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 03, 2026
Today’s
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/// Sea Cargo News ///
Kochi Gets Third Ro-Ro Vessel, Service to Start Next
Month
The new vessel is part of the wider effort to improve last-mile mobility across the Kochi backwaters, where ferry connectivity remains essential for daily commuters and tourists.
The third Ro-Ro ferry, built by Cochin
Shipyard for Kochi Municipal Corporation and operated by KSINC, has been
designed as a double-ended vessel for faster and more efficient boarding and
disembarkation.
The launch comes after the rollout of the
earlier Ro-Ro boats, which have already improved travel convenience on one of
Kerala’s most congested ferry corridors. The service is expected to
significantly cut waiting time and improve passenger flow between Vypeen and
Fort Kochi, especially during peak hours and holiday periods.
With more reliable vehicle-carrying capacity,
the new Ro-Ro vessel should also help reduce pressure on road traffic and
strengthen Kochi’s integrated transport system.
Cochin Shipyard’s role in the project
highlights the growing capability of India’s domestic shipbuilding industry to
deliver specialised inland and coastal passenger vessels.
The addition of a third Ro-Ro service also
reflects Kerala’s broader push to modernise waterborne transport and make
ferries a more dependable part of the state’s urban mobility network.
Iran and Oman release joint statement on Strait of Hormuz
In another encouraging sign, Oman and Iran released a joint statement on recent discussions they had held in Muscat. Following is the unedited text:
The Islamic Republic of Iran and the
Sultanate of Oman as the Coastal States of the Strait of Hormuz, reaffirm their
commitment to the safe passage through the Strait, in line with applicable
international law, while emphasizing their sovereignty and sovereign rights
over their territorial waters in the Strait of Hormuz.
The two sides discussed matters relating to
the Strait of Hormuz, in accordance with the provisions of the Islamabad
Memorandum of Understanding.
They agreed to maintain their dialogue on
this issue through a joint working group between the two foreign ministries in
order to reach agreement on the future administration of navigation in the
Strait of Hormuz and the services that will be provided in this regard and the
costs associated with them in accordance with international standards.
In this context, they have also agreed to
hold discussions with the littoral States in the region, and with any other
relevant parties. All arrangements related to the Strait of Hormuz
must fully respect the sovereignty and sovereign rights of the two Coastal
States of the Strait.
The Sultanate of Oman and the Islamic
Republic of Iran reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the Strait of
Hormuz as a secure and open waterway for international navigation. The two
sides emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to promote maritime
safety, freedom of navigation, and regional stability.
AEPC Seeks Taiwan Partnership to Boost India’s Man-Made
Fibre Industry
Speaking at the Textile Summit 2026, AEPC chairman A. Sakthivel urged Indian manufacturers to pursue joint ventures and technology partnerships with Taiwanese companies, particularly in high-performance MMF and technical textiles.
Sakthivel said Taiwan’s strengths in advanced
fibres, functional fabrics and sustainable performance textiles make it a
natural partner for India’s MMF-led growth vision. Strategic tie-ups, he
argued, would support technology transfer, modern manufacturing systems,
automation, digitalisation and AI-enabled production, helping India move up the
value chain in global supply networks.
He also emphasised the need for a dedicated
fund for technology upgradation in the textile and apparel sector to support
investments in new machinery, process innovation and greener production
methods.
AEPC believes that strengthening the MMF
value chain is crucial for India to achieve its 2030 textile export targets,
diversify beyond cotton and respond to rising global demand for synthetic and
blended fabrics.
For Taiwanese textile players, closer
engagement with India offers access to a large and growing consumer market, an
expanding garment export base and opportunities in areas such as technical
textiles, non-wovens and value-added MMF applications.
AEPC hopes that a focused India–Taiwan MMF
partnership can catalyse new investments, improve product quality and enhance
the global positioning of Indian apparel exporters.
Maersk adds heavy load surcharge on India trade
The surcharge applies to contract cargo loaded at Nhava Sheva, Mundra, Pipavav and Hazira, with carriers imposing an additional €500 ($566) charge per container above the specified weight threshold.
The measure affects 20DRY equipment only and
is based on the Price Calculation Date (PCD), defined as the scheduled
departure date of the first ocean leg at the time of booking confirmation for
non-spot bookings.
According to Maersk, the surcharge is
triggered when the Verified Gross Mass (VGM) exceeds 22 metric tonnes. VGM
includes cargo weight, dunnage, bracing and the tare weight of the
container.
The Danish carrier stated that the surcharge
remains subject to other applicable local and contingency charges and does not
alter tariff obligations governed by regional regulatory frameworks, including
the US Shipping Act and China Maritime Regulations.
Artemis launches world’s first 100% electric hydrofoil
pilot boat
The first-in-class vessel has now entered the water and is progressing through sea trials as it moves toward operational deployment.
Purpose-designed for the demands of pilot
transfer operations, the Artemis EF-12 Pilot combines zero-emission propulsion
with the speed, control and robustness required for daily service.
Its hydrofoil technology reduces drag and
wake, delivering a smoother ride, enhanced handling and significantly lower
energy consumption compared to conventional pilot boats.
The vessel builds on over four years of
proven operational experience of the company’s Artemis eFoiler system. By
lifting the hull out of the water, the system reduces hydrodynamic drag,
enabling fully electric propulsion while maintaining predictable handling and
stability across various weather and sea states.
Safety and operational confidence are central
to the design. The Artemis EF- 12 Pilot features optimized layout, visibility
and deck arrangements to support safe and consistent transfer operations. An
active flight control system enhances stability during critical pilot
transfers.
The
launch of the Artemis vessel reflects growing global demand for zero-emission
pilot vessels, as ports and operators invest in cleaner, high-performance
solutions. Customers announced to date
include Brabo (Belgium), Swedish Maritime Administration, Noatum Maritime (Abu
Dhabi) and Port of Tyne (U.K.).
Dr Iain Percy, CEO of Artemis Technologies,
said: ”Pilotage places very specific demands on a vessel. The Artemis EF-12
Pilot applies proven foiling technology to meet those demands, delivering an
efficient, fully electric solution that supports pilots, crews and port
operations globally.”
Singapore-Flagged Cargo Ship Attacked in Strait of
Hormuz, Raising Fears Over Fragile US-Iran Truce
According to reports by The Wall Street Journal and Reuters, citing US officials, the attack was carried out by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The incident occurred just hours after Tehran warned that vessels using routes not approved by Iran could face enforcement action.
The
United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said the vessel reported being
hit by a projectile near the coast of Oman. The strike damaged the ship’s
bridge but caused no casualties.
Four
maritime sources later identified the vessel as the Singapore-flagged Ever
Lovely. The attack poses the first significant challenge to the
US-Iran agreement brokered by US President Donald Trump, which was intended to
end months of hostilities and restore confidence in commercial shipping through
one of the world’s busiest maritime trade corridors.
The
incident has intensified scrutiny over Washington’s response should Iran be
found to have breached the terms of the accord.
Shortly
before the reported attack, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned
that only vessels transiting along routes designated by Tehran would be
guaranteed safe passage through the Strait of
Hormuz.
The
Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA), established by Iran to oversee navigation
in the waterway, reinforced the warning in a statement posted on X, saying that
“consequences arising from passage through unauthorised routes shall be the
responsibility of the owner, operator, and vessel commander.”
While
Iran has not officially commented on the attack, the Revolutionary Guards
reiterated earlier on Thursday (25 June) that action would be taken against
vessels failing to comply with its designated transit
routes.
In
response to the incident, the International Maritime Organization (IMO)
temporarily suspended its newly launched voluntary evacuation programme
designed to assist ships and seafarers leaving the Gulf after months of
regional conflict.
The
initiative, introduced earlier this week, was intended to facilitate the safe
departure of hundreds of stranded vessels and thousands of seafarers who had
remained in the region since fighting erupted in late February.
IMO
Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez said the organisation had decided to pause
the programme “to reconfirm that the necessary safety guarantees continue to be
in place for the ships on our evacuation list and all those in the region.”
The
IMO clarified that Ever Lovely was not participating in the evacuation
programme. Under the initiative, vessels could voluntarily exit the Gulf using
either an Iranian or Omani transit route under international coordination.
The
latest attack has renewed concerns over the security of shipping in the Strait
of Hormuz, despite recent efforts to stabilise the region.
Earlier
on Thursday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned that any Iranian
interference with commercial shipping would have serious
consequences.
“If
Iran threatens or blocks ships in the strait, then we’re going to have a
problem,” Rubio told reporters while concluding a tour of Gulf
states.
Meanwhile,
US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said crude oil flows through the Strait of
Hormuz had nearly returned to pre-conflict levels, with more than 20 million
barrels of oil transiting the waterway over the previous 24
hours.
The
attack on Ever Lovely now raises fresh uncertainty over the durability of the
US-Iran agreement and the safety of global maritime trade through one of the
world’s most strategically important shipping lanes.
/// Air Cargo News ///
FedEx reports rise in Express volumes
FedEx
has reported its fourth quarter results, highlighting increased US domestic and
international export package volumes.
The
company’s revenue was up 12.5% to $25bn for the fourth quarter ended 31 May,
compared to $22.2bn in the same quarter last year.
Operating
revenue was down 13.3% to $1.55bn, although adjusted (non-GAAP) operating
revenue was $2.09bn, up 3.5%.
FedEx’s
fourth quarter operating margin was 8.4% vs 9.1% in the same period year. FedEx
pointed out that it had achieved cost savings, but nonetheless, costs weighed
on its operating margin despite revenue gains.
Express
operating income was $1.7bn, a rise of 14% year on year. The operating margin
was 7.7%.
Federal
Express segment operating results improved during the quarter, driven by higher
U.S. domestic and International Priority package yields, continued cost savings
from transformation initiatives, and increased U.S. domestic and international
export package volume.
These
factors were partially offset by increased purchased transportation and wage
rates, higher variable incentive compensation expenses, and the financial
impacts of global trade policy changes.
“Team
FedEx delivered an impressive finish to a strong fiscal year, providing
excellent service to our customers and successfully executing on our
transformation initiatives,” said Raj Subramaniam, FedEx president and chief
executive officer.
“Our
profitable growth strategy is working. We are building momentum across our
global industrial network, driving structural improvements and winning in
high-value growth markets.”
The
spin-off of FedEx Freight into a new publicly traded company was finalized on 1
June.
Subramaniam
added: “With the successful spin-off of FedEx Freight, we are entering this
next chapter positioned to grow while further optimizing our network, lowering
our cost to serve, creating meaningful long-term value, and driving robust free
cash flow.”
First Chinese GSSA joins Awery’s
CargoBooking platform
Oriental
Sky Aviation has joined Awery Aviation Software’s CargoBooking platform, making
its airline portfolio available for digital quotes and bookings through the
online marketplace, and marking CargoBooking’s first Chinese General Sales and
Service Agent (GSSA).
The
agreement, announced at Air Cargo Shanghai, represents the next stage in the
long-standing relationship between the two companies, with Oriental Sky already
using Awery’s Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system since 2022 for both its
GSSA and charter services.
By
joining CargoBooking, Oriental Sky’s airline capacity and services will be
accessible to freight forwarders through a single digital interface, providing
faster access to quotations, bookings, and shipment management.
“We
are looking forward to expanding our relationship with Oriental Sky by bringing
its capacity to CargoBooking, following the successful implementation of our
ERP platform across its business,” said Vitaly Smilianets, founder and chief
executive, Awery.
“China
is one of the world’s most digitally advanced air cargo markets, and Oriental
Sky’s decision to join the platform reflects the strength and competitiveness
of the technology we continue to develop for the industry.
“Welcoming
our first Chinese GSSA onto CargoBooking is an important milestone, and we are
particularly pleased to announce this partnership here in Shanghai.”
Oriental
Sky provides cargo representation, total cargo management, charter operations,
interline services, and a range of value-added solutions for airline partners
across 21 locations.
“Digitalisation
remains a key priority across all areas of our business as we continue to
enhance the services we provide to airline partners and customers,” said Rush
Wang, founder and president, Oriental Sky.
“Having
worked with Awery for a number of years, we have seen first-hand the benefits
that its technology can bring to our operations.
“Joining
CargoBooking was therefore a natural next step, enabling us to further improve
accessibility to our network while supporting greater efficiency for our
customers.”
Cathay’s air cargo volumes rise again
in May
Technology
and pharma served to boost Cathay Cargo’s airfreight volumes in May, with the
business reporting “robust demand on key trade lanes”.
Cathay
Cargo carried over 150,000 tonnes of cargo during May, an 11% increase year on
year.
The
cargo division of Cathay Pacific also reported that Available Freight Tonne
Kilometres (AFTKs) increased by 6%.
In
the first five months of 2026, the total tonnage increased by 8% compared with
the same period for 2025.
Cathay
chief customer and commercial officer Lavinia Lau said: “Our cargo business
continued to perform well in May, with year-on-year growth underpinned by
robust demand on key trade lanes, particularly between the Chinese Mainland and
Southeast Asia.
“In
terms of our specialist solutions, Cathay Expert was boosted by semiconductor
and server shipments within Asia and to the Americas, while pharmaceutical
exports from Europe to the Chinese Mainland drove growth in our Cathay Pharma
solution.
“Turning
to June, we expect air cargo demand to remain resilient, and we will continue
to monitor market developments closely.”
Lau
added: “We were also pleased to announce an order for two
additional Airbus A350F freighter aircraft, bringing our total commitment
to eight.
“Together
with an additional leased Airbus A330P2F
freighter to be operated by Air Hong Kong, Cathay Cargo will continue
to invest and strengthen Hong Kong’s status as a world-leading international
air cargo hub.”
Air Logistics Group unveils new
branding
Air Logistics Group has unveiled a new global brand identity that is centred around “People-
Powered Excellence”, reaffirming its belief that while technology continues to
transform air
cargo, people remain the driving force behind commercial success.
The
General Sales & Service Agent (GSSA) said that as the industry evolves
through automation, smarter data, artificial intelligence and digital
connectivity, it is reinforcing its message that has defined the business for
more than three decades: sustainable growth is built on the expertise of its
people, trusted relationships and exceptional service.
Founded
in 1994, Air Logistics Group now operates through 100 offices across 60+
countries on
six continents.
Supporting
more than 135+ airline partners and generating over 3.2m cargo quotations for
its airline customers annually, the company has built its reputation on
combining global reach, local knowledge and a people-first approach to
partnership.
The
new brand positioning is not a reinvention of the business, but a clearer
expression of the values that have underpinned its success from the very
beginning.
“Air
cargo is moving forward at extraordinary speed, and technology is playing an
increasingly important role in shaping our industry. But, increasingly for many
of our customers it adds additional complexity and costs,” commented Stephen
Dawkins, chief executive of Air Logistics Group.
“Our
simplified technological investment in Innovation is helping us become faster,
smarter and more connected with our Airlines and forwarding partners.
“However,
it is our knowledge, experience and dedication of people that create addition
value, build trust and unlock opportunity. ‘People-Powered Excellence’ captures
exactly who we are, what we stand for and how we work.”
The
new identity reflects Air Logistics Group’s commitment to embracing innovation
while continuing to invest in the people and expertise that customers and
airline partners rely upon every day.
As
global trade becomes increasingly complex, the company believes strong
relationships, speed to market and exceptional service remain fundamental to
long-term success.
Looking
ahead, Air Logistics Group said it will continue making significant investment
in technology, data and digital capability while strengthening the global team
and partnerships that have fuelled its growth for more than 30 years.
“With
People-Powered Excellence at its core, Air Logistics Group reaffirms its
commitment to delivering commercial excellence worldwide through the expertise,
dedication and passion of its people,” added the business.
Breeze launches AI tool to cut cargo
insurance admin work
Cargo
insurance platform Breeze has launched a new artificial intelligence (AI) tool
designed to reduce manual data entry for freight forwarders and make coverage
easier to source.
Quote
AI Autofill reads existing shipment information and fills cargo insurance quote
forms for users to review and approve.
Around
70% of cargo travels uninsured or underinsured, according to Breeze, with
outdated systems and manual processes making it harder for forwarders to offer
cover as part of their standard workflow.
“Forwarders
are working in a market shaped by disruption, uncertainty, and pressure on
margins, yet too much of the insurance process still depends on copying
information from one document to another,” said Eyal Goldberg, chief executive,
Breeze.
“Quote
AI Autofill is designed to remove repetitive manual tasks, speed up quotes, and
keep the user fully in control.”
Users
can paste text or upload files they already hold, including emails, bills of
lading, commercial invoices, booking confirmations, and screenshots.
Breeze’s
proprietary AI reads the information and populates quote fields, including
commodity description, cargo value, load type, special conditions, booking
reference, Incoterm, mode of transport, origin, destination, and vessel, ready
for review.
Every
field completed by AI is clearly marked and fully editable, and no quote is
submitted until the user has reviewed and approved the information.
The
launch supports Breeze’s wider aim to make cargo insurance easier to embed into
freight workflows, reducing the manual steps between moving a shipment and
securing cover.
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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