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  August  06,  2026



Today’s Exchange Rates


CURRENCY

PRICE

CHANGE

%CHANGE

OPEN

PREV.CLOSE

 

USD/INR

95.12

0.269997

0.283045

94.92

95.39

 

EUR/USD

1.1543

0.0012

0.104064

1.1531

1.1531

 

GBP/INR

128.1098

-0.100296

-0.078228

127.7291

128.2101

 

EUR/INR

109.7786

0.0158

0.014395

109.5139

109.7628

 

USD/JPY

157.646

-0.104004

-0.06593

157.75

157.75

 

GBP/USD

1.3457

0.0005

0.037175

1.3452

1.3452

 

JPY/INR

0.603

-0.0026

-0.429329

0.6046

0.6056

 


///                   Sea Cargo News            ///

Maersk Recalls Legacy of Historic Cargo Liner Henriette Mærsk


A.P. Moller - Maersk has revisited its rich maritime heritage by highlighting the legacy of Henriette Mærsk, one of the company's iconic cargo liners that played a significant role in global trade during the 1960s and 1970s.

Built at Helsingør Skibsværft in Denmark in 1962, Henriette Mærsk was the largest vessel ever constructed at the shipyard at the time. The ship was deployed on Maersk's prestigious "Around the Globe" service, connecting Japan, West Africa, the East and West Coasts of the United States, Southeast Asia, and back to Japan.

Designed as a versatile cargo liner, the vessel featured five cargo holds and dedicated tanks capable of carrying up to 900 tonnes of vegetable oil. Two sister ships, Anette Mærsk and Torben Mærsk, also served in the fleet, supporting Maersk's expanding global liner network.

Although Henriette Maersk was sold in 1980, the vessel remains a symbol of an era that laid the foundation for today’s modern ocean shipping industry. Its legacy reflects how decades of innovation, larger vessels and evolving trade patterns have transformed global maritime logistics.

 

MSC Loreto Makes Maiden Call at Hutchison Ports Sohar, Sets Record as Largest Container Vessel to Berth at Omani Port


The ultra-large container vessel MSC Loreto has made its maiden call at Hutchison Ports Sohar, becoming the largest containership by capacity ever to berth at the Omani port.

The milestone further strengthens Sohar's position as a key maritime and logistics gateway in the Middle East. Operating under the Liberia flag and deployed by MSC on its Shikra Service, MSC Loreto has a capacity of 24,346 TEUs and an overall length of nearly 400 metres, placing it among the world's largest container vessels.

The Shikra Service links Sohar with major ports across China, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, India, Pakistan, and the United Arab Emirates, enhancing Oman's connectivity to key manufacturing, trade, and consumption markets across Asia and the Middle East.

Yemen's Houthis Clarify No Red Sea Fees for Ships



Yemen's Houthi movement has denied reports suggesting it plans to impose transit fees on commercial vessels sailing through the Red Sea, stating that no such policy has been introduced.

The clarification comes amid speculation over potential new costs for ships navigating one of the world's busiest maritime trade routes. The group said claims of mandatory charges for Red Sea transits are unfounded, seeking to dispel concerns among shipping companies, cargo owners, and insurers already dealing with heightened security risks in the region.

The statement aims to address uncertainty surrounding the operating environment for commercial shipping. Despite the denial, the Red Sea remains a high-risk corridor due to ongoing regional tensions and previous attacks on merchant vessels, prompting many shipping lines to continue rerouting ships around the Cape of Good Hope or maintain enhanced security measures. These disruptions have increased transit times and freight costs for global supply chains.

Maritime industry stakeholders are expected to continue closely monitoring developments in the Red Sea, as any changes to security conditions or shipping regulations could have significant implications for international trade, vessel operations and insurance costs.

ANL Adds Second Auckland Call to Tranztas Service


ANL has revised its Tranztas Service by introducing a second port call at Auckland, enhancing connectivity and providing customers with greater flexibility for cargo movements between Australia and New Zealand.

The service update is aimed at improving network efficiency and meeting growing demand across the Trans-Tasman trade lane. The additional Auckland call is expected to streamline cargo handling, improve schedule reliability, and offer shippers more options for both import and export shipments.

The revised rotation is designed to optimize vessel utilization while strengthening links between key ports in the region.

According to ANL, the enhancement reflects its ongoing commitment to refining service offerings and delivering more efficient shipping solutions.

The updated Tranztas Service is intended to support businesses with improved transit times and more dependable sailing schedules.

The network adjustment underscores ANL’s focus on responding to changing customer requirements and reinforcing its presence in the Australia-New Zealand market through enhanced port coverage and operational performance.

Evergreen Revises Rules for Shipper-Owned Containers


Evergreen Marine has revised its policy governing the use of shipper-owned containers (SOCs), introducing updated requirements aimed at improving operational efficiency, cargo safety, and regulatory compliance across its global shipping network.

The revised rules outline updated acceptance criteria, documentation requirements, and technical standards that SOCs must meet before being accepted for transport.

The changes are intended to ensure that privately owned containers comply with international safety regulations and Evergreen's operational guidelines.

According to the carrier, the policy update will help streamline container handling, reduce operational disruptions, and enhance consistency across ports and terminals.

Shippers using SOCs are encouraged to review the revised requirements and ensure their equipment and documentation comply with the new standards before booking shipments.

The updated guidelines reflect Evergreen’s ongoing efforts to strengthen service reliability, maintain high safety standards and improve supply chain efficiency while supporting customers that utilize shipper owned containers for international cargo movements.

Fresh Container Ship Orders Flow to Asian Shipyards


Container ship owners have placed a fresh round of newbuilding orders at shipyards across Asia, reflecting continued confidence in long-term demand for modern and fuel-efficient vessels.

The latest contracts are expected to support fleet renewal strategies while strengthening the orderbooks of leading shipbuilders in the region.

Most of the new orders have been awarded to major shipyards in China and South Korea, with vessel designs incorporating advanced technologies to improve fuel efficiency, reduce emissions, and comply with evolving international environmental regulations.

Many of the ships are expected to feature dual-fuel or alternative-fuel capabilities, preparing operators for the maritime industry's decarbonization transition.

The investment comes as shipping companies seek to replace older tonnage, enhance operational efficiency and position themselves for future trade growth. While container freight markets remain volatile, owners continue to invest in next-generation vessels to improve competitiveness and meet customer demand for more sustainable shipping services.

Industry observers expect the latest wave of newbuilding contracts to reinforce Asia’s dominance in global shipbuilding while supporting innovation in vessel design and green shipping technologies. The orders also highlight the confidence of container ship owners in the long-term outlook for international maritime trade.

///                   Air Cargo News            ///

India’s Air Cargo Throughput Surges 16% in June 2026 to Record 364,289 Tonnes


India's airports handled a record 364,289 tonnes of air freight in June 2026, registering a 16% year-on-year growth from 315,272 tonnes handled during the same month last year, driven primarily by strong growth in international cargo, according to data released by the Airports Authority of India (AAI).

International cargo remained the key growth driver, accounting for 231,736 tonnes, nearly 64% of the country's total air cargo throughput during the month. International freight volumes grew 19% year-on-year, significantly outpacing domestic cargo growth and reflecting sustained momentum in India's export-import trade.

Domestic freight handled by Indian airports reached 132,553 tonnes in June 2026, marking a 9% increase compared to 121,120 tonnes recorded in June 2025.




IndiGo Launches Freighter Operations from Navi Mumbai with Cargo Flight to Sharjah


IndiGo has commenced dedicated freighter operations from Navi Mumbai International Airport, operating its first cargo flight to Sharjah on Saturday.

The milestone marks the launch of scheduled freighter services at India's newest greenfield airport and signals its emergence as a key air cargo hub. The airline deployed its Airbus A321 freighter, carrying a mix of perishables and general cargo to Sharjah.

IndiGo, which had previously operated ad hoc cargo flights between Mumbai and Sharjah, now plans to establish regular freighter services from Navi Mumbai to cater to the growing demand for air cargo between India and the Middle East.

The move comes as several international cargo operators are preparing to expand their presence at Navi Mumbai. Hong Kong Air Cargo has applied for operating slots and regulatory approvals to launch services, while Air France-KLM is working on shifting its freighter operations from Mumbai to the New airport.

The launch of freighter operations from Navi Mumbai is expected to strengthen western India’s air cargo ecosystem, offering airlines greater operational flexibility while supporting exporters, manufacturers & logistics companies with improved connectivity to international markets.

Bengaluru Receives India’s First Tariff-Free Scottish Salmon Shipment Under India–UK FTA

Bengaluru has become the first Indian city to receive a tariff-free shipment of Scottish salmon under the India–United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (FTA), marking a significant milestone in the early implementation of the landmark bilateral trade pact.

The arrival of the premium seafood consignment highlights the immediate benefits of the India–UK FTA, which aims to reduce trade barriers, lower import costs and strengthen commercial ties between the two countries.

The shipment is expected to improve access to premium imported food products for consumers, luxury hotels, fine-dining restaurants and specialty retailers across India.

Industry observers said the tariff-free import demonstrates how free trade agreements can enhance market access, improve supply chain efficiency and encourage greater bilateral trade by making high-value products more competitive in international markets.

Bangalore’s selection as the first destination reflects the city’s growing prominence as a hub for premium food imports. Its large concentration of multinational corporations, expatriate professionals, upscale hospitality establishments and modern retail infrastructure has created strong demand for imported gourmet products.

The city also benefits from well-developed cold chain logistics, warehousing facilities and efficient multimodal transportation networks that support the handling of temperature-sensitive cargo.

Trade experts noted that reduced import duties under the FTA will facilitate smoother movement of goods between India and the UK while creating new opportunities for importers, distributors and hospitality businesses.

The development also underscores the importance of robust cold-chain infrastructure in preserving the quality of premium perishable products such as Scottish salmon.

Industry specialists stressed that sustainable logistics practices, including energy-efficient transportation, effective cold-chain management and measures to minimise food waste, will be essential as imports of high-value food products continue to grow.

Analysts believe the successful arrival of the first tariff-free Scottish Salmon shipment could pave the way for greater diversification of imported agricultural and food products under future trade agreements. At the same time, they emphasised the need to balancing expanding international trade opportu-nities with continued support for domestic producers and resilient local food supply chains.

With its advanced logistics ecosystem and strong international business presence, Bangalore continues to strengthen its position as a key gateway for premium global imports, reinforcing India’s expanding integration into global trade and supply chain networks.

Air India appoints Tewolde Gebremariam as CEO & MD


Air India today announced the appointment of Tewolde Gebremariam as the airline’s Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, succeeding Campbell Wilson. "The Board conducted a comprehensive search to identify the next leader for Air India, overseen by a dedicated Board committee.

The committee rigorously evaluated internal as well as highly accomplished external candidates from across the world," reads the release. N. Chandrasekaran, Chairman of Tata Sons and Air India, said: "On behalf of the Board, I am delighted to welcome Tewolde to Air India. Having completed the initial phase of stabilisation, integration, and fleet commitments under Campbell's guidance, Air India is now entering a critical execution and expansion era.

Tewolde’s track record in building one of the world's most efficient and profitable airline groups makes him uniquely suited to lead Air India. His operational expertise, commitment to safety, and vision for hub development will be instrumental as we establish Air India as a premier global carrier and a source of national pride."

Tewolde Gebremariam, Incoming CEO & Managing Director, said: "It is a profound honour to be entrusted with leading Air India at such a historic moment in its journey. Air India carries an incredible legacy, and the opportunity to build a world-class global airline that reflects India’s extraordinary economic potential is uniquely exciting.

I look forward to working closely with Chairman Chandrasekaran, the Board, our employees, and all government and industry partners to deliver exceptional operational reliability, warm Indian hospitality, and sustained long-term growth."

Air India said the board's objective was to identify a leader with a proven track record of managing large-scale airline turnarounds, delivering operational excellence, fostering a strong culture of safety and service, and driving profitable growth.

"Following an intensive evaluation process, the Board unanimously concluded that Gebremariam possesses the ideal combination of leadership, deep operational expertise, and strategic execution capability required for Air India’s next phase of growth," the release reads.

Gebremariam is widely recognised as one of the most successful aviation chief executives. During his decade-plus tenure as CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, he spearheaded a multi-billion-dollar expansion, transforming a regional carrier into Africa’s largest, most profitable, and decorated airline group—growing revenue by more than fourfold and fleet size nearly threefold.

His unique strength lies in managing complex operational landscapes, driving cultural transformation, building competitive global hubs, and developing world-class MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) and aviation training infrastructure.

Air India said it is moving from its foundational turnaround phase into a high-growth, profitable execution phase, and that Gebremariam brings the capabilities needed to support the airline's next stage of growth. "He has strong experience in expanding international long-haul networks and building world-class hub operations, an unrelenting commitment to safety standards, engineering quality, and operational reliability.

He also has a track record of driving sustained profitability. While navigating complex economic cycles and dynamic global markets, together with deep experience in workforce upskilling, talent development, and embedding a high-performance, customer-first service culture.

The airline said the leadership transition reinforces the airline's alignment with national priorities and stakeholder expectations, adding that it remains committed to supporting India's civil aviation ambitions and broader economic vision.

"Under Gebremariam’s leadership, Air India will work closely with civil aviation authorities and regulators to strengthen India’s position as a premier global aviation hub, enhance international connectivity, and maintain the highest benchmarks of aviation safety and compliance."

The Board also thanked Campbell Wilson for his leadership over the past phase of Air India’s revitalisation. He successfully oversaw complex merger and integration processes, initiated massive fleet modernisation programmes, established new corporate governance standards, and laid the foundations that were necessary for the future.

Saudia Cargo, Riyadh Cargo sign interline agreement to expand reach


Saudia Cargo and Riyadh Cargo have signed an interline agreement to expand cargo connectivity, extend network reach and provide customers with greater access to international markets through Saudi Arabia.

The partnership aims to support the expansion of Riyadh Cargo's network beyond its current destinations of London, Dubai, Cairo, Jeddah, Madrid and Malaga. According to an official release by Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, which is a wholly-owned Public Investment Fund (PIF) company, the upcoming destinations include Mumbai, Kuala Lumpur and Dhaka, supporting Riyadh Cargo's long-term ambition to serve more than 100 global destinations by 2030.

The agreement combines Saudia Cargo's established cargo network and operational expertise with Riyadh Cargo's expanding global network and digitally native operating model. Through the interline arrangement, customers will gain broader market access, enhanced routing options and greater flexibility across key international trade corridors.

Mansour Alasmi, VP - Network & Revenue at Saudia Cargo, praised this collaboration and the mutual efforts of both carriers to enhance the Kingdom’s transport and logistics ecosystem, stating, “This initiative reflects our firm belief in the importance of integration and cooperation to strengthen the Kingdom's shipping and logistics ecosystem.

By combining Saudia Cargo's established expertise and global capabilities with Riyadh Cargo's future ambitions, we will provide our customers with more integrated solutions to facilitate trade. This aligns with our joint efforts to transform the Kingdom into a premier global logistics hub, while driving sustainable growth for both organisations.”

Commenting on the partnership, Pravin Singh, VP of Cargo at Riyadh Air said, “As Riyadh Air builds a global airline from the heart of Saudi Arabia, Riyadh Cargo has a clear ambition to become a modern, digitally enabled, and reliable cargo business serving customers across key international markets.

This agreement supports that ambition by extending our reach, opening new trade opportunities, and helping position Riyadh as an important gateway in the future of global logistics. According to the two companies, the agreement will expand available cargo capacity, improve the flow of goods across international markets and provide freight forwarders and logistics partners with more efficient and reliable cargo solutions.

It will also extend the network reach of both carriers beyond their own operations through seamless interline connectivity. The collaboration supports Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 and the National Transport and Logistics Strategy, reinforcing Riyadh and Jeddah as complementary gateways for international trade while advancing the Kingdom's ambition to become a leading global logistics hub.

Avalon lands first direct Saudia Cargo flight


Avalon Cargo Melbourne today (Saturday July 25) welcomed the commencement of scheduled Saudia Cargo services, the first direct cargo flight from Saudi Arabia landing at the airport just 46 days after a landmark Memorandum of Understanding was signed.

The arrival makes Avalon Airport Melbourne the first Australian airport to receive freight under the Australia Saudi Logistics Alliance (ASL Alliance) arrangement, marking a significant milestone in the development of a direct freight corridor between Australia and Saudi Arabia.

The MoU between Avalon Airport Melbourne and the ASL Alliance was signed on June 9. Scheduled services commenced today (July 25), demonstrating the speed at which the airport can move from strategic agreement to operational delivery.

Saudia Cargo first flight, a B747-400 freighter, landing at Avalon Airport The new service will strengthen cargo connectivity between Australia, Saudi Arabia and the broader Gulf Cooperation Council region, providing greater access for exporters across agriculture, pharmaceuticals, advanced manufacturing and e-commerce.

Avalon Airport Melbourne CEO Ari Suss said the commencement of scheduled Saudia Cargo services was an important step in Avalon's transformation. "Today's commencement of scheduled Saudia Cargo services is another important milestone in Avalon's transformation from a traditional passenger airport into a major international aviation, logistics and trade gateway," Suss said.

"This is tangible proof Avalon's cargo strategy is delivering. We invested in world-class freight infrastructure because we believed the future growth opportunity lay in international logistics, e-commerce and trade. Today, we are seeing that vision become reality,” he said during a special ceremony welcoming Saudia Cargo’s B747-400 freighter.

Ari Suss and Sam Jamsheedi at Avalon Airport "Avalon Cargo Melbourne is rapidly becoming the airport global cargo operators want to work with. Our curfew-free operations, available capacity and modern freight facilities provide a compelling alternative for international logistics businesses."

Victoria’s Minister for Ports and Freight, Melissa Horne, who attended the ceremony, said the new service would strengthen the state’s international freight capability and create new opportunities for exporters.

"The start of scheduled Saudia Cargo services at Avalon Airport Melbourne is an important step in Victoria's freight and logistics sector," Horne said. "Stronger international cargo connections help Victorian businesses reach new markets, improve supply-chain resilience and support jobs across our freight, logistics and export industries.

This service reinforces Victoria's position as a leading freight and trade gateway and demonstrates the value of continued investment in modern aviation and logistics infrastructure,” she added.

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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