JUPITER SEA & AIR SERVICES PVT. LTD, EGMORE – CHENNAI, INDIA.

 

E-MAIL : Robert.sands@jupiterseaair.co.in   Mobile : +91 98407 85202

 

 

Corporate News Letter for Wednesday  August  19,  2026

Today’s Exchange Rates

CURRENCY▲	PRICE	CHANGE	%CHANGE	OPEN	PREV.CLOSE
USD/INR	95.68	0.059998	0.062746	95.66	95.62
EUR/USD	1.1576	-0.0004	-0.034538	1.158	1.158
GBP/INR	129.4789	-0.157303	-0.121342	129.5218	129.6362
EUR/INR	110.7927	-0.084396	-0.076117	110.7501	110.8771
USD/JPY	159.662	0.201996	0.126675	159.46	159.46
GBP/USD	1.3531	-0.0013	-0.095991	1.3544	1.3544
JPY/INR	0.5993	-0.0013	-0.216446	0.5994	0.6006

///                   Sea Cargo News            ///

US container imports rise in July despite ongoing trade uncertainty

U.S. containerized imports increased in July despite continued geopolitical and trade policy uncertainty, according to the latest Global Shipping Report from Descartes. Seasonal demand supported higher cargo volumes, while disruptions in the Middle East, new U.S. tariffs, Panama Canal restrictions and the Red Sea crisis continued to shape global supply chains.

Descartes reported that U.S. container imports reached 2,508,310 TEUs in July, up 4.5% from June. However, volumes remained 4.3% below July 2025, when importers accelerated shipments ahead of expected trade policy changes. During the first seven months of 2026, total imports were down 0.9% year-on-year but remained well above pre-pandemic levels.

China remained the largest source of U.S. imports. Shipments from China climbed 7.2% month-on-month to 873,129 TEUs, the highest monthly level since July 2025. China’s share of total U.S. container imports also increased to 34.8%, reflecting stronger seasonal demand across both consumer and industrial goods.

Figure 1. U.S. Container Import Volume Year-over-Year Comparison Source: Descartes Datamyne™

Imports from the top 10 sourcing countries rose 4.9% compared with June. China recorded the largest increase, followed by Hong Kong, Germany, Japan, South Korea and India. Indonesia and Taiwan were the only major sourcing countries to report month-on-month declines.

Figure 2. June 2026 to July 2026 Comparison of U.S. Import Volumes from Top 10 Countries of Origin Source: Descartes Datamyne™

US ports see mixed performance

Container volumes across the top 10 U.S. ports increased by more than 102,000 TEUs in July. Long Beach posted the largest monthly gain, with volumes rising 15.8%, while Houston recorded a 19.9% increase. Savannah, Norfolk, Charleston and Oakland also handled more cargo than in June.

Los Angeles, New York/Newark and Tacoma recorded lower import volumes during the month. Overall, West Coast ports increased their share of total U.S. imports to 45%, while East and Gulf Coast ports accounted for 39.8%.

Port transit times increased across most major gateways as seasonal volumes strengthened. Long Beach recorded the sharpest increase in delays, while Los Angeles was the only major port to report a significant improvement, reducing average transit delays from 5.8 days to 1.8 days. Gulf Coast imports also rebounded, rising 13.8% from June to exceed their 12-month rolling average.

Geopolitical risks continue to weigh on supply chains

Descartes said supply chains continue to face several external risks. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains heavily disrupted despite diplomatic discussions between Iran and Oman. At the same time, new U.S. tariffs, tighter Panama Canal draft restrictions and continued Red Sea diversions are increasing transportation costs, reducing schedule reliability and creating additional uncertainty for importers.

Jackson Wood, Director of Industry Strategy at Descartes, said July’s results show that demand remains resilient despite a challenging operating environment. He noted that flexible sourcing and routing strategies will help importers respond more effectively as geopolitical risks and trade policies continue to evolve.

Maersk announces USD bank account changes in Nordic markets

                      Maersk Hangzhou / Source: VesselFinder

Maersk has announced new USD banking arrangements for several business units and ocean shipment operations across Sweden, Norway, Finland and Denmark.

The company has opened new accounts with Citibank to streamline its banking operations. Moreover, the change aims to improve payment processing and minimise potential service delays.

The new account details will appear on invoices issued from 24 August 2026.

New Maersk USD bank accounts

All six accounts use the BIC/SWIFT code CITIGB2L.

Country	Business unit or operation	IBAN
Sweden	Maersk Logistics & Services Sweden AB	GB90 CITI 1850 0846 928455
Sweden	Ocean shipments	GB47 CITI 1850 0846 919820
Norway	Ocean shipments	GB69 CITI 1850 0846 919812
Finland	Maersk Finland OY	GB82 CITI 1850 0846 920160
Finland	Ocean shipments	GB91 CITI 1850 0846 919804
Denmark	Ocean shipments	GB19 CITI 1850 0846 919839

Customer payment arrangements

Customers should update their records and use the relevant new account for payments from 24 August 2026.

Maersk has also asked customers to share the information with their Accounts Payable and Vendor Master Data teams. This will help ensure that teams update the banking details before the next payment cycle.

The company has provided bank certificates to support updates to vendor and master data in customers’ ERP systems.

Transition from previous accounts

The previous USD accounts will remain available during the transition period. However, Maersk plans to close them by November 2026.

Therefore, the company has encouraged customers to move future USD payments to the relevant Citibank account as soon as possible. Maersk has also requested confirmation once customers have updated their records.

Separate accounts for some services in Sweden

Customers using both customs products and other Logistics & Services products in Sweden may need to use two different bank accounts. The applicable account will depend on the product involved.

Customers should check their billing and invoicing documents for the latest details if they are uncertain about which account to use.

India opens entire rail network to container train operators under single licence

Indian Railways has approved a major overhaul of its container train licensing framework, allowing private Container Train Operators (CTOs) to operate across the country’s entire rail network under a single All India licence.

The reform replaces the existing system of route-based licence categories and separate fees, giving operators access to all routes across the Indian Railways network under one permission.

The changes have been approved through modifications to the Model Concession Agreement (MCA), which governs permissions for container train operations. They will take effect following publication through a Gazette Notification.

Single licence replaces route-based system

Under the revised framework, the existing route-wise categorisation of container train licences will be discontinued.

Subject to approval by the Ministry of Railways, CTOs will instead receive a single All India licence enabling them to operate container trains across all routes on the national rail network.

The government said the change is intended to simplify the regulatory framework and improve the ease of doing business for private rail freight operators.

The wider network access could also give operators greater flexibility when developing services connecting ports, inland terminals and industrial centres across India.

Uniform ₹25 crore registration fee

Indian Railways will introduce a uniform, non-refundable registration fee of ₹25 crore (₹250 million), equivalent to approximately €2.3 million, for the new nationwide licence.

This replaces the previous system under which registration fees varied depending on the route category for which an operator sought permission.

The revised framework also removes extension fees.

A CTO’s permission may be extended for another 20 years after the original concession expires, subject to satisfactory performance and approval by the competent authority. No extension fee will be charged for that extension or any future extensions granted to the same operator.

Existing operators given transition options

Existing Category I operators will be permitted to continue operating under their current licences until their concession periods expire.

When they subsequently renew or extend their permissions under the new All India licence, they will not be required to pay an additional fee.

Operators holding Category II, III and IV licences can also remain under their existing arrangements until their concessions expire.

However, when moving to the new national licence through renewal or extension, these operators will pay ₹15 crore (₹150 million), equivalent to approximately €1.4 million. Indian Railways said this represents the difference between the new ₹25 crore registration fee and the ₹10 crore (₹100 million), or approximately €910,000, previously paid.

Category II, III and IV operators will also have the option to migrate to the All India licence before completing their existing 20-year concession periods by paying the same non-refundable ₹15 crore amount.

India targets greater shift from road to rail

Indian Railways expects the simplified licensing regime to encourage greater private participation and support the expansion of container train operations across the country.

Greater use of rail for container transport could provide industries with additional freight options while reducing transportation and regulatory costs, with the government highlighting potential benefits particularly for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

The reform is also intended to encourage a greater modal shift of container cargo from road to rail.

According to the Ministry of Railways, increasing rail’s share of container transportation could help ease highway congestion, reduce fuel consumption and lower carbon emissions while supporting more efficient freight movement.

The approved amendments are designed to establish a common regulatory framework for private container train operations across Indian Railways, removing route-specific licensing restrictions that have previously governed access to the network.

Maersk reports operational disruptions after Colombia earthquake

Maersk has reported disruptions to ocean and inland logistics operations after an earthquake affected several regions of Colombia.

The carrier is working with local teams, terminal operators, authorities and logistics partners to assess the situation. Meanwhile, Maersk said the safety of its employees, their families and affected communities remains its main priority.

Assessments remain underway, and the company has not yet determined the full operational impact.

Buenaventura operations disrupted

Terminal operations in Buenaventura have been temporarily suspended while teams assess facilities and infrastructure.

As a result, the disruption is affecting vessel operations, cargo handling and service schedules at the port. Road closures and traffic restrictions may also delay import and export cargo between Buenaventura and Colombia’s interior.

In addition, depot and customer service counter operations in Buenaventura and Cali are facing disruption.

Maersk vessel schedule changes

Luna Maersk voyage 628W was operating in Buenaventura but could not complete its cargo operations. Maersk will reschedule units that were not loaded or discharged onto the next available vessel.

Gudrun Maersk voyages 628E/633W will omit the Buenaventura call. The carrier will also move affected cargo to the next available vessel.

Maersk has advised customers to monitor their schedules and shipment notifications through its official communication channels.

Road closures and restrictions

Authorities have reported full closures on the following routes:

·        Calarcá–Ibagué road at PR 54+800

·        Buga–Buenaventura road at PR 71

·        Manizales–Fresno road at PR 36 in the Cerro Bravo sector

Preventive closures are also in place while inspections continue at:

·        Guillermo León Valencia Tunnel

·        Sumapaz Tunnels

·        Mariano Ospina Pérez Bridge

Other affected roads and corridors include:

·        Girardot–Bogotá road at kilometre 36

·        Montenegro–Quimbaya road at kilometre 5

·        Buenaventura–Yotoco corridor

Maersk facilities remain operational

Maersk has not reported any operational impact at its Cartagena and Bogotá warehouses, Tocancipá Logistics Center or Cartagena depot. These facilities remain available.

The carrier is evaluating contingency measures to limit disruption and maintain business continuity. Its teams are also exploring alternative solutions to support cargo flows across the network.

Maersk will provide further information through the email addresses linked to affected shipments and its official communication channels.

MSC ship could sink following grounding during Typhoon Bavi

                   Screen grab from Chinese television

An MSC container ship is sinking at Zhoushan following severe weather and complications during repair work. The 2006-built MSC Silvana VIII, with a capacity of 8,401 teu, had been undergoing repairs in the Guojiayou Island shipyard area around Zhoushan port since arriving there on 22 June.

The vessel, which MSC operates on a Far East-South America service, was forced to leave the dock when Typhoon Bavi struck Zhoushan on 11 July. The Panama-flagged MSC Silvana VIII relocated across the channel near Daishan, where vessel-tracking information indicates that it may have grounded on rocks.

Cargo ship attacked in Bab el-Mandeb, three crew reportedly killed

A small cargo ship was attacked in the Bab el-Mandeb Strait on Tuesday, 11 August, with three crew members reportedly killed in the incident.

The Tanzania-flagged Tihamah was targeted while sailing from Salalah, Oman, via Djibouti, according to Yemeni coast guard sources and government military officials cited by Reuters.

The Yemeni sources attributed the attack to the Iran-aligned Houthis. However, the group had not claimed responsibility for the incident at the time of reporting.

Two Pakistani nationals and one Indonesian national were reportedly killed in the attack.

Meanwhile, maritime security sources said a small cargo vessel was believed to have been targeted in the Red Sea. However, they said the fate of the crew remained unclear.

Attack comes amid renewed Red Sea security concerns

If the reported fatalities are confirmed, they would be the first deaths in a Houthi attack on a vessel since the latest Middle East conflict began following U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran at the end of February.

The incident comes amid renewed security concerns for commercial shipping in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb.

The Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea last month. The group said the move was a response to what it described as a Saudi siege of Yemen.

Saudi Arabia has denied imposing a siege on Yemen.

The Bab el-Mandeb Strait is a key maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and a critical route for international shipping.

///                   Air Cargo News            ///

Teleport to establish a new cargo hub at Avalon airport

Teleport will launch a cargo hub at Avalon Airport in H2 2026, boosting China-Australia e-commerce flows and strengthening its Oceania air freight network. BySTAT Times|12 Aug 2026 10:44 AM (L-R): Pete Chareonwongsak, CEO, Teleport, Ari Suss, CEO, Avalon Airport Avalon Airport Melbourne and Teleport have entered into a strategic partnership to establish Teleport’s latest operations hub at Avalon Airport, strengthening the airport’s position as an international cargo gateway.

The partnership will expand Teleport’s air network and support the movement of cargo and e-commerce shipments between key Asian trade lanes and Oceania through Avalon’s dedicated air freight infrastructure.

The new hub is expected to enable faster and more efficient delivery of international e-commerce shipments into Australia, supporting Teleport’s expanding customer base, including major Chinese e-commerce marketplaces. Australia’s online marketplace sector continues to grow, with consumers spending nearly $18.9 billion on pure online marketplace platforms in 2025, a 13% year-on-year increase.

Ari Suss, Chief Executive Officer of Avalon Airport Melbourne, said the partnership underscored the airport’s growing role in international freight and logistics and would further strengthen its connectivity with major Asian markets.

“Teleport has chosen Avalon because we can offer the capacity, speed and flexibility needed to support a fast-growing e-commerce network. Together, we are building a long-term logistics partnership that will strengthen international trade connections and create new opportunities for Victoria,” said Suss.

Pete Chareonwongsak, Chief Executive Officer of Teleport, said, “Establishing our latest strategic operations hub at Avalon Airport Melbourne is a deliberate move to strengthen the Teleport Network in Oceania.

Cross-border e-commerce requires rapid, specialised processing, and our customers need faster, more reliable connectivity. Avalon Airport is the right fit because it delivers curfew-free capacity processing, fast turnarounds and the flexibility to handle e-commerce alongside general cargo.”

Air India appoints Tewolde Gebremariam as CEO & MD

Tewolde Gebremariam is recognised as one of the most successful aviation chief executives. During his tenure as CEO of Ethiopian Airlines Group, he transformed a regional carrier into Africa’s largest, most profitable, and decorated airline group. BySTAT Times|5 Aug 2026 7:21 PM Tewolde Gebremariam, Incoming CEO & Managing Director, Air India 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.

Qatar Cargo boosts semiconductor equipment handling

Qatar Airways Cargo has added VRR’s specialised containers to its TechLift portfolio, enhancing the safe transport of sensitive semiconductor manufacturing equipment. BySTAT Times|12 Aug 2026 12:09 PM Qatar Airways Cargo has expanded its specialised cargo capabilities by adding VRR’s RGX and RZY containers to its portfolio, strengthening its ability to transport high-value and sensitive semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

The RZY 16ft and RGX 20ft containers are designed specifically for the secure movement of semiconductor fabrication machinery and related capital equipment. The containers feature climate-control systems and enhanced shock-absorption technology to protect sensitive equipment throughout transportation.

Both container types are certified for main-deck carriage aboard Qatar Airways Cargo’s Boeing 777 freighters, enabling the carrier to offer specialised capacity for the semiconductor industry's increasingly complex logistics requirements.

The addition of the VRR containers forms part of Qatar Airways Cargo’s TechLift product offering, which is designed to support the transportation of high-tech and critical equipment.

Through partnerships with specialised logistics providers, the carrier aims to improve the safety, reliability and efficiency of semiconductor supply chains as demand for advanced manufacturing equipment continues to grow.

Hong Kong Air Cargo launches dedicated freighter service from Mumbai

The new service expands the airline’s India network and gives exporters greater cargo capacity and connectivity to Hong Kong and global markets. BySTAT Times|11 Aug 2026 12:24 PM Hong Kong Air Cargo has launched a dedicated freighter service from Mumbai, expanding its network in India and strengthening its partnership with Aeroprime Group, its Cargo General Sales and Service Agent (GSSA) in the country.

The service was launched within two months of Aeroprime Group’s appointment as Hong Kong Air Cargo’s Cargo GSSA in India. The partnership aims to strengthen cargo connectivity between India and Hong Kong.

The new Mumbai service provides inbound cargo capacity to India while giving exporters greater access to Hong Kong and onward global markets. Abhishek Goyal, Executive Director, Aeroprime Group, said the launch reflected the commitment and agility of both teams.

He said Mumbai is one of India’s strategic cargo gateways and that the expansion would provide customers with greater capacity, improved connectivity and reliable cargo solutions. Also Read - AISATS signs two MoUs to develop freighter operations at Noida Raymond Chen, Vice President and Commercial spokesperson, Hong Kong Air Cargo, said the Mumbai freighter service was an important step in the airline’s India growth strategy.

He said Mumbai is a key export hub and that Aeroprime Group had played an important role in expanding the airline’s presence in India. The Mumbai expansion strengthens Hong Kong Air Cargo’s commitment to the Indian market and highlights Aeroprime Group’s role in supporting the airline’s cargo growth through market development and commercial activities.

In July 2026, Euroairlines appointed Aeroprime Group as its exclusive Cargo General Sales Agent for India and Passenger GSA for the UAE. The partnership was aimed at expanding cargo and passenger connectivity, distribution access and interline opportunities.

Etihad launches Tashkent service to boost cargo connectivity

Etihad launches its Tashkent service, connecting Uzbekistan with Abu Dhabi and expanding cargo access to Central Asia’s high-value and time-sensitive markets. BySTAT Times|12 Aug 2026 5:22 PM Etihad Airways has launched its inaugural service to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, connecting the Central Asian market with Abu Dhabi and Etihad Cargo’s wider global network.

The new route is expected to strengthen air cargo connectivity to one of Central Asia’s relatively underserved markets, with Abu Dhabi serving as a gateway for cargo moving between Uzbekistan and international destinations.

The service will support the transportation of high-value, dense and time-sensitive commodities, including garments and textiles, fresh and dried produce, electronics, pharmaceuticals and healthcare products.

Through its Abu Dhabi hub, Etihad Cargo will provide businesses in Uzbekistan with access to a broader global airfreight network, supporting faster movement of goods and strengthening trade links between Central Asia and international markets.

The new Tashkent connection further expands Etihad’s regional network and reinforces Abu Dhabi’s role as a strategic logistics gateway between Central Asia and global trade markets.

DHL adds Shanghai-Bangkok freighter link

DHL Express has launched a daily Shanghai–Bangkok freighter service, adding 50 tonnes of capacity and strengthening cargo connectivity. BySTAT Times|11 Aug 2026 3:50 PM DHL Express has launched a new direct flight between Shanghai and Bangkok, adding capacity to a key trade lane connecting China with the fast-growing economies of Indochina.

The new service operates on the Shanghai–Bangkok–Bahrain–Brussels–Shanghai route, strengthening connectivity between major manufacturing and sourcing centres in Asia and consumption markets across the Middle East and Europe.

The additional flight is expected to support growing cross-border trade flows and provide customers with enhanced access to key markets along the Asia–Middle East–Europe corridor. The daily service is operated by a DHL Boeing 767 freighter with a maximum payload of 50 tonnes.

The addition reflects DHL Express’s continued investment in network capacity and infrastructure to strengthen connectivity across high-growth markets. It also highlights the company’s efforts to monitor shifting global trade patterns and adapt its network to changing customer demand.

Peter Bardens, Senior Vice President for Network Operations & Aviation, Asia Pacific, DHL Express, said, “We're seeing increasing movement of goods between China and Southeast Asia, alongside continued demand from customers in Europe and the Middle East for products manufactured across the region.

This new route boosts our network where customers need it most, providing additional capacity and more direct connections between key production and consumption markets." Bangkok serves as a key gateway to the Indochina region, while Bahrain and Brussels operate as major DHL Express hubs.

The new Shanghai–Bangkok connection will allow the company to consolidate shipments from China and Southeast Asia before routing them onward to markets across Europe and the Middle East. The service comes as manufacturers and traders in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos increasingly source materials and products from China. Many of these shipments form part of multi-country production networks, creating growing demand for faster and more flexible logistics solutions.

As trade between China and Southeast Asia continues to expand, DHL Express said the new service will improve transit speed, flexibility and network resilience for customers moving raw materials, components and finished goods across Asia and into global markets.

The expansion follows DHL Express’s recent investment in its Shenzhen gateway at Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport. The facility’s cargo handling capacity has increased to 900 tonnes per day, around three times its previous throughput, to support rising cross-border trade and e-commerce volumes from China.

Meanwhile, businesses in Europe and the Middle East continue to source a broad range of products from China and Southeast Asia, including electronics, industrial components and consumer goods. DHL said the new route will create additional trading opportunities while strengthening connectivity between these major commercial regions.

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.