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

 

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

 

 

Corporate News Letter for  Tuesday  September  29,  2026

 

Today’s Exchange Rates


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USD/INR

95.98

0.150002

0.156529

95.88

95.83

95.88 - 95.9975

EUR/USD

1.1372

-0.0019

-0.166795

1.1381

1.1391

1.1366 - 1.1391

GBP/INR

127.2603

0.391403

0.30851

126.985

126.8689

126.9747 - 127.3907

EUR/INR

109.1858

0.033897

0.031055

109.1949

109.1519

109.1165 - 109.2942

USD/JPY

157.074

-0.205994

-0.130973

157.28

157.28

156.509 - 157.857

GBP/USD

1.3255

0.0008

0.060392

1.322

1.3247

1.3224 - 1.3275

JPY/INR

0.6115

0.0037

0.608756

0.6092

0.6078

0.6071 - 0.6129


///                   Sea Cargo News            ///

₹17,167-Crore Outer Harbour Project Approved for V.O. Chidambaranar Port


The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the ₹17,167-crore Outer Harbour Project at V.O. Chidambaranar Port (VOCPA), Thoothukudi, marking a major expansion of the port’s maritime infrastructure.

The project is aimed at creating new harbour infrastructure and expanding container terminal capacity, supporting the long-term growth of VOCPA and strengthening Thoothukudi’s role as a key maritime gateway for southern India.

The proposed Outer Harbour development is expected to enhance the port’s capacity to handle growing cargo volumes and improve its ability to serve regional trade and connectivity requirements.

The project reflects the Government of India’s focus on developing modern maritime infrastructure and strengthening the country’s port-led development strategy under the broader vision for a globally competitive maritime sector.

TICT Crosses 30,000 TEUs in a Single Month at VOC Port


Tuticorin International Container Terminal (TICT) at Berth No. 9 of V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOCPA) has crossed 30,000 TEUs in a single month for the first time since commencing operations in September 2024.

The milestone marks a significant achievement for the terminal and highlights the growing container-handling activity at VOC Port. VOCPA said the performance reflects strong coordination, operational support and continued cooperation between the port authority, TICT and other stakeholders.

The achievement comes in a notable month for VOC Port, which also recorded the berthing of the longest-ever vessel in the port’s history, further underscoring the port’s expanding capabilities in handling larger vessels and increasing cargo volumes.

VOCPA has appreciated TICT and all stakeholders for their continued partnership and contribution towards strengthening container operations at the port.

JSW Tuticorin Multipurpose Terminal Sets New 24-Hour Coal Discharge Record


JSW Tuticorin Multipurpose Terminal Private Limited has set a new operational benchmark by achieving its highest-ever 24-hour discharge of 43,052 MT of steam coal from the vessel MV AQUA VITA GLORY.

The record was achieved over a continuous 24-hour period from 14:15 hrs on September 24, 2026, to 14:15 hrs on September 25, 2026, surpassing the terminal’s previous best of 41,853 MT, recorded on February 5, 2026. The milestone comes during the terminal’s ongoing interim operations, which commenced on May 7, 2026.

The latest achievement highlights the terminal’s cargo-handling capabilities and operational efficiency, while demonstrating its continued focus on improving productivity and performance in bulk cargo handling.

Paradip Port Records 1,491% Surge in Pig Iron Cargo Handling


Paradip Port has recorded a sharp increase in pig iron (PIGI) cargo handling during FY 2026-27, with volumes rising to 5,50,152 MT up to August, compared with 34,569 MT during the corresponding period.

The cargo volume represents an impressive 1,491.46% growth, highlighting a significant expansion in pig iron handling at the port. The substantial increase underscores Paradip Port’s growing role in handling diverse bulk cargo and supporting the movement of industrial commodities through India’s maritime trade network.

The surge also reflects the port’s expanding contribution to the logistics requirements of the steel and manufacturing sectors.

Rice Exports to 26 Key Markets Surpass Three-Year Average


India’s rice exports to 26 priority overseas markets have moved above their three-year average, indicating stronger demand for Indian rice across several important destinations.

According to the Indian Rice Exporters Federation (IREF), export performance across these markets has strengthened, with shipments showing an improvement compared with the average levels recorded over the previous three years.

The development comes as India continues to remain a major supplier in the global rice trade. Indian exporters serve a wide range of markets with both basmati and non-basmati varieties, catering to demand from Asia, Africa, the Middle East and other regions.

Higher shipments to priority markets could provide support to India’s agricultural export sector and benefit farmers, millers, traders and logistics operators involved in the rice supply chain.

Exporters are also monitoring international prices, crop availability, freight costs and trade policies in destination countries, all of which influence the competitiveness of Indian rice in global markets.

The stronger performance across the 26 markets highlights the continued importance of market diversification for India’s rice export industry. Expanding shipments to established and emerging destinations can help exporters reduce dependence on individual markets and build a broader overseas customer base.

With global food demand remaining significant, sustained export growth will depend on India’s ability to maintain competitive pricing, consistent quality and reliable supply.

The latest IREF assessment indicated that India’s rice exports to key international markets are maintaining positive momentum, strengthening the country’s position in the global rice trade.

UAE Tightens Maritime Cargo Reporting Rules From October


The United Arab Emirates is set to fully enforce its Maritime Pre-Load Cargo Information (MPCI) requirements from October, introducing stricter cargo-data reporting obligations for shipments moving through the country’s maritime gateways.

Under the requirements, carriers and other parties involved in maritime trade will need to ensure that prescribed cargo information is submitted before goods are loaded for transport.

The system is designed to provide UAE authorities with cargo data earlier in the supply chain, supporting risk assessment and customs controls.

The tighter enforcement will require shipping lines, freight forwarders, exporters and importers to pay closer attention to the accuracy, completeness and timely submission of shipment information. Missing or incorrect data could result in delays or additional compliance procedures.

Pre-loading cargo information is increasingly being adopted by Customs administrations worldwide as authorities seek greater visibility over international supply chains. Advance data allows authorities to identify potential risks before cargo reaches the destination port.

For business trading through UAE ports, the new enforcement phase means cargo documentation and data-management processes may need to be reviewed ahead of October. Companies will also need to coordinate closely with carriers and logistics providers to ensure required information is available within the prescribed timelines.

The UAE is a major regional logistics and transhipment hub, with ports serving cargo moving between Asia, Europe and the Middle East. Any changes to cargo-reporting procedures can therefore affect a broad range of international shipments.

The full enforcement of MPCI requirements is expected to place greater emphasis on advance data quality and regulatory compliance across maritime supply chains using UAE ports.

Maersk Imposes Emergency Surcharges of Up to $4,800 Amid Hormuz Disruptions


Maersk has introduced emergency freight surcharges of up to $4,800 per container on shipments affected by disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. The surcharge applies to cargo loaded from or destined for Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, Dammam and Jubail in Saudi Arabia, and Oman, excluding Salalah.

The carrier has set the emergency charge at $1,800 for 20-foot dry containers and $3,000 for 40-foot dry containers. Refrigerated containers and equipment carrying special or dangerous cargo will attract a surcharge of $3,800 per container.

An additional $1,000 per container will apply to cargo transported aboard vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, covering higher insurance costs and crew risk compensation.

Maersk said the charges will help recover additional costs arising from alternative routings, storage, extra transportation and the movement of cargo from temporary storage facilities to final destinations once onward transport becomes safe.

The carrier is routing Upper Gulf cargo through Salalah and Khor Fakkan while Saudi import and export cargo will continue through Jeddah. Booking restrictions remain in place across parts of the region, particularly for refrigerated, dangerous, out of gauge and other  specialized cargo. Maersk said priority attention will be given to essential food, medicines and other perishable goods.

///                  Air Cargo News             ///

Ariana Airlines Expands Kabul–Delhi Cargo Service


Afghanistan’s Ariana Afghan Airlines is expanding its Kabul–Delhi cargo service, increasing flight frequency to support growing trade and cargo movement between Afghanistan and India.

The additional cargo flights will provide exporters and importers with greater air freight capacity on the route, creating more opportunities for time-sensitive and high-value shipments between the two markets.

The Kabul–Delhi connection is important for the movement of Afghan products to Indian markets, particularly commodities that require faster transportation. Increased air cargo capacity can help exporters access international markets while providing importers with more regular supply options.

The expansion is also expected to improve connectivity for businesses that rely on air freight and reduce dependence on limited existing cargo capacity. More frequent services can provide greater flexibility in shipment planning and help businesses respond more quickly to market demand.

For Afghanistan, stronger air connectivity with India supports efforts to expand bilateral trade and improve access to one of the region’s major consumer markets. For Indian businesses, increased cargo connectivity can facilitate the movement of Afghan-origin products and other commercial shipments.

Ariana Airline’s decision to increase services reflects the importance of Kabul-Delhi air connectivity in supporting trade between the two countries. The additional capacity is expected to strengthen the air cargo link and provide businesses with more options for transporting goods.

Embraer Chooses Mahindra, Adani for Indian Aircraft Partnerships


Brazilian aircraft manufacturer Embraer has selected Mahindra Group as its industrial partner for a potential Indian Air Force transport aircraft programme involving up to 60 aircraft, while Adani Group will partner the company on commercial aviation opportunities in India.

The partnerships are expected to strengthen Embraer’s presence in India and support the company’s broader strategy of developing local industrial and aerospace capabilities. Under the proposed defence programme, Embraer is seeking to work with Mahindra on the C-390 Millennium military transport aircraft.

The aircraft is designed for a range of missions, including troop and cargo transport, aerial refuelling and humanitarian operations. The Indian Air Force requirement could involve around 60 medium transport aircraft.

Lufthansa Cargo adds emergency product for ultra urgent shipments

               Image: © Jakub Rutkiewicz/ Shutterstock

Lufthansa Cargo has added a new emergency product that can be tagged onto its other services for critical shipments that require absolute priority.

The cargo division said that its new add-on service offers the “highest transport priority”, regardless of the booked product, shipment size or weight and can even be used on short-notice bookings, up to the Latest Acceptance Time.

“The service is tailored for highly critical shipments, both planned and unexpected, that require the highest transport priority and dedicated handling throughout the entire journey,” Lufthansa Cargo explained.

Emergency is available to be used as an add-on for the products General Cargo, Dangerous Goods, Passive Temp Support and Vulnerables, in combination with the td.Flash and td.Zoom speeds.

It also includes a money-back guarantee if the shipment is not available for collection within six hours after the specified Time of Availability and can be booked online.

The company said examples include urgently needed spare parts and machinery, as well as life-saving pharmaceuticals and medical samples, for which reliable transportation and guaranteed uplift must be ensured.

Shipments booked with the add-on service Emergency are clearly identified and subject to enhanced monitoring throughout the transport operation.

Additional dedicated monitoring is provided at Lufthansa Cargo’s hubs in Frankfurt, Munich, and Vienna.

“In Frankfurt, shipments are handled around the clock via the time:matters Courier Terminal in Cargo City North. Its direct access to the apron and dedicated handling processes enable particularly short transfer routes and support fast, prioritised handling,” the division explained.

The service also includes 24/7 customer service that will monitor the shipment so irregularities can be identified at an early stage, and appropriate corrective measures can be taken.

It is available across the Lufthansa Group network at more than 200 stations worldwide.

The firm’s add-on services allow customers to complement their bookings with additional services based on the product, speed and routing.

In addition to Emergency, the portfolio includes Sustainable Choice, Personal Supervision, smartULD, toDoor, and  Insurance.

Lufthansa Cargo began integrating its various “add-on” services into the booking process to make it easier to select the optional products earlier this year.


Ethiopian Cargo places its capacity on the CargoAi portal

                                 Photo: Ethiopian Airlines

Ethiopian Airlines Cargo has placed its capacity with online booking portal CargoAi as part of efforts to enhance its digital services and expand its customer base.

The new partnership means Ethiopian will be able to offer e-booking of its flights with real-time rate visibility to the freight forwarder users of CargoAi’s CargoMART portal.

Its capacity will also appear on those transport management systems that have connected to the CargoAi system.

“Through this integration, more than 30,000 freight forwarders across Europe, Africa, the Middle East and Asia gain seamless access to Ethiopian Cargo’s general cargo and express services,” CargoAi said in a press release.

The integration will also allow Ethiopian Cargo to leverage CargoAi’s interline capabilities for services on partner airline flights.

“Digitalisation is a key pillar of Ethiopian Cargo’s long-term strategy,” said managing director of Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics Services, Dereje Derero.

“Partnering with CargoAi allows us to bring our services closer to freight forwarders worldwide by offering a modern, seamless booking experience.

“This step reinforces our commitment to innovation and to delivering agile, data-driven solutions that meet the
evolving needs of the global air cargo industry.”

CargoAi chief executive Matthieu Petot added: “Ethiopian Cargo is a global leader in air cargo operations, and this partnership reflects a shared ambition to drive digital excellence.”

The move is the second digital development at the airline this year. In March, Ethiopian Cargo announced that it would join WebCargo by Freightos, the digital booking and payment platform.

Hacis extends SuperLink China Direct service to Vietnam


A new road-air cargo link connecting Vietnam with the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong is set to boost cargo flows through HKIA while offering shippers greater routing flexibility. BySTAT Times|22 Sept 2026 11:13 AM Hong Kong Air Cargo Industry Services (Hacis), the value-added logistics arm of Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals (Hactl), has announced the extension of its SuperLink China Direct service to Vietnam.

This strategic expansion will bring additional cargo flow to the Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA), further strengthening the city’s position as a leading global air cargo hub. It will also benefit the airfreight and logistics industries as well as customers, while offering Vietnamese enterprises and overseas shippers a more convenient and cost‑effective logistics and air-road intermodal solution, creating a win‑win outcome for stakeholders.

Building on the proven SuperLink China Direct model Hacis’ scheduled, Customs-bonded road feeder service connecting HKIA with the Chinese Mainland the new service extends Hacis' cross-boundary network to Vietnam.

Under the Single E-lock Scheme, a successful trial of the extended Hacis SuperLink China Direct service has already been completed, with Hacis partnering with Vietnamese logistics company U&I Logistics Corporation to deliver Hong Kong’s first pilot shipment under a seamless logistics solution connecting Vietnam, the Chinese Mainland, and Hong Kong.

The import shipment was transported from Vietnam by truck to Wuzhou, before being carried onward to Hong Kong via Hacis’ Customs-bonded road feeder services. The new service is expected to drive additional import and export cargo flows through Hong Kong, supporting cargo growth at HKIA while creating new business opportunities for freight forwarders and logistics providers.

It will also give Vietnamese companies and overseas shippers greater flexibility in routing cargo to international markets through Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. By combining Hong Kong’s Single E-lock Scheme with Hacis’ Customs-bonded road feeder services, the solution aims to deliver a more seamless, secure, and efficient logistics process while strengthening trade and cargo connectivity between Vietnam, Hong Kong, and global markets.

Ringo Chan, Executive Director of Hacis, said, “With the support of the Customs in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland, SuperLink China Direct has become a trusted cross-boundary logistics solution connecting Hong Kong with the Chinese Mainland.

The extension to Vietnam marks the first expansion of this proven intermodal network beyond the Chinese Mainland, with the potential to extend further into other parts of Asia in future, further strengthening Hong Kong’s regional connectivity. By linking Vietnam with Hong Kong’s extensive global air cargo network, the new service provides customers with more routing options and greater flexibility, while generating additional cargo flows through Hong Kong and creating new opportunities for the logistics industry.”

Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Chief Executive Officer of U&I Logistics Corporation, states, “SuperLink China Direct is an innovative solution that combines efficiency and cost‑effectiveness. We are delighted with our collaboration with Hacis, which opens a brand‑new logistics route for Vietnamese enterprises beyond traditional sea and air transport, enabling cargo to move by land through the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong and further connecting to international markets.

It not only enhances the flexibility and reliability of cross‑border transportation but also provides businesses with diversified options. We believe this initiative will help strengthen trade between Vietnam, the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong, creating mutual benefits for all parties.”

Under the Single E-lock Scheme, Hacis has successfully completed a trial of the extended SuperLink China Direct service, handling Hong Kong’s first pilot shipment through an integrated logistics route connecting Vietnam, the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong. The import cargo was transported by truck from Vietnam to Wuzhou before being moved onward to Hong Kong through Hacis’ Customs-bonded road feeder service.

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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