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 October 26, 2026
Today’s
Exchange Rates
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Price |
Change |
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Open |
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Day's Low-High |
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94.94 |
0.110001 |
0.115998 |
94.79 |
94.83 |
94.76 - 94.9825 |
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1.1201 |
-0.0015 |
-0.133738 |
1.1216 |
1.1216 |
1.1185 - 1.1227 |
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127.0395 |
0.032494 |
0.025584 |
126.9827 |
127.007 |
126.9279 - 127.173 |
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106.337 |
-0.059898 |
-0.056297 |
106.3126 |
106.3969 |
106.2189 - 106.4973 |
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156.827 |
0.056992 |
0.036354 |
156.77 |
156.77 |
156.078 - 157.161 |
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1.3372 |
-0.0029 |
-0.216402 |
1.3401 |
1.3401 |
1.3361 - 1.3408 |
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0.6059 |
0.001 |
0.165314 |
0.6049 |
0.6049 |
0.604 - 0.6075 |
/// Sea Cargo News ///
Anglo-Eastern Supports
World’s First Ammonia-Powered Dry Bulk Vessel from Concept to Operation
Anglo-Eastern has highlighted its multi-year engineering, newbuilding and operational support for Mineral Europa, the world’s first ammonia-powered dry bulk vessel, following the ship’s maiden voyage announced by CMB.TECH.
The 210,000-dwt Newcastlemax vessel, built by
CSSC Qingdao Beihai Shipbuilding Co., Ltd., is equipped with a WinGD dual-fuel
ammonia engine and a Sun Rui Ammonia Fuel Supply System, enabling it to operate
on ammonia or conventional marine fuel. Anglo-Eastern’s involvement began in
2018 with feasibility studies into alternative fuels for bulk carriers.
Through Anglo-Eastern Technical Services
(AETS), the company subsequently developed the vessel’s design philosophy,
safety concepts, risk-mitigation measures and preliminary engineering, securing
Approvals in Principle from Lloyd’s Register and the American Bureau of
Shipping in 2021.
The project integrated fuel storage,
double-wall piping, gas detection, ventilation, containment and emergency
systems, with a focus on crew safety and commercial viability without
compromising cargo capacity.
China
signs $336 million deal to build two container jetties at Bangladesh’s Mongla
Port
After long delays, China has finally granted and signed a $336 million loan agreement with Bangladesh to build two container jetties at Mongla Port, the country’s second-largest seaport.
The deal was signed in Dhaka on Monday,
October 12, by Economic Relations Division (ERD) Joint Secretary Alia Meher on
behalf of Bangladesh and EXIM Bank Assistant General Manager Fengjun Tian on
behalf of China.
A press statement issued by the ERD said
China will charge 2% interest on the loan, as it is concessional credit.
With the Chinese funding, Mongla Port will
build two container jetties, each with a total length of 368 metres. A laden
container yard spanning 87,600 square metres will also be built, along with a
34,170-square-metre empty container yard and a 4,260-square-metre hazardous
cargo-handling yard.
The funding will also be used to acquire
modern equipment for the faster handling of containers and other cargo. Mongla
Port officials said four gantry cranes, seven rubber-tyred gantry cranes and 33
other pieces of jetty-related equipment will be purchased under the project to
modernise operations.
The expansion of container and cargo-handling
facilities with modern equipment will help increase Mongla Port’s annual
handling capacity by 394,000 TEUs.
The Chinese government nominated China Civil
Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) as the project’s implementing
agency. In June, Bangladesh and China signed a framework agreement to finance
the construction of the Mongla Port project.
Earlier, India had also pledged funding for
the construction of jetties at Mongla Port. After being nominated by the Indian
government, Egis India Consulting Engineers Private Limited signed an agreement
with Mongla Port in December 2022 to act as a consultant for the
capacity-building project.
However, following a change in Bangladesh’s
political landscape that soured relations with India, the funding proposal did
not proceed and was stalled indefinitely.
Businesses welcomed the signing of the
agreement and called for construction of the jetties to begin quickly, saying
that the enhanced capacity would make the port more attractive for handling the
South Asian nation’s growing external trade.
Alamgir Hossain, a Dhaka-based trader, said
Mongla could become an alternative trade gateway if its capacity were expanded
through the construction of new jetties and the installation of modern
equipment.
“Its capacity remained underutilised in the
past due to the underdeveloped transport system,” he said, adding that
businesses are now showing greater interest in the port because the
construction of a bridge over the Padma River reduced the distance several
years ago.
Axpo
completes first LNG bunkering of containership in Valencia
Axpo has completed its first liquefied natural gas (LNG) bunkering operation at the Port of Valencia, Spain, supplying a container vessel with a fuel mix containing more than 50% bio-LNG.
The ship-to-ship operation took place on 13
October 2026 using Axpo’s Alisios bunkering vessel, which has a capacity
of 12,500 m³.
The operation marks Axpo’s entry into LNG
bunkering at Valencia, making it the fourth Spanish port where the company has
provided the service. Previous operations took place in Málaga, Algeciras and
Barcelona.
The container vessel belongs to a major
international transport and logistics company, although Axpo has not disclosed
its name or the volume of fuel delivered.
Expanding LNG bunkering services in Spain
The latest operation forms part of Axpo’s
expansion across major Mediterranean ports, where demand for alternative marine
fuels is supporting the development of new bunkering services.
The company launched Alisios in March
2026 at the Port of Huelva. The vessel operates along the southern Iberian
coast, providing LNG and bio-LNG bunkering services to commercial ships.
“As Spain’s largest port for container
traffic and the fifth-busiest container port in Europe, Valencia is a
strategically important location,” said Daniele Corti, Head of Small-Scale LNG
at Axpo.
Bio-LNG is produced from organic materials,
including agricultural residues, biomass and waste. It can be used in
LNG-powered vessels and offers potential lifecycle emissions benefits,
depending on its production and supply chain.
Growing presence across the Mediterranean
Axpo began LNG bunkering operations in Málaga
in April 2025 before expanding to Algeciras, Sines in Portugal and Barcelona.
The company has also developed its presence
in Italy. In December 2025, it completed the country’s first ship-to-ship
bio-LNG bunkering operation in Genoa. Further operations followed in Naples in
May 2026 and Civitavecchia in August.
The addition of Valencia extends Axpo’s LNG
bunkering network to another major European container port, increasing the
availability of alternative marine fuel services in the Mediterranean.
Samudera
adds CIX 8 service to network
Samudera has introduced the CIX 8 service to its network, providing connections between India, Sri Lanka and China.
The service links Nhava Sheva and Mundra in
India with Qingdao in China. It also connects Qingdao with the Indian
Subcontinent through Colombo, Sri Lanka.
CIX 8 will operate with weekly sailings and
offer an approximate transit time of 23 days from Nhava Sheva to Qingdao.
According to Samudera, the service is
intended to support cargo flows between key regional ports across India, China
and Sri Lanka.
MPA, CMA CGM and SLNG
Evaluate Bio-Methane for Ship Bunkering
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), CMA CGM and Singapore LNG Corporation (SLNG) are assessing the potential for bio-methane bunkering, exploring opportunities to expand the availability of lower-carbon marine fuels and support the shipping industry's decarbonisation efforts.
The initiative focuses on evaluating
bio-methane as an alternative fuel for vessels, reflecting growing interest in
renewable energy sources that can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from
maritime transport.
Bio-methane is produced by upgrading biogas
derived from organic waste and other renewable feedstocks. When liquefied, it
can be used as a marine fuel in vessels equipped to operate on liquefied
methane, including compatible LNG-powered ships. Its environmental benefits
depend on feedstock sources, production methods, methane leakage and the wider
fuel supply chain.
CMA CGM, a major global shipping group, has
been, expanding its efforts to explore alternative fuels and reduce the carbon
intensity of its operations. SLNG operates Singapore’s LNG import terminal,
while MPA oversees the development and regulation of the country’s maritime
sector.
Singapore’s position as a leading
international bunkering hub makes it an important location for assessing the
commercial and operational feasibility of alternative marine fuels. Developing
suitable infrastructure, ensuring reliable fuel supplies and establishing
safety and certification standards will be essential for wider adoption.
The assessment could help identify
opportunities and challenges associated with bio-methane bunkering, including
fuel availability, handling requirements and compatibility with existing LNG
infrastructure.
The initiative highlights continued
collaboration among maritime authorities, shipping companies and energy
infrastructure operators to explore practical pathways towards lower-emission
shipping.
Suez Canal Container
Ship Transits Exceed 50% of Pre-Disruption Levels
Suez Canal traffic recovery accelerates as major shipping lines resume Red Sea routings, easing pressure on global container shipping capacity Container ship transits through the Suez Canal have exceeded 50% of pre-disruption levels for the first time since Houthi attacks began in the Red Sea, signalling a gradual return to normal shipping routes, according to BIMCO.
During the first two weeks of October 2026,
weekly container ship capacity transiting the canal averaged 753,000 TEU,
compared with 1.457 million TEU during the corresponding period in 2023,
according to Clarksons Research.
“Since the Houthi attacks began in the Red
Sea, this is the first time that transits have exceeded 50% of pre-disruption
levels,” said Niels Rasmussen, Chief Shipping Analyst at BIMCO.
During the first two weeks of October, 36% of
total container ship capacity routed through either the Suez canal or the Cape
of Good Hope passed through the canal. This compares with an average of just 8%
between 2024 and mid-2026.
However, the figure remains well below the 80% share recorded before the attacks began, indicating that a full return to pre-disruption routing patterns is still some distance away.
Suez Canal Container
Ship Traffic Rebounds with Tenfold Surge
Large containership transits through Egypt’s Suez Canal have increased more than tenfold, signalling a significant recovery in vessel movements through one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes.
The rise points to improving traffic
conditions for container shipping through the canal, which connects the
Mediterranean Sea with the Red Sea and provides a shorter route between Asia
and Europe.
Disruptions in the Red Sea region had
prompted many shipping companies to divert vessels around the Cape of Good
Hope, increasing sailing distances, transit times and operating costs.
A return to the Suez Canal can help carriers
reduce voyage distances and improve vessel utilisation, although decisions
depend on security assessments, insurance costs and the reliability of passage
through the region.
During the third quarter of 2026, 166
medium-sized and large containerships transited the canal, carrying a combined
net tonnage of 29 million tons. This compares with just 16 vessels and 2.4
million tons during the same period in 2025, according to the Suez Canal
Authority.
CMA CGM has continued returning services to
the canal, while other major carriers have also resumed selected sailings
through the Red Sea corridor. The recovery remains incomplete, however: average
weekly containership capacity through the canal in early October was about
7573,000 TEU, compared with 1,457 million TEU during the corresponding period
in 2023.
The increase in large-vessel transits is an
encouraging sign for global shipping, but a sustained recovery will depend on
regional security, carrier risk assessments and the continued return of
services to the Asia-Europe route.
Bulk Carrier Goes Down
Weeks After Fatal Hormuz Strait Strike
A bulk carrier has sunk weeks after a deadly attack in the Strait of Hormuz, highlighting the continuing risks facing commercial shipping in one of the world’s most strategically important maritime corridors.
The incident raises concerns over vessel
safety, the handling of ships damaged during attacks and the wider impact of
regional tensions on international trade.
The Strait of Hormuz is a critical passage
linking the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, carrying
substantial volumes of global energy shipments and other commercial cargo.
Damage to a merchant vessel can create
further hazards even after an initial attack, particularly if structural
integrity has been compromised or the ship remains exposed to challenging sea
conditions. Such incidents can also trigger salvage operations, environmental
monitoring and investigations into the circumstances surrounding the sinking.
Hormuz Shipping Crisis
Deepens as Containership Sinks
The Strait of Hormuz shipping crisis has intensified following the sinking of the Singapore-flagged containership GFS Pride after it was struck by a projectile and caught fire while transiting the strategic waterway.
The vessel, which had a capacity of 2,824
TEU, sank on October 14, 2026, according to maritime security reports. All 21
crew members were safely evacuated, with no injuries reported, the Maritime and
Port Authority of Singapore said.
In a separate incident, the Antigua and
Barbuda-flagged bulk carrier Cape Dao was also reported to be sinking after
sustaining damage in an earlier attack on September 23. One crew member was
killed in that incident, highlighting the continuing dangers faced by seafarers
operating in the region.
/// Air Cargo News
///
Brussels Airport
Records 6.8% Growth in September Cargo Traffic
Brussels Airport recorded a 6.8% increase in cargo volumes in September, handling 70,257 tonnes during the month. The growth highlights continued demand for air freight services through the Belgian airport, a key European hub for international cargo operations.
The
increase in freight throughput reflects the importance of Brussels Airport in
connecting European businesses with global markets. Air cargo services support
time-sensitive shipments, including pharmaceuticals, perishables, high-value
goods and industrial products.
Cargo
performance at major European airports is influenced by international trade
activity, seasonal demand, available air freight capacity and developments in
global supply chains.
Brussels
Airport’s specialised cargo infrastructure also supports shipments requiring
temperature controlled handling and other dedicated logistics services.
Blue Dart, India Post partner to expand
delivery reach
Blue Dart Express has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with India Post to expand its delivery network across Tier III and Tier IV towns and remote locations in India. The collaboration will combine Blue Dart’s express logistics capabilities with India Post’s extensive postal network to strengthen last-mile connectivity for businesses and customers.
Under
the partnership, shipments to additional locations will be delivered through
India Post’s network, complementing Blue Dart’s existing infrastructure.
The
expanded coverage will be rolled out in phases, enabling the companies to
extend their reach to underserved markets by leveraging their respective
networks and existing infrastructure. The partnership aims to provide customers
with access to a wider range of destinations through a scalable delivery model.
Commenting
on the partnership, Harpreet Singh, Member (Operations), Department of Posts,
said: “On World Post Day, this partnership bodes well for both organisations.
The Department of Posts is committed to this partnership and looks forward to
it.
The
Department has strong last-mile connectivity, and we will offer all possible
support to make this partnership stronger. We look forward to a much broader
and constantly evolving partnership ahead.” Highlighting the strategic
significance of the collaboration, Balfour Manuel, Managing Director, Blue
Dart, said: “With a legacy spanning over 42 years, Blue Dart has grown
alongside Indian businesses, building a trusted national network that supports
the country’s commerce.
As
the economy expands and customer expectations evolve, this strategic
partnership has an important role to play in strengthening parcel delivery. Our
collaboration with India Post builds on this foundation, combining the
strengths of two established institutions to support businesses in reaching
more customers across smaller towns and remote locations across the country.”
FlyUs lands Air Canada Puerto Rico contract
In a strategic move to strengthen its position in the Americas, global General Sales and Services Agent (GSSA) FlyUs Aviation Group (FlyUs) has officially opened a brand-new office in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Concurrently,
the aviation services provider announced it has been appointed to exclusively
represent Air Canada in this critical Caribbean and United States territory,
managing essential cargo operations between the island and the carrier's
primary Canadian hub.
This
new operational base will enable FlyUs to actively support and manage Air
Canada’s cargo capacity on three highly anticipated weekly freighter flights.
These specialised services will operate directly between the Luis Muñoz Marín
International Airport (SJU) in San Juan and Toronto Pearson International
Airport (YYZ).
By
connecting directly into Air Canada’s vast and established global network via
Toronto, shippers from Puerto Rico will gain unprecedented access to
international markets across Europe, Asia, and beyond.
The
decision to establish a physical presence in San Juan is heavily driven by the
island's unique and lucrative industrial landscape, specifically its dominance
in the healthcare logistics sector. Puerto Rico is widely recognised as a
premier location for life sciences and pharmaceutical manufacturing, requiring
highly specialised cold-chain logistics to safely export vital medical products
worldwide.
“Puerto
Rico is the number one bioscience manufacturing hub in the US by export volume,
so there is a significant requirement for reliable temperature-controlled air
cargo capacity from the island,” said Carlo de Haas, President and Chief
Executive Officer, FlyUs.
Etihad Cargo expands Shanghai capacity
to 840 weekly tonnes
Etihad Cargo, the cargo and logistics arm of Etihad Airways, has officially restored its daily Boeing 787-10 passenger service to Shanghai from 1 October. This deployment brings a significant capacity increase to the carrier's East Asian bellyhold operations just as the busy seasonal shipping period begins to ramp up across key trade corridors.
The
reinstatement of these daily widebody passenger flights complements Etihad’s
existing timetable of seven weekly Boeing 777 freighter operations running out
of the major Chinese commercial gateway. Together, the combined passenger
bellyhold and dedicated freighter operations bring the carrier’s total weekly
cargo capability from Shanghai to approximately 840 tonnes.
This
offers air freight forwarders, global logistics providers and corporate
shippers enhanced scheduling flexibility, higher flight frequency and seamless
intermodal connectivity through to destination markets.
Commenting
on the capacity restoration, Stanislas Brun, Chief Cargo Officer at Etihad
Cargo, highlighted that whilst the timing aligns with high seasonal shipping
activity, the deployment represents the planned return of core network capacity
rather than a temporary expansion.
"The
timing is well aligned with the Q4 peak, but this is primarily for us a return
to our planned capacity," Brun explained. "We are pleased to have
this capacity back in the market at an important time for our customers, when
demand across e-commerce, high-tech and other key cargo segments is
traditionally strong.
This
allows us to support peak-season flows while maintaining the flexibility to
serve Etihad Cargo’s broader portfolio of core verticals." The expanded
capacity out of East China arrives during a critical operational window for
international supply chains, when elevated trade activity drives heavy movement
in direct-to-consumer e-commerce shipments and consumer technology items.
Additionally,
specialised commercial verticals such as pharmaceuticals, life sciences and
high-value industrial equipment continue to rely heavily on reliable,
temperature-monitored and time-sensitive bellyhold space.
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.
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