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  September 03,  2026

                  

Today’s Exchange Rates

Currency ▲	Price	Change	%Change	Open	Prev.Close
USD/INR	94.97	0.010002	0.010533	94.89	94.96
EUR/USD	1.1573	-0.002	-0.172516	1.1593	1.1593
GBP/INR	128.0816	-0.472595	-0.367623	128.1769	128.5542
EUR/INR	109.8989	-0.178497	-0.162156	109.9093	110.0774
USD/JPY	159.879	-0.300995	-0.18791	160.17	160.18
GBP/USD	1.3487	-0.0029	-0.214561	1.3516	1.3516
JPY/INR	0.5941	0.0013	0.219294	0.5928	0.5928

///                   Sea Cargo News            ///

Indian Navy Escorts Merchant Vessels Through Bab-el-Mandeb Strait

The Indian Navy is monitoring and supporting the safe transit of merchant vessels through the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, strengthening maritime security for commercial shipping operating through one of the world's most sensitive sea lanes.

The operation is aimed at providing reassurance to merchant shipping and helping vessels navigate safely through the strategically important waterway, which connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and serves as a key link between the Indian Ocean and the Suez Canal.

The Bab-el-Mandeb remains an important route for vessels serving trade between Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Security concerns in the wider Red Sea region have prompted shipping companies to reassess their routes, with some operators choosing to divert vessels around the Cape of Good Hope to avoid potential risks.

By maintaining a maritime presence and monitoring commercial traffic, the Indian Navy is helping improve confidence among Indian and international shipping interests using the corridor. The effort is particularly important for vessels carrying Indian-origin and ships connected with India’s export and import trade.

Safe passage through the Strait can help reduce delays and uncertainty for shipowners, cargo operators and logistics companies. It may also support the continued movement of essential commodities and commercial goods between Indian ports and markets in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

The Navy’s maritime security activities form part of India’s wider efforts to protect merchant shipping and maintain freedom of navigation in strategically important waters. The country has maintained a sustained naval presence across key areas of the Indian Ocean as shipping security concerns have increased.

The Indian Navy’s continued monitoring is therefore expected to remain important for commercial vessels through the region, particularly as global carriers assess the balance between the shorter Suez route and longer diversions around Southern Africa.

Indian Ports, Airports Prepare for Foreign Cargo Diverted by Hormuz Crisis

India is preparing its ports and airports to handle additional foreign cargo that could be diverted to the country as disruption in the Strait of Hormuz continues to affect international shipping and supply chains.

The move is aimed at providing alternative gateways for cargo owners and shipping operators facing delays or difficulties in moving goods through the strategically important waterway.

Indian maritime and aviation infrastructure could offer additional capacity for shipments that need to be rerouted or temporarily stored.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical trade route linking the Persian Gulf with global markets and is particularly important for crude oil, petroleum products and LNG movements. Continued disruption has increased pressure on carriers to review routes, vessel schedules and cargo-handling arrangements.

Indian ports could play an important role in accommodating diverted and bulk cargo, while airports may provide an alternative for time-sensitive or high value shipments. Increased cargo flows could also benefit associated logistics, warehousing, freight forwarding and inland transportation services.

For Indian trade gateways, the situation presents both an operational challenge and an opportunity. Higher volumes could improve port utilisation and strengthen India’s position as an alternative regional logistics hub, but authorities and terminal operators will need to ensure sufficient berth, yard, storage and landside capacity.

Shipping lines and cargo owners are expected to monitor developments closely and assess India based routing options depending on the duration and severity of the Hormuz disruption. Any sustained diversion of international cargo could result in changes to vessel calls, trans-shipment patterns and regional logistics networks.

India’s preparedness comes as global supply chains remain sensitive to disruptions around major maritime choke points. If the situation persists, Indian ports and airports could see increased demand from cargo interested seeking alternative routes and gateways outside the affected corridor.

Littoral states re-affirm commitment to safe Malacca and Singapore Straits

Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore have reaffirmed their commitment to keeping the Straits of Malacca and Singapore free, open and safe for international shipping.

The three littoral states made the commitment during the 17th Co-operation Forum in Singapore.

They confirmed the status of the waterways as straits used for international navigation. Therefore, the right of transit passage applies under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and customary international law.

The states also stressed the importance of respecting navigational rights and freedoms in both principle and practice.

Shared responsibility for safety and environmental protection

Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore highlighted the roles of user states, international organisations, maritime companies and other stakeholders.

These groups share responsibility for navigational safety and environmental protection in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.

Forum participants will discuss proposals to strengthen these efforts. The agenda includes the safe introduction of new technologies and alternative fuels.

Participants will also review technical projects designed to improve navigational safety.

Co-operative Mechanism

Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore established the Co-operative Mechanism in 2007.

It provides a framework for collaboration between the littoral states, user states and other stakeholders on navigational safety and marine environmental protection.

The mechanism gave practical effect to Article 43 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea for the first time. The article calls for cooperation on navigational and safety aids, improvements supporting international navigation and the prevention of pollution from ships.

The Co-operation Forum is one of the mechanism’s three main components. The other two are the Aids to Navigation Fund and the Project Co-ordination Committee.

The littoral states renewed their support for the mechanism’s objectives and founding principles. They also thanked stakeholders for their longstanding contributions and encouraged their continued participation.

Bangkok Maersk makes first Suez Canal transit

                                       BANGKOK MAERSK

The 17,200 TEU Bangkok Maersk has completed its first transit through the Suez Canal while sailing from Italy to Singapore.

The container ship joined the canal’s northbound convoy, according to the Suez Canal Authority.

Bangkok Maersk has a tonnage of 190,000 tonnes. The vessel measures 350 metres long and 56 metres wide.

It also features a dual-fuel engine capable of operating on green methanol. The vessel currently operates on Maersk’s AE7 service, connecting major Asian ports with North European and Mediterranean ports.

Suez Canal welcomes Bangkok Maersk

Following the Suez Canal Authority’s protocol for first-time transits, Chairman and Managing Director Ossama Rabiee appointed two pilots to board the vessel.

Captains Hesham Helmy and Galal Shabaka welcomed the crew and presented a commemorative gift to the vessel’s master.

Rabiee said the Suez Canal had brought back several maritime services operating between Europe and Asia. He added that this reflected the waterway’s strategic role in connecting East and West.

The authority has also recorded an increase in daily transits by Maersk-affiliated container ships.

Mathilde Maersk led traffic through the canal during the same day with a tonnage of 200,000 tonnes. Bangkok Maersk followed, bringing the number of Maersk-affiliated vessels in the northern convoy to two.

Suez route saves voyage time

“Choosing the Suez Canal instead of sailing around Africa saves approximately 14 days,” said Capt. Pata Radu, Master of Bangkok Maersk.

He said the shorter route reduces voyage time and costs while supporting customers’ interests.

Radu also highlighted the Suez Canal Authority’s waterway development work. He pointed to the New Suez Canal project and the recently completed southern sector development project.

The shipmaster also praised the canal pilots for their cooperation and support during the vessel’s transit.

The Suez Canal handled 57 vessels during the day, with total net tonnage reaching 2.8 million tonnes.

Canada imposes counter-tariffs on several US goods

Canada will impose counter-tariffs on several US goods from 8 September 2026, according to the Department of Finance Canada.

The measures respond to the United States’ decision to introduce a 50% tariff on $27.6 billion of Canadian goods from 22 August.

Canada said it would match the US Section 338 tariffs dollar for dollar.

Tariffs target several sectors

The Canadian counter-tariffs will apply at rates of 15%, 25% and 50%. The government will determine the rate for each product by matching the US tariff on the same goods.

The measures will cover $27.6 billion of imports from the United States. Products targeted include goods from several sectors:

·        Steel

·        Dairy

·        Appliances

·        Agricultural equipment

·        Pulp and paper

·        Electronics

Canada selected sectors it said were most affected by tariffs imposed under US Sections 338 and 232.

Counter-tariffs take effect in September

The Canadian counter-tariffs will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on 8 September 2026.

They will only apply to goods originating in the United States. Authorities will determine eligibility under Canada’s country-of-origin marking regulations for goods from countries covered by the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement.

The countermeasures will not apply to US goods already in transit to Canada when the tariffs take effect.

Maersk lowers emergency surcharges on Indian Subcontinent trades

Maersk has announced changes to its Emergency Contingency Surcharge (ECS) for shipments from the Indian Subcontinent to North Europe and the Mediterranean.

The reductions will take effect from the Price Calculation Date (PCD) of 1 September 2026. They cover the following headhaul trades:

·        Indian Subcontinent to North Europe (E3W)

·        Indian Subcontinent to the Mediterranean (E4W)

Revised ECS levels

All amounts are in US dollars per container.

Trade	Validity	20′ dry	40′ dry/high dry and 45′ high dry	40′ high-cube reefer
Northwest India and Pakistan to North Europe	Until 31 August PCD	$4,500	$4,500	$4,500
Northwest India and Pakistan to North Europe	From 1 September PCD	$4,000	$3,700	$3,700
Nepal, South and East India to North Europe	Until 31 August PCD	$3,800	$5,400	$5,400
Nepal, South and East India to North Europe	From 1 September PCD	$3,800	$4,900	$4,900
Sri Lanka and Maldives to North Europe	Until 31 August PCD	$3,800	$5,400	$5,400
Sri Lanka and Maldives to North Europe	From 1 September PCD	$3,800	$4,900	$4,900
Bangladesh to North Europe	Until 31 August PCD	$4,000	$5,800	$5,400
Bangladesh to North Europe	From 1 September PCD	$4,000	$5,300	$4,900
Northwest India and Pakistan to the Mediterranean	Until 31 August PCD	$4,900	$5,100	$5,100
Northwest India and Pakistan to the Mediterranean	From 1 September PCD	$4,400	$4,300	$4,300
Nepal, South and East India to the Mediterranean	Until 31 August PCD	$3,800	$5,400	$5,400
Nepal, South and East India to the Mediterranean	From 1 September PCD	$3,800	$4,900	$4,900
Sri Lanka and Maldives to the Mediterranean	Until 31 August PCD	$3,800	$5,400	$5,400
Sri Lanka and Maldives to the Mediterranean	From 1 September PCD	$3,800	$4,900	$4,900
Bangladesh to the Mediterranean	Until 31 August PCD	$4,000	$5,800	$5,400
Bangladesh to the Mediterranean	From 1 September PCD	$4,000	$5,300	$4,900

The rates also apply to out-of-gauge (OOG), shipper-owned (SOC) and non-operating reefer (NOR) containers. Therefore, Maersk will charge 40-foot flat-rack, open-top and NOR containers at the same rate as 40-foot dry containers.

For this advisory, Northwest India covers Mundra, Jawaharlal Nehru, Hazira and Pipavav. South and East India covers Ennore, Chennai, Kattupalli, Tuticorin, Visakhapatnam, Kolkata, Cochin, Mangalore and Haldia.

Maersk noted that the surcharge changes remain subject to any required regulatory approvals and notice periods.

MSC partially restores Suez Canal transits

MSC has decided to partially restore Suez Canal transits on a limited number of its East–West services.

The carrier made the decision after reviewing the latest security and operational conditions in the Red Sea region. The change covers both westbound and eastbound voyages.

Services returning to the Suez Canal

The transition begins with the following sailings:

·        Jade service, Asia–Mediterranean, eastbound: MSC Michel Cappellini, voyage GJ632E, departing Abu Kir on 24 August 2026

·        Albatros service, Asia–North Europe, eastbound: MSC Josefina, voyage GA630E, departing Jeddah on 24 August 2026

·        Himalaya service, India–Mediterranean, westbound: MSC Beryl, voyage IS632A, departing Vizhinjam on 31 August 2026

·        Tiger service, Asia–Mediterranean, westbound: MSC Anna, voyage GT629W, departing Singapore on 24 August 2026

·        Tiger service, Asia–Mediterranean, eastbound: MSC Tina, voyage GT632E, departing Mersin on 20 August 2026

MSC will update individual booking confirmations and online schedules progressively to reflect the revised voyage plans.

The carrier will implement the transition separately for each service. Meanwhile, it will continue monitoring regional developments in coordination with the relevant authorities and security partners.

MSC said protecting its seafarers, vessels and customers’ cargo remains its main priority. Contingency arrangements also remain in place, allowing the carrier to adjust individual voyages if circumstances require.

///                   Air Cargo News            ///

Qatar Cargo adds Helsinki to freighter network

                              Image: © Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways Cargo will next month operate its first scheduled freighter service from Helsinki, Finland.

This once weekly service will begin on 2 September on a Doha-Budapest-Helsinki-Doha route, said Qatar Airways Cargo.

The new service will utilise a Boeing 777 freighter to provide 100 tonnes of export cargo capacity out of Helsinki each week.

Qatar said the new service complements the airline’s existing seven weekly widebody passenger services on the Doha-Helsinki-Doha route, which offer over 70 tonnes of belly capacity weekly, each way.

These passenger flights were reinstated in July after previous operations ended in December 2022.

Helsinki is a strategic gateway for high-value and specialised cargo, connecting Finnish and Nordic businesses to global supply chains.

Key export commodities from Finland include high-tech products, electronics, industrial machinery and spare parts, pharmaceuticals, healthcare products, perishables and e-commerce shipments.

Import flows are driven by electronics, consumer goods, automotive components, industrial equipment and e-commerce, demonstrating Helsinki’s role as both a manufacturing and distribution hub.

Qatar Airways Cargo’s TechLift, Pharma, Fresh, and Courier services, among other services, are designed to meet the unique transport and specialised handling requirements of these commodities.

In coordination with its road feeder service (RFS) partners, Qatar Airways Cargo also provides scheduled and ad hoc trucking solutions to and from Helsinki across Scandinavia and the Baltic region.

In July, Qatar Airways Cargo launched seasonal Boeing 777 freighter services on the Doha–London Heathrow–Paris–Doha and Doha–London Heathrow–Milan–Doha routes, while 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.

National Airlines takes delivery of fourth 777-200 freighter

                                     Image: © Boeing

Florida-based National Airlines has received its fourth newbuild Boeing 777-200 freighter to complete its 2024 order for four of the type.

National Airlines took delivery delivery of the 777-200F, registered N798CA, at Boeing’s Everett facility in Washington. This aircraft  will enter commercial service shortly.

“The delivery of N798CA represents another important milestone in National Airlines’ growth and fleet strategy,” said Christopher Alf, chairman, National Airlines. “With four Boeing 777 Freighters now part of our fleet, we have significantly enhanced our long-haul cargo capabilities and our ability to respond to the evolving needs of our customers.

“We greatly appreciate our partnership with Boeing, GE and all the associated teams whose collaboration and commitment made the successful delivery of these four B777 Freighters possible. These aircraft will help us to offer renewed transportation solutions and create greater opportunities across the global supply chain network.”

National Airlines ordered four newbuild 777-200Fs in 2024. The airline was presented with its first 777F in April at a special delivery event at a Boeing factory in Seattle, US. The third 777-200F was delivered at the end of July.

The four new aircraft will support the airline’s growing presence in the international air cargo market and enable it to transport oversized, high-value, humanitarian, aerospace, energy, automotive, pharmaceutical, and other specialised cargo.

National Airlines, part of National Air Cargo, now operates a fleet of four 777-200Fs, nine Boeing 747Fs, plus Airbus A330-300 and A330-200 passenger aircraft to enable it to provide tailored global cargo and passenger charter solutions.

European Aviation set to rescue troubled European Cargo

                       Image © Teesside International Airport

Reports suggest that a buyer may have been found for troubled UK-based freighter operator European Cargo, which entered administration earlier this year.

Sky News yesterday reported that the airline’s former owner, European Aviation, is on the verge of stepping in to rescue the company.

A deal could be announced as early as Thursday, the report stated.

European Aviation, which is owned by ex-Formula One team leader Paul Stoddart, sold 49% of his stake in  European Cargo in 2022 and the remaining 51% stake two years later. Priority 1 Logistics, part of the Priority 1 Group, then became the 100% owner of the airline.

The airline emerged in April 2020 during the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, after European Aviation sought to offer the UK government capacity to transport medical equipment from Malaysia.

It had been acquiring Airbus four-engined A340-600 passenger jets from carriers such as Virgin Atlantic and initially operated them as temporary freighters.

European Cargo subsequently obtained approval to operate the -600s in a permanent cargo configuration, with a 76t payload capability, and has been gradually converting its fleet.

The airline had been operating the aircraft between China and Bournemouth and Teesside in the UK, largely carrying e-commerce shipments.

No cargo door is added during the conversion process, allowing the aircraft to potentially be turned back into passenger aircraft in the future, but making the cargo loading process more complicated than on a fully converted freighter.

The company began to run into trouble when its largest customer asked for a 30% reduction in service price due to softer volumes.

In addition, the wars in Ukraine and in the Middle East resulted in increasing jet fuel prices that negatively impacted the business through reduced profit margin per flight.

The airline entered administration in June of this year, with 174 of its 219 staff made redundant. Priority 1 Group also entered provisional liquidation in June.

In terms of aircraft, the administrator’s sales process has invited offers for six A340-600P2F aircraft owned by sister company Priority 1 (P1) and currently maintained in flight-ready storage; a further three A340-500 and six A340-600 owned by P1, currently in long-term storage; and one A340-600 designated for spares and a “substantial” engine inventory.

The sale process also involves spare parts and other assets owned by the company; the company’s UK Air Operator’s Certificate, Part 145 Maintenance Approval and Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisation approval, as well as ownership of the Company.

European Cargo’s most recent financial statement shows it made a full-year net loss of $26m in 2024 — on revenues of $136m — a slight improvement on its net loss of $30.6m in 2023.

ASL completes acquisition of two 747 freighters

                          Image: © ASL Aviation Holdings

ASL Aviation Holdings has announced the acquisition of two Boeing 747-400ERF freighters that have been operating within the ASL Group fleet as leased aircraft.

The aircraft MSN 33516 (OE-IFB) and MSN 33945 (OE-IFD) are operated by ASL Airlines Belgium, said the aviation services company.

The acquisition of both aircraft was completed on 7 August, with ownership transferred to ASL Aviation Holdings.

Both are established aircraft within the Group’s long-haul freighter fleet and will continue to support ASL’s global air cargo operations. Their acquisition further strengthens ASL Aviation Holdings’ commitment to investing in its long-haul freighter business and expanding the Group’s owned aircraft portfolio.

The transaction forms part of ASL Aviation Holdings’ ongoing fleet and asset strategy, supporting the continued development of its international air cargo platform and its ability to meet the long-term requirements of its airline operations and customers.

Earlier this month, ASL committed to adding four more aircraft to the ASL Airlines Australia fleet, further strengthening its existing B737-800BCF network and supporting the continued expansion of its Australia and New Zealand operations. This follows the recent launch of cargo operations at Western Sydney International Airport.

Three months earlier, ASL Airlines Australia had also signed a sale-and-purchase agreement for the takeover of troubled group Airwork’s New Zealand and Australia freight business.

Airwork Holdings – excluding its Airwork Flight Operations, Airwork Personnel and AFO Australia businesses – went into receivership in July of last year, followed by certain assets of Airwork Ireland in September.

Delta and Aeromexico JV to live on

                 Image: © Shutterstock Renata Ty/ Shutterstock

Delta and Aeromexico will be able to continue operating their joint venture (JV) following a court ruling that dismisses a US government order to dissolve the JV due to an ongoing disagreement with Mexico over the 2015 U.S. – Mexico Air Transport Agreement.

In September last year, the US government’s Department of Transport (DOT) ordered Delta & Aeromexico to dissolve their JV by 1 January this year because it said Mexico had not been complying with the Agreement.

However, following a lengthy review of the legality of the DOT’s order to terminate the approval of the JV, last week the 11^th Circuit Court of Appeals overturned the the DOT’s order, meaning the JV can continue operating as intended.

After the court ruling, Delta stated: “For nearly a decade, Delta’s joint cooperation agreement with Aeromexico has provided greater choice, more seamless travel, and increased connectivity for consumers while supporting U.S. jobs and economic growth.

“We appreciate the 11th Circuit’s careful review and remain focused on ensuring our customers, employees, and communities continue to benefit from this longstanding partnership.”

The US DOT said at the time of the order that Mexico’s behaviour was anti-competitive and disadvantaged US carriers, meaning Delta and Aeromexico had an unfair advantage.

The DOT placed restrictions on Mexico’s air cargo and passenger operations in July 2025, in response to what it said was “abuse” of the Agreement, but it said Mexico has since failed to take “meaningful action”.

According to the DOT, Mexico has not been in compliance with the agreement since carriers were required to shiift cargo operations from Benito Juarez International Airport, known as Mexico City International Airport (MEX) to Felipe Angeles International Airport (AFIA), as reported by Air Cargo News in February 2023.

Should FRA and MUC skip the night flight ban?

… and return to 24/7/365 operation to give air traffic a much-needed boost? This question arises because air traffic growth in Germany has still not reached pre-COVID levels and is growing at a significantly slower pace than in other EU countries. CargoForwarder Global (CFG) asked Thorsten Hölser (TH) whether there is a realistic chance that the ban on night flights might be lifted as part of the government’s infrastructure reform package for Germany. He is the Managing Director of the Hesse/Rhineland-Palatinate Freight Forwarders Association.

Thorsten Hölser sits in the driver’s seat of the forwarding association since 2004 – courtesy of SLV

CFG: Due to high costs, bureaucratic hurdles and night flight restrictions, cargo traffic has shifted from German hubs to neighboring EU airports – such as Liège, Budapest and others. Wouldn’t it therefore be time to lift the night flight restrictions for air cargo, particularly at Frankfurt Airport (FRA) – Europe’s largest cargo hub – and return to 24-hour operations?

TH: I have my doubts as to how much a return to 24-hour operations would actually lead to a significant increase in volume. Large volumes are transported by rail and road today, and will continue to be so in the future. Regardless of this, I do not believe this project would currently receive political and, above all, public support. Considering the limited infrastructure resources, the air cargo industry should instead focus on achieving a more even and optimized distribution of traffic throughout the week. This is because there is still capacity available, while problems arise particularly during peak times at the weekend.

CFG: In the medium term, major airports such as FRA or MUC are reaching their infrastructural limits. Could smaller airports like Nuremberg or Hahn play a more significant role in the cargo business – that is, more than just a supporting role – by taking on a portion of the cargo volume from the major airports? After all, they have plenty of slots and – unlike FRA or MUC – operate around the clock (24/7).

TH: As is the case across the economy, small and medium-sized enterprises have opportunities for growth because of their specific structures, which allow for faster response times, more personalized customer relationships, etc. This also applies to smaller airports, which do not have a huge administrative structure and benefit from more cost-effective structures and more flexible operational processes. However, competition will ultimately determine who succeeds, and I do not believe that all regional airports will play a significant part in this growth.

CFG: A new large-scale facility is being built at Frankfurt Airport. Once completed, the project will lead to a massive increase in truck traffic. Is the surrounding road infrastructure capable of handling the additional traffic volume for incoming and outgoing shipments – including the transport of goods via the access roads between the airport’s various cargo facilities?

TH: If one were to evaluate only the current road infrastructure in relation to the volume planned for the final phase of CargoCity West, there would be reason for considerable concern. The transport infrastructure in the Rhine-Main region is already operating at full capacity during peak hours. Process optimization, improved and real-time control through digitalization and AI, the expansion and smarter use of transport infrastructure, and adjustments to the legal framework – such as exemptions from the Sunday driving restrictions – still offer potential for the future. To achieve this, however, politicians and the air cargo industry must work together to consider potential solutions at an early stage and implement them promptly.

CFG: According to Statista, the global online platform for statistics and market data, truck traffic accounts for 10% of global CO2 emissions. Although trucks and buses make up only 2% of the vehicles on European roads, they are responsible for 27% of CO₂ emissions caused by road traffic. What measures is your association taking to encourage RFS (Road Feeder Service) members to meet the EU’s target of a 55% reduction by 2030?

TH: We have set up dedicated working groups both within our national association (www.dslv.org) and our regional association (www.slv-spediteure.de), to support and guide small and medium-sized transport companies through the transition to new driving technologies. However, I do not see any need to put pressure on our members, as I have noticed that they are consistently willing to engage with the issues of the drive system transition and the reduction of CO₂ emissions. The greater barriers at present are, rather, the political sphere – with its misguided regulatory framework and unsuitable funding programs – and the energy sector, with its insufficient and too-slowly-expanding charging infrastructure.

CFG: Finally, due to low water levels in the Danube, Rhine, and Elbe, inland waterway shipping in Central Europe has come to a near standstill. Is truck transport a viable alternative to freight transport by inland waterway vessel?

TH: A clear NO! One inland waterway vessel currently replaces around 150–200 lorry journeys. If we were to shift these volumes back to the roads, the road infrastructure would collapse. It is to be hoped that, in the context of the low-water crisis, politicians will finally wake up and allocate more and better-targeted funding to waterway infrastructure. However, these funds must then be planned and spent quickly, because infrastructure projects in Germany take decades – and we simply do not have that kind of time left!

CFG: Thorsten, thank you for your time and input.

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.