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 August 10, 2026
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/// Sea Cargo News ///
SCI Floats
Biggest-Ever Tender for Six 8,000 TEU Container Ships to Boost Indian
Shipbuilding
Shipping Corporation of India Limited (SCI) has invited global bids for the construction of six 8,000 TEU cellular container ships in a move expected to significantly boost India's domestic shipbuilding industry.
The tender, comprising two firm orders and
four optional vessels, is estimated to be worth around US$720 million, making
it the largest container shipbuilding order floated by an Indian fleet owner.
The tender provides Indian shipyards with a
Right of First Refusal (RoFR), allowing them to match the lowest bid submitted
by a foreign shipyard and secure the contract. If the lowest-ranked Indian
shipyard declines to match the foreign bid, the opportunity will be extended to
the next eligible Indian bidder.
Ignazio Messina
Launches Red Sea Express Service to Strengthen India–Red Sea Connectivity
Italian shipping line Ignazio Messina & C. has announced the launch of its new Red Sea Express Line, further strengthening its Indian Ocean–Red Sea service network and expanding connectivity across one of its most strategic trade corridors.
The new service will operate alongside the
company's existing Jolly Line service, offering customers enhanced sailing
options, increased cargo capacity, and greater schedule flexibility in response
to growing trade demand between India and the Red Sea region.
As part of the service expansion, the company
has deployed an additional vessel, m/v Berham Box, which will be dedicated
exclusively to the Red Sea Express service, reinforcing Ignazio Messina's
commitment to serving the region with reliable and efficient shipping
solutions.
The Red Sea Express Line will operate on the
following rotation:
Nhava Sheva – Sohar- Jeddah – Nhava Sheva.
The service will have a 20-day frequency,
providing regular connections between India, Oman and Saudi Arabia. The
inaugural voyage of the Red Sea Express is scheduled to sail from Nhava Sheva
on August 27, 2026.
According to the company, the introduction of
the new service represents another significant milestone in its long-term
strategy to invest in key global trade lanes while enhancing network coverage
and service reliability for customers.
With the launch of the Red Sea Express,
Ignazio Messina aims to provide improved connectivity, greater operational
flexibility and dependable shipping solutions to support the growing trade
flows between the Indian Subcontinent and the Red Sea markets.
Cochin Shipyard Wins
Bid for Shipbuilding Facility at VOC Port with ₹2,000 Crore Expansion Plan
Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) is set to significantly expand its shipbuilding and repair capabilities by establishing a new facility at V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority in Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu, with a proposed investment of around ₹2,000 crore.
The Mumbai-listed shipbuilder emerged as the
highest bidder in a tender floated by the port authority for leasing 49
hectares of land and 7 hectares of waterfront within the port harbour for
setting up a shipbuilding and ship repair yard.
CSL quoted an upfront premium of ₹306.31
crore, including GST of ₹42.72 crore, for a 30-year lease. The company offered
₹5,803 per sq. metre for the land and ₹2,912 per sq. metre for the waterfront,
substantially higher than the reserve prices of ₹2,704 per sq. metre and ₹1,352
per sq. metre, respectively.
As per the tender conditions, the successful
bidder will also pay a nominal annual lease rent of Rs. 1 per square meter for
the leased land. According to sources, the Board of VOC Port Authority has
approved Cochin Shipyard’s financial bid, paving the way for the project.
India, Iran Explore Interim Chabahar Port Management Deal
India and Iran are exploring an interim arrangement for the management and operation of Chabahar Port as both countries seek to maintain the strategic project's momentum amid expectations that the United States could ease sanctions on Tehran.
The temporary framework is intended to ensure
uninterrupted port operations while providing flexibility until the
geopolitical and sanctions environment becomes clearer.
Officials from both sides are discussing a
short-term management mechanism that would allow Indian participation in the
port's operations without disrupting cargo movement or ongoing development
activities.
The proposed arrangement is expected to
bridge the gap until a longer-term agreement can be implemented under more
favourable international conditions.
Chabahar Port is a key pillar of India’s
connectivity strategy, providing access to Afghanistan and Central Asia while
bypassing Pakistan. The port also serves as an important gateway for the
International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), strengthening trade links
between India, Iran, Russia and Europe through multimodal transport networks.
The discussion comes as optimism grows over
the possibility of renewed diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran,
raising hopes that sanctions affecting trade and infra-structure projects in
Iran could be eased. While no formal decision has been announced, both India
and Iran are keen to ensure that progress on Chabahar continues regardless of
the evolving geopolitical landscape.
For India, maintaining a presence at Chabahar
is strategically important for enhancing regional connectivity, expanding trade
routes and supporting long-term economic engagement with Central Asia. An
interim agreement would also provide certainty for shipping lines, logistics
operators and exporters using the port for regional cargo movements.
Industry observers believe that continued
co-operation on Chabahar could strengthen supply chain resilience and reinforce
the port’s role as a critical logistics hub linking South Asia with West Asia
and Eurasia. Any easing of US sanctions would further improve investment
prospects and accelerate infrastructure development at the strategically
significant port.
Fujairah Emerges as
Alternative Cargo Gateway in the UAE
The UAE is strengthening its logistics network with the development of new cargo terminals in Fujairah, positioning the emirate as a strategic alternative gateway for regional and international trade.
Located on the Gulf of Oman outside the
Strait of Hormuz, Fujairah offers direct access to global shipping routes,
enhancing supply chain resilience amid rising geopolitical tensions in the
Gulf.
The new terminal developments are expected to
expand cargo handling capacity, improve multimodal connectivity and provide
importers and exporters with an additional route for moving goods into and out
of the UAE.
The facilities will cater to a broad range of
cargo, including containerised freight, breakbulk, project cargo and general
commodities, supporting the country's growing trade volumes.
Fujairah’s location gives it a unique
strategic advantage by enabling vessels to access the port without passing
through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s busiest and most sensitive
maritime chokepoints. As regional security concerns continue to influence
shipping patterns, the emirate is increasingly being viewed as a reliable
alternative for cargo operations.
The expansion aligns with the UAE’s broader
strategy to diversify infrastructure and reinforce its position as a leading
global trade and transshipment hub. Investments in modern port facilities,
warehousing, customs processes and multimodal transport links are expected to
improve cargo efficiency and attract additional shipping services.
Industry experts believe the new terminals
will enhance supply chain flexibility for businesses operating across the
Middle East, South Asia and East Africa. The expanded infrastructure is also
expected to support such as energy, manufacturing, construction and retain by
providing faster and more resilient cargo movement.
With global trade routes facing periodic
disruptions, Fuajirah’s growing role as an alternative cargo gateway is
expected to strengthen the UAE’s logistics competitiveness, improve trade
continuity and support long-term economic growth by offering shipper’s greater
route diversity and operational reliability.
Shanghai Port Hits
Record 203,881 TEUs in a Single Day
Shanghai Port has achieved a new milestone in global container shipping, handling a record 203,881 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) in a single day, underscoring its position as the world's busiest container port and highlighting the resilience of China's maritime trade.
The record-breaking daily throughput reflects
strong export activity, efficient terminal operations and continued investments
in port infrastructure and digital technologies. The achievement comes amid
sustained demand for containerized cargo and growing trade flows across major
international shipping routes.
Port authorities attributed the milestone to
coordinated efforts between terminal operators, shipping lines, customs
officials and logistics providers, enabling faster vessel turnaround times and
improved cargo handling efficiency.
Advanced automation, intelligent scheduling
systems and streamlined customs procedures have also played a key role in
supporting the port’s record performance.
Shanghai Port serves as a critical gateway
for China’s manufacturing exports, connecting the country’s industrial hubs with
markets across Asia, Europe, North America and other regions. The latest
throughput record demonstrates the port’s ability to manage increasing cargo
volumes despite ongoing challenges in global supply chains.
Industry analysts noted that the record
reflects the continued recovery and expansion of international trade, with
strong demand for manufactured goods, electronics, machinery and consumer
products contributing to higher container volumes.
The port’s extensive network of shipping
services and modern terminal facilities has helped maintain stable cargo flows
even during periods of market volatility.
The new single day throughput record
reinforces Shanghai Port’s leadership in the global maritime industry and
highlights the increasing importance of advanced port in infrastructure in
supporting international commerce and resilient supply chains.
/// Air Cargo News ///
Forwarding helps raise revenues for UPS
in Q2 as it focuses on premium shipments
Supply
chain solutions was the best performing division for UPS in the second quarter
of this year due to growth in forwarding and logistics business, including
healthcare.
UPS
said in its second quarter results release that revenue in its supply chain
solutions division increased 7.8%, “primarily due to growth in forwarding and
logistics, including healthcare”.
Revenue
was $2.9bn, up from $2.7bn in 2025. The division’s operating profit was $291m,
up 24.4% from $234m in 2025.
Forwarding
increased revenue 8.1% year-over-year, driven by higher rates in international
airfreight.
The
international package segment achieved revenue of $5bn for the quarter, up
12.5% from $4.5bn. UPS said: “Revenue increased 12.5%, driven by an 18.9%
increase in revenue per piece.”
Operating
profit for the international package segment was down from $672m to $623, a
drop of 7.3%.
However,
there was an improvement in the geographic mix of business as trade lanes began
to rebalance, particularly in Asia, pointed out UPS.
The
US domestic segment’s revenue was $14.8bn, up 6% from $14.1bn. This increase
was “driven by a 9.3% increase in revenue per piece” said UPS, which had been
focusing on moving away from lower-margin business, including Amazon, and
focusing on more premium shipments.
In
January 2025, UPS announced it had reached an agreement with Amazon to reduce
Amazon shipping volumes by more than 50% by the second half of 2026. The
company said this planned reduction is now complete.
But
operating profit was down 98.3% for the division in the quarter, from $916 to
$16m due to business transformation costs largely related to employee
separation costs under its Driver Choice Program and the continued
reconfiguration of its network after reducing Amazon volumes.
UPS
said total US average daily volume was down 3.3% versus the second quarter of
last year. Total air average daily volume was down 2.3% year over year.
Ground
average daily volume was down 3.5% compared to the second quarter of 2025, with
most of the decline attributable to the reduction of Amazon volumes, said UPS.
In
UPS’ second quarter 2026 earnings call, Carol Tomé, chief executive said the
company had completed “our Amazon glide down and network reconfiguration plan”.
Overall,
UPS reported second-quarter consolidated revenues of $22.8bn. alongside
consolidated operating profit of $930m.
Premium
focus
Healthcare
has become an increasingly important vertical for UPS. In its earnings call,
Tomé said UPS generated over $3bn in healthcare revenue.
She
said to further strengthen its global cold chain capabilities, UPS has added 27
temperature-controlled cross-dock facilities to its network.
“These
facilities are designed specifically for fast, precise transfers of complex
healthcare products between air and ground services while maintaining strict
temperature control,” she said.
“We
are the only carrier that provides end-to-end solutions for complex healthcare
with our own assets, ensuring complete control, visibility, and best-in-class
service.”
Other
UPS investments include catering for its industrial manufacturing and
automotive customers by expanding North American airfreight services between
the US and Mexico, and the launch of a dedicated team of over 300 specialists
with expertise in the supply chain needs of these customers.
Tomé
said: “I want to thank all UPSers for their extraordinary work over the past 18
months as we successfully completed our Amazon glide down and related network
reconfiguration initiatives as designed.”
UPS
has been on a journey of change in a programme that has included it trying to
right-size the business and reduce costs, as well as a Network Reconfiguration
initiative, that seeks to identify further reductions in facilities, vehicles,
aircraft and workforce, as well as investigates “end-to- end process redesign”.
According
to UPS, “In the first six months of 2026, we achieved approximately $1.2bn of
program benefits from these initiatives. We expect to achieve approximately
$3bn in full year 2026 benefits from these initiatives.”
UPS’
revenue totalled $88.7bn last year.
DHL to acquire Baltic express services
provider Venipak
The DHL Group has inked a definitive agreement to acquire Baltic States-based express services provider Venipak Group in a move that will see it take over Venipak companies in Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia.
Subject
to the necessary regulatory approvals, Venipak will become part of DHL
eCommerce. Venipak is one of the largest independent parcel operators in the
Baltic region, active across both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-
consumers (B2C) delivery segments.
Its
service portfolio includes international delivery by air. According to DHL, the
acquisition will provide it with a well-established domestic delivery network
in a region characterised by “strong out‑of‑home delivery adoption and
continued growth in e‑commerce”.
Pablo
Ciano, chief executive of DHL eCommerce, commented: “The Baltic States are
among the fastest-growing e-commerce markets in Europe today, which is why we
were looking for a partner with deep local market expertise, a trusted brand
and the ambition to continue growing.
“Venipak
joins DHL as one of the strongest independent logistics companies in the
Baltics, with a valued brand, a highly professional team, well-developed
infrastructure, extensive local market expertise, and significant growth
potential.”
Venipak
owner Nerijus Raudonis noted: “Today, we are one of the leading independent
logistics companies in the Baltic States, and this transaction validates the
world-class business we have built.
“Together
with DHL, Venipak will continue strengthening its market position in the
region, providing its customers with even greater opportunities to expand their
businesses both domestically and internationally.”
Venipak
chief executive Andrius Ladauskas added: “Joining DHL opens up entirely new
opportunities for our customers. We will preserve everything customers across
the Baltics value about
Venipak today – speed, flexibility, and close customer relationships – while
giving them access to one of the world’s largest logistics networks.
“This
means more choice, more convenient international shipping and returns, and even
greater opportunities for Baltic businesses to expand into international
markets.”
Following
completion of the transaction, Venipak will gradually become part of DHL
Group’s global logistics network, while continuing to operate under its
existing brand identity.
Earlier
this month (July), the DHL Group increased its
operating profit outlook for the year after preliminary results for the
second quarter showed a strong improvement on last year led by the express
division.
The
Bonn-headquartered parcels and logistics group said that business development
in the second quarter showed continued growth and, consequently, positive
earnings momentum.
“Compared
with the prior-year quarter, which had been impacted by customs and other trade
policy conditions, the group recorded a return to significant revenue growth,”
DHL said.
DHL
eCommerce reported earnings before interest and tax (ebit) of around €50m
compared with €56m last year after a non-recurring positive effect of around
€20m related to M&A was offset by other negative non-recurring items.
Qatar Airways Cargo adds new freighter
connections
This
month has seen Doha-based Qatar Airways Cargo launch seasonal Boeing 777
freighter services on the Doha–London Heathrow–Paris–Doha and Doha–London
Heathrow–Milan–Doha routes.
Extra
capacity is also now being provided for cargo customers on services to Dallas,
Brussels and Tokyo, together with the carrier offering significant additional
cargo space on links to Dhaka in Bangladesh and Entebbe in Uganda.
Qatar
Airways Cargo now offers more than 300 tonnes of capacity to Dhaka and more
than 216 tonnes of capacity to Entebbe – in combining the weekly 777F
connection and 11 times a week 787-8 passenger bellyhold service capacity.
Complementing
the additional London flights and further capacity on US and Asia links, Qatar
Airways has also resumed passenger services to several destinations this month,
including Casablanca in Morocco, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia and Helsinki in
Finland, offering bellyhold cargo capacity on these connections.
Earlier
this month, Air Cargo News reported that Qatar Airways Cargo has begun
twice-weekly seasonal flights between Doha, Qatar and Katowice, Poland using
Boeing 777 freighters.
Qatar Airways Cargo
and Malaysia’s MASkargo have also recently expanded their partnership by
jointly launching dedicated twice-weekly freighter operations connecting Kuala
Lumpur with Bengaluru in India and Doha.
Qatar
Airways Cargo operates 30 777 freighters and over 240 passenger aircraft
offering belly-hold capacity.
SAL Saudi Logistics Services enters
China market with support from TAM
SAL
Saudi Logistics Services has begun business in China, with Hong-Kong
headquartered TAM Group as its strategic partner.
The
Saudi Arabia-based logistics and supply chain solutions provider has
established operations in Shanghai and Guangzhou and TAM will be supporting
SAL’s expansion through its local market expertise and global GSSA network.
TAM
Group said in a recent LinkedIn post: “Congratulations to SAL Saudi Logistics
Services on inaugurating its presence in China, officially marking its first
international expansion into one of the world’s largest logistics markets.
“With
operations now established in Shanghai and Guangzhou, SAL is strengthening its
position in China, enhancing air cargo connectivity between the two markets and
supporting the continued growth of cross-border trade.
“As
SAL’s strategic partner, TAM Group is pleased to support this expansion through
our local market expertise and global GSSA network. This collaboration
strengthens cargo connectivity and supports more efficient logistics solutions
between China, Saudi Arabia and beyond. We also thank SAL for its trust and
partnership, and look forward to supporting its continued growth in China and
beyond.”
SAL
also said in a LinkedIn post: “SAL has inaugurated its presence in China
through its partnership with TAM Group, marking a key milestone in its
international expansion journey. With representation in Shanghai and Guangzhou,
SAL is strengthening its presence in one of the world’s largest trade and air
cargo markets while enabling closer collaboration with airlines, customers, and
logistics partners.
“This
expansion reflects SAL’s commitment to customer focus, trusted partnerships,
and supporting the Kingdom’s vision of becoming a global logistics hub.”
Maastricht Aachen adopts AI-powered
exoskeleton for cargo handling
Dutch
cargo gateway Maastricht Aachen Airport has become the first airport in the
country to see its handlers use an AI-powered exoskeleton in their everyday
cargo handling operations.
The
EXIA exoskeleton system from German Bionic, which can be worn by handlers on
both the apron and in the cargo warehouse, employs AI-powered sensors to
analyse lifting movements and provide active back support when required.
It
provides adaptive lifting assistance of up to 38kg, the airport said, reducing
strain on lower backs while allowing employees to move around naturally.
Henk
Koolman, manager handling at MST, informed: “For us, innovation is about making
work safer, healthier and more enjoyable for our people. Our ground handling
teams are essential to the daily operation of the airport.
“With
EXIA, we are investing not only in advanced technology, but above all in the
people whose commitment keeps our operation moving every day.”
Offering
EXIA to its handlers is just one example of how Maastricht Aachen Airport – the
Netherlands’ second-largest cargo airport – is seeking to deploy smart
technology where it can deliver measurable value for employees, customers and
airport operations.
The
airport said it is looking to introduce practical innovations that create “a
safer, more efficient and future-ready working environment”.
Maastricht
Aachen’s airfreight volumes rose 40% year on year last year, in good part
because of investment in cargo handling facilities to support verticals
including perishables and animals.
The
airport handled 41,636 tonnes of cargo last year compared to 28,448 tonnes in
2024, following investment in handling infrastructure.
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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