport, marking a major step in its plan to build Europe’s most modern air cargo hub by 2030.
Backed
by an investment of around €600 million, the project will introduce automated
processes, smarter cargo handling and modern warehouse facilities to improve
speed, efficiency and service quality.
The
completion of the ALPHA phase was celebrated by Lufthansa Cargo together with
guests from politics, business and the aviation industry. The project covers
around 80,000 square metres, roughly the size of 11 football pitches, and
involves the modernisation of the company’s entire Frankfurt cargo hub while
maintaining 24/7 operations.
The
new infrastructure includes intelligent material flow and conveyor systems that
connect different handling processes and help cargo move more efficiently
through the facility. It also features a fully automated high-bay warehouse, 42
metres high, with nearly 3,000 storage positions for large cargo pallets.
In
addition, a new automated pallet warehouse has been built for
temperature-sensitive and specialised shipments. The high-bay warehouse can
carry out more than 300 storage and retrieval operations per hour, doubling
capacity.
“With the launch of phase ALPHA, a vision is
becoming a reality,” said Ashwin Bhat, Chief Executive Officer, Lufthansa
Cargo. “LCCevo is one of the most significant investments in our company's
history and a clear commitment to Frankfurt as an air cargo hub.”
Bhat
said Lufthansa Cargo handles nearly every second metric tonne of air cargo at
Frankfurt Airport and is investing in the hub to support its long-term growth.
He added that intelligent cargo flows, modern infrastructure and automated
processes will help the company meet the needs of global markets while
strengthening competitiveness and creating a foundation for future growth.
Michael
Niggemann, Member of the Executive Board of Deutsche Lufthansa AG, said the
€600 million investment supports both Lufthansa Cargo’s position in the air
freight market and the long-term success of the Lufthansa Group.
Saudia Cargo, China Cargo Airlines sign
block space agreement
Saudia Cargo has signed a block space agreement with China Cargo Airlines during the AirCargo Shanghai 2026 Expo to expand its network and strengthen connectivity across key trade routes.
The
agreement will allow both carriers to leverage shared cargo capacity across
five destinations. By mutually using operational capacities, the partnership
aims to enhance network integration and improve connectivity across their
respective networks.
Saudia
Cargo announced the agreement in a LinkedIn post, describing it as part of its
efforts to expand its network through new opportunities.
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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