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 30, 2026
Today’s
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/// Sea Cargo News ///
Direct Freight Rail
Link Strengthens India–Nepal Trade
The first direct freight train from India has arrived at Nepal's Customs Yard, marking a significant milestone in bilateral trade and cross-border logistics.
The new rail connection is expected to
streamline cargo movement, reduce transit times and lower transportation costs,
providing a major boost to trade between the two neighbouring countries.
The direct freight service eliminates the
need for multiple cargo transfers at the border, enabling faster and more
efficient movement of goods.
The improved logistics corridor is expected
to benefit exporters, importers and logistics providers by enhancing supply
chain reliability and easing the flow of cargo across the India–Nepal border.
The rail link will facilitate the
transportation of a wide range of commodities including industrial raw
materials, agricultural products, consumer goods and manufactured items.
Improved connectivity is also expected to reduce congestion at border checkpoints
while supporting higher trade volumes between the two countries.
The initiative reflects the ongoing efforts
by India and Nepal to strengthen regional connectivity trough modern transport
infra- structure and integrated logistics solutions. Enhanced rail freight
services are expected to improve trade efficiency, deepen economic cooperation
and support the long term growth of bilateral commerce.
With demand for cross border trade continuing
to rise, the new direct freight rail service is set to play a key role in
improving logistics efficiency and reinforcing economic ties between India and
Nepal.
Hapag-Lloyd announces
$1,000 per container rate increase on Indian subcontinent–North America trade
Hapag-Lloyd has announced a General Rate Increase (GRI) of US$1,000 per container for shipments from the Indian subcontinent, Pakistan and the Middle East to the United States and Canada, effective August 15, 2026.
The increase will apply to all cargo received
on or after the effective date and will remain in force until further notice,
according to the carrier's latest tariff advisory.
The revised GRI covers all container types,
including dry, refrigerated and special equipment, in both 20-foot and 40-foot
containers, including high-cube units.
The surcharge will apply to cargo originating
from the Indian subcontinent, Pakistan and the Middle East and destined for all
ports and inland destinations across the United States and Canada.
Hapag Lloyd said the USD 1,000 per container
increase will be added to existing freight rates for all eligible shipments
moving on the affected trade lanes.
The latest adjustment comes as container
carriers continue to review freight pricing on major east-west trades amid
evolving market conditions, operational costs and demand patterns. The German
carrier stated that the revised rates will remain applicable until further
notice.
Panama Invites India
to Join Neutrality Treaty Governing Panama Canal
Panama has formally invited India to accede to the Treaty Concerning the Permanent Neutrality and Operation of the Panama Canal, reinforcing bilateral maritime cooperation and recognising India's growing role in global trade and shipping.
The proposal was presented by Panamanian
Foreign Minister Javier Eduardo Martínez-Acha Vásquez during talks with
External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar at Hyderabad House in New Delhi on
20 July.
The invitation renews an earlier request made
by Panama, which has been encouraging India to join the treaty since at least
May 2025. Speaking during the visit, Martínez-Acha said Panama aims to preserve
the Panama Canal as an open, secure and efficient international waterway and
sees India as a valuable partner in upholding those principles.
ONE
updates emergency fuel surcharge across global trade lanes
Ocean Network Express (ONE) has announced revised Emergency Fuel Surcharge (EFS) levels across its global network, with the updated charges taking effect from 15 August 2026 and remaining in place until further notice.
The revised surcharge will apply to all
long-haul and short-sea services, subject to any required regulatory approvals
and notice periods.
Under the updated tariff, the EFS has been
set at:
·
All long-haul headhaul trades:
o
Dry containers: US$75 per TEU
o
Reefer containers: US$100 per TEU
·
All long-haul backhaul trades:
o
Dry containers: US$38 per TEU
o
Reefer containers: US$50 per TEU
·
All short-sea trades:
o
Dry containers: US$38 per TEU
o
Reefer containers: US$50 per TEU
The revised surcharge will apply to both
non-FMC and FMC-regulated trades, including shipments involving the United
States, American Samoa, Puerto Rico, Guam, Saipan, Hawaii and Canada, from 15
August 2026.
PIL’s
first 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel vessel earns cyber security certification
Pacific International Lines (PIL) has marked two milestones with its first 13,000 TEU LNG dual-fuel containership, Kota Elok, following the vessel’s maiden call at Singapore on 15 July.
The vessel became PIL’s first ship to receive
Lloyd’s Register certification for compliance with the International
Association of Classification Societies (IACS) Unified Requirements E26 and E27
on cyber security.
The certification confirms that the vessel
meets the latest mandatory cyber resilience standards for newbuild ships
contracted from 1 July 2024.
UR E26 focuses on the cyber resilience of the
vessel as a whole, while UR E27 requires onboard systems and equipment to
incorporate cyber security measures from the design stage.
PIL said the certification resulted from
collaboration with Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding, Lloyd’s Register, specialist
testing organizations and equipment suppliers during the vessel’s design and
construction.
The milestone coincided with Kota Elok’s
maiden call at Singapore, where PSA Singapore presented a commemorative plaque
to the vessel’s Master, Captain Kan Liang.
Kota Elok is the first of 13 LNG dual-fuel
containerships that will join PIL’s fleet as part of its fleet renewal
programme.
The vessel can operate on liquefied natural
gas (LNG) and low-sulphur fuel oil. It also features energy-saving
technologies, digital systems to improve operational efficiency, and a bow
windshield designed to reduce aerodynamic resistance and fuel consumption.
Following its Singapore call, Kota Elok will
operate on PIL’s East Coast Service 1 (ES1), serving ports in Brazil, Uruguay
and Argentina before returning to Asia.
Maersk to
gradually resume operations at Venezuela’s Port of La Guaira
Maersk has announced the phased resumption of operations at Venezuela’s Port of La Guaira following disruptions caused by the earthquake on 24 June.
The carrier said it is working closely with
local authorities and port stakeholders to restore operations safely while
supporting the continuity of customers’ supply chains. The resumption plan will
be implemented in stages over the coming weeks.
According to the schedule, the week 30 call
of AS ANGELINA (voyage 630N) will be limited to the evacuation of empty
containers. In week 31, MAERSK CAP CARMEL (voyage 630S) will discharge full
import containers only. Full import and export operations are scheduled to
resume during week 32 with AS ANGELINA (voyages 631S/632N).
Maersk noted that the schedule remains
subject to operational conditions at the port, including terminal readiness,
equipment availability, road access, safety assessments and regulatory
guidance. The carrier said it will continue to monitor the situation and adjust
the plan if necessary.
Customers requesting a change of destination
for cargo originally booked to Venezuela will be responsible for the applicable
operational fees and surcharges. Maersk also advised customers to coordinate
closely with local representatives regarding export bookings, empty equipment
positioning and import cargo availability during the transition period.
Sarjak
Container Lines expands Maldives presence
Sarjak Container Lines (SCL) has partnered with Ocean Gate Logistics (OGL) to strengthen its project cargo and logistics services in the Maldives as infrastructure activity accelerates across the island nation.
The partnership combines SCL’s experience in
international project logistics with OGL’s local operational capabilities in
Malé. Together, the companies will support the movement of containerised cargo,
project cargo, breakbulk, out-of-gauge (OOG) and general commercial freight.
OGL will provide local coordination for
inbound shipments, container repositioning and last-mile logistics. The company
will also facilitate cargo distribution from Malé to other islands through
barge and local transport services.
The partnership comes as the Maldives
continues to invest in major infrastructure projects, including the US$500
million Greater Malé Connectivity Project (Thilamale Bridge). The development
has increased demand for heavy-lift, oversized and specialised cargo movements
across the archipelago.
Ashish Sheth, Chairman and Managing Director
of Sarjak Container Lines, said the Maldives is becoming an increasingly
important market for specialised logistics as infrastructure development
gathers pace.
He added that combining international
shipping expertise with strong local execution will allow the company to better
support customers handling complex cargo in the country.
Sarjak Container Lines said it has extensive
experience transporting project cargo for infrastructure, engineering,
renewable energy, oil and gas, manufacturing and industrial projects across
Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
Mohamed Waheed, Managing Director of Ocean
Gate Logistics, said the partnership will bring SCL’s project cargo
capabilities closer to customers in the Maldives while strengthening local
cargo coordination and onward distribution across the islands.
The companies said the collaboration will
support cargo movements between the Maldives and SCL’s wider international
network.
/// Air Cargo News ///
ePlane reveals first full-scale e200X
eVTOL aircraft prototype
The ePlane Company, an aerospace startup incubated at IIT Madras, has unveiled the first full-scale prototype of its electric aircraft, the e200X (PT-01), at its newly established 60,000 sq. ft. production facility in Chennai.
The
unveiling comes after the company received Design Organisation Approval (DOA)
from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in 2023 and represents a
key step in its certification programme, with certified flight testing
scheduled to begin in mid-2027.
The
e200X is an electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed
for urban transport. Measuring 8 metres by 11 metres and weighing 2.2 tonnes,
it is built entirely from carbon fibre and is among the most compact winged
passenger eVTOL aircraft developed to date.
Its
compact size is intended to allow operations from existing infrastructure such
as helipads and open spaces, with the potential for rooftop operations in the
future.
The
aircraft can carry one pilot and either two passengers or up to 200 kg of
cargo. It has an operational range of 110 km and uses an 800-volt distributed
electric propulsion system. The aircraft is built around the company's patented
"Synergistic Lift" wing architecture, which uses separate propulsion
systems for vertical lift and forward flight instead of tilt rotors. According
to the company, the e200X has received commitments for more than 800 aircraft,
with a significant share of the demand coming from emergency medical transport,
where it is expected to reduce patient transfer times compared with road
transport.
The
prototype is powered by an 800V electrical architecture designed to reduce
wiring weight, improve thermal management and enable faster charging. It is
also equipped with NVIDIA's IGX Thor computing platform for sensor fusion and
HENSOLDT's navigation and situational awareness systems.
Tata
Consultancy Services (TCS) provides the software for the aircraft's battery
management systems and predictive fleet analytics. The e200X is the company's
first full-scale aircraft and builds on its earlier ATVA and e50 platforms.
Together, these programmes have completed more than 10,000 km of cumulative
test flights over the past five years.
The
PT-01 prototype will now undergo ground testing before progressing to
full-scale flight trials. The company is targeting certified test flights in
mid-2027 as part of the aircraft's type certification programme.
ACL Airshop, Kalitta Air renew ULD
partnership
ACL Airshop and Kalitta Air have renewed their long-standing Unit Load Device (ULD) Supply & Management Agreement for another five years, extending a partnership focused on strengthening cargo operations through enhanced fleet management and digitalisation.
Under
the renewed agreement, ACL Airshop will continue to provide end-to-end ULD
supply and management services for Kalitta Air's global cargo network. The
services include fleet control, repair and maintenance, net replacement, global
logistics, digital tracking, analytics, customer support, reporting, and
operational expertise throughout the ULD lifecycle.
As
part of the new five-year term, ACL Airshop will progressively modernise and
digitise Kalitta Air's ULD fleet. The initiative is aimed at improving
visibility across the airline's worldwide operations while extending the
lifespan of its ULD assets through proactive maintenance and lifecycle management.
The
renewal builds on the companies' long-standing collaboration and reflects a
shared commitment to improving operational efficiency, reliability, and digital
innovation in air cargo operations.
ACL
Airshop said its experience in supporting all-cargo, ACMI, charter, and ad-hoc
airline operations has enabled it to develop specialised expertise in meeting
the demands of freighter networks. The company added that the renewed agreement
with Kalitta Air underscores its continued role in providing flexible and
reliable ULD solutions for global cargo carriers.
Arthur
Jamison, Assistant Director, OCC, Ground Kalitta Air, said, “Strong
partnerships are the foundation of a successful global cargo operation, and our
renewed agreement with ACL Airshop reinforces that commitment. Together, we've
built a long relationship based on trust, performance, and a shared focus on
delivering reliable solutions for our customers.”
“We've
grown together, adapted to a changing industry, and continued to find new ways
to advance their ULD operations. We're excited to build on that partnership for
many years to come,” said Wes Tucker, COO, ACL Airshop. ACL Airshop is a global
provider of Unit Load Device (ULD) solutions, offering services including fleet
management, leasing, repair, logistics, manufacturing, and digital tracking.
Operating
through a network of more than 200 locations worldwide, the company supports
airlines with end-to-end ULD solutions designed to improve fleet utilisation
through technology, operational expertise, and lifecycle management.
Meanwhile,
Kalitta Air, based in Ypsilanti, Michigan, is among the world's leading
all-cargo airlines, operating a modern fleet of Boeing 747 and Boeing 777
freighters. The carrier offers a range of services, including scheduled cargo
operations, ACMI and charter flights, government logistics support,
humanitarian missions, and the transportation of oversized cargo across its
global network.
American launches pharma freight
corridor
American Airlines Cargo has launched a dedicated pharmaceutical corridor linking key life sciences hubs in Amsterdam and Brussels with major destinations in the United States via London Heathrow, strengthening its temperature-controlled logistics network for healthcare shipments.
The
new corridor is designed to support the growing demand for pharmaceutical and
healthcare transportation by providing an integrated cold chain solution across
ground and air operations.
Built
in accordance with IATA CEIV Pharma and Good Distribution Practice (GDP)
standards, the service combines validated temperature-controlled trucking
operated by FlyUs Aviation Group with American Airlines Cargo's ExpediteTCSM
product to provide end-to-end protection for temperature-sensitive shipments.
The
GDP-certified trucking service has been operating daily since May 1, 2026,
connecting Amsterdam and Brussels directly to London Heathrow, one of American
Airlines Cargo's largest international gateways.
The
solution is tailored for pharmaceutical shipments requiring strict temperature
control, supporting ranges of 2°C to 8°C and 15°C to 25°C in both directions to
help maintain product integrity throughout the ground transport segment.
American Airlines Cargo said the corridor standardises handling, transfer and
air transport processes to ensure consistent temperature management and
regulatory compliance across the supply chain.
By
linking two of Europe's leading pharmaceutical gateways with its transatlantic
network, the carrier aims to provide a scalable and reliable solution for
transporting temperature-sensitive healthcare products.
Eric
Mathieu, Managing Director of Customer Experience at American Airlines Cargo,
said, “The launch of this pharma corridor represents a strategic step in
strengthening our pharmaceutical and healthcare network across Europe and the
United States.”
He
added that the initiative combines standardised processes, validated ground
transport and its global air network to ensure reliable, compliant and
temperature-controlled movement of pharmaceutical cargo.
Matternet adds Beeline UAS to expand US
drone delivery network
Matternet has partnered with Beeline UAS to expand its commercial drone delivery network in the United States. Under its FAA Part 135 certificate, Beeline will operate Matternet’s drone delivery platform in key US markets, joining Ameriflight and UPS Flight Forward as a Part 135 operating partner in the Matternet network.
The
partnership comes as demand for drone delivery continues to grow across the
United States. Matternet and Beeline will initially focus on expanding Beyond
Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) operations in the San Francisco Bay Area and the
Los Angeles metropolitan area.
Beeline
will operate Matternet’s technology to support the company’s
delivery-as-a-service agreements with customers in the food, retail and
healthcare sectors. According to Matternet, autonomous aerial delivery can
provide faster and more cost-efficient transport of time-sensitive goods in
regions with heavy traffic congestion and high labour costs.
“We
are proud to welcome Beeline UAS to our network of Part 135 operators,” said
Andreas Raptopoulos, Founder and CEO of Matternet. He said long-term leadership
in drone delivery will depend on the ability to safely deploy, manage and scale
fleets of autonomous aircraft through an integrated technology platform and a
strong operating network.
He
added that Beeline will help increase Matternet’s capacity to expand
efficiently into new markets. Toby Woods, Founder and CEO of Beeline UAS, said
the company’s mission is to enable safe, compliant and scalable drone
operations.
He
said Matternet has built one of the most advanced drone delivery platforms and
that the partnership will support its next phase of growth while bringing drone
delivery to more communities across the United States.
Matternet
said its multi-operator strategy is designed to provide the operational
capacity, geographic reach and flexibility needed to support commercial growth
while maintaining high standards of safety and regulatory compliance.
The
addition of Beeline further strengthens the company’s operating network and
supports the expansion of commercial drone delivery across the United States.
Azorra to enter the freighter leasing
market with Embraer deal
Image: © Embraer
Florida-based
lessor Azorra is set to enter the freighter leasing market following the
signing of a deal with Embraer for the conversion of up to 30 aircraft.
The
agreement will see Embraer convert 20 E-190 aircraft into a freighter
configuration with purchase rights for a further 10 conversions.
The
order follows the successful entry into service of the E-190F in March. The
company is among the first lessors to commit to the Embraer E-Freighter.
The
airline has been weighing up the possibility
of converting E-190 aircraft since 2022.
Azorra
chief executive John Evans said: “This investment reflects our confidence in
the aircraft and extending its useful life. The E-Jet Freighter is an ideal
replacement for older 737 freighters, offering reliable, Stage 4
noise-compliant operations and, with Azorra’s CF34 engine programme, unmatched
operating costs.”
Embraer
commercial aviation president and chief executive Arjan Meijer added: “This
agreement is a strong endorsement of the E-Freighter and reflects growing
demand for efficient, right-sized cargo solutions worldwide.
“We
look forward to supporting Azorra and its customers as the E-Freighter
continues to expand its presence across the global air cargo market.”
Embraer
launched its E-Jet freighter programme to convert E190 and E195 passenger
aircraft to freighters in March 2022.
The
manufacturer said the E-Freighter fills the gap between turboprops and larger
narrowbodies and delivers 30% lower operating costs with similar cargo volume
and range, while offering 35% extra volume capacity and more than three times
the range of large cargo turboprops.
Combining
cargo capacity under the floor and on the main deck, the E190F’s maximum
structural payload is 13.5 tonnes. The larger E195F will have a payload of 14.3
tonnes.
“Designed
for high-frequency, time-sensitive operations, the aircraft will improve
regional connectivity and help open new trade routes across key growth markets,
including Latin America, Southeast Asia and the Middle East and Africa –
regions where Azorra has established expertise,” Embraer added.
The
converted aircraft began
operations in March with Bridges Air Cargo. Registered as 9H-BRD, the first
Bridges aircraft is leased from US lessor, Regional One.
Etihad Cargo expands Paris freighter
operation
Etihad
Cargo has expanded its freighter operation to France on the back of rising
demand across “several strategic cargo verticals”.
The
airline today announced that it has added a second weekly freighter flight to
Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport in response to rising demand.
“Paris
remains an important gateway within Etihad Cargo’s global network, supporting
the movement of pharmaceuticals through PharmaLife, perishables through
FreshForward, equine transportation via SkyStables, and cultural logistics
through FlyCulture, which plays an important role in supporting museums and
cultural institutions in Abu Dhabi and beyond,” Etihad said in a press release.
Etihad
Cargo’s freighter fleet totals five Boeing 777 aircraft, while it has placed a
firm order for 10 Airbus A350Fs.
The
airline explained that the service expansion would strengthen connectivity
between France, Abu Dhabi, and key markets across Asia, Africa, and the Middle
East for customers moving “specialised and high-value cargo”.
Etihad
Airways chief cargo officer Stanislas Brun said: “France has long been an
important market for Etihad Cargo.
“The
introduction of a second weekly freighter service to Paris shows both the
strength of customer demand and our long-term goals for the region.
“As
trade flows continue to evolve, our customers need greater flexibility,
additional capacity, and reliable access to global markets.”
Etihad
transported more than 26,000 tonnes of cargo to and from Paris last year.
In
addition to the freighter flights, the airline also offers three daily
passenger flights to Paris and a seasonal passenger service to Nice.
Etihad’s
cargo business saw revenues
and volumes rise last year to help the overall airline business to a record
profit.
The
airline saw cargo revenues increase by 8% year on year in 2025 to $1.2bn, while
cargo volumes were up 9% to 703,000 tonnes.
The
company said that its cargo business had benefited from capacity expansion,
while its partnership with Chinese express giant SF Airlines also boosted
performance.
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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