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 October 27, 2026
Today’s
Exchange Rates
|
Currency ▲ |
Price |
Change |
%Change |
Open |
Prev.Close |
Day's Low-High |
|
95.19 |
0.240005 |
0.25277 |
94.93 |
94.95 |
94.905 - 95.2675 |
|
|
1.1193 |
-0.0009 |
-0.080345 |
1.1206 |
1.1202 |
1.1188 - 1.1227 |
|
|
127.0375 |
-0.001999 |
-0.001573 |
127.0457 |
127.0395 |
126.9977 - 127.2958 |
|
|
106.6571 |
0.320099 |
0.301023 |
106.5478 |
106.337 |
106.5061 - 106.831 |
|
|
157.3 |
0.430008 |
0.274117 |
156.93 |
156.87 |
156.654 - 157.496 |
|
|
1.335 |
-0.0024 |
-0.179447 |
1.3374 |
1.3374 |
1.3342 - 1.3388 |
|
|
0.605 |
-0.0008 |
-0.132049 |
0.6052 |
0.6058 |
0.6039 - 0.6065 |
/// Sea Cargo News ///
Hapag-Lloyd
ends CPF feeder and revises TWX rotation
Hapag-Lloyd will discontinue its China Philippines Feeder service and revise the rotation of its Taichung Express as part of changes to its Intra-Asia feeder network.
The final CPF sailings will be operated by
Hazira Express on voyages 645S and 649N.
|
Port |
Vessel and voyage |
Final departure |
|
Nansha |
Hazira Express 645S |
22 November 2026 |
|
Singapore |
Hazira Express 649N |
1 December 2026 |
|
Subic Bay |
Hazira Express 649N |
10 December 2026 |
Following the withdrawal of the CPF service,
Hapag-Lloyd will use third-party feeder services to handle cargo moving to and
from the Philippines.
The carrier will also restructure its
Taichung Express service to retain coverage at Nansha.
The revised TWX rotation will be:
Tanjung Pelepas – Singapore – Kaohsiung –
Taichung – Nansha – Tanjung Pelepas
The new rotation will begin with Little
Concert voyage 648S.
|
Port |
Vessel and voyage |
Departure |
|
Kaohsiung |
Little Concert 648S |
23 November 2026 |
|
Taichung |
Little Concert 648S |
25 November 2026 |
|
Nansha |
Little Concert 648S |
29 November 2026 |
The changes will affect feeder connections
across Hapag-Lloyd’s Intra-Asia network from late November.
MSC blanks
two Britannia sailings on Asia–North Europe trade
MSC will blank two consecutive Britannia sailings as part of a capacity adjustment on its Asia–North Europe network.
The affected departures are voyage QB645W in
week 45 and voyage QB646W in week 46.
|
Week |
Service |
Voyage |
|
45 |
Britannia |
QB645W |
|
46 |
Britannia |
QB646W |
MSC attributed the changes to ongoing market
challenges.
The carrier said customers can continue
placing bookings as usual, with alternative services being arranged as part of
its contingency plans.
FMC
proposes shipping fees and trade restrictions against Spain
The US Federal Maritime Commission (FMC) has proposed new fees on Spanish-flagged vessels and restrictions on certain Spanish imports after concluding that Spain denied US-flagged ships access to its ports.
In a statement issued on 14 October 2026, the
FMC said its investigation found evidence that Spain had created unfavorable
conditions for US shipping. The regulator is now seeking public comments before
deciding whether to introduce measures in response.
The proposals include a $200,000 fee per
voyage for all Spanish-flagged vessels and possible restrictions on imports of
selected Spanish products into the United States.
FMC investigation finds restrictions on US
vessels
The FMC launched its investigation in
December 2024 following reports that Spanish authorities had refused port
access to certain vessels, including ships participating in the US Maritime
Administration’s Maritime Security Program.
According to the Commission, its findings
confirmed that Spain had denied entry to US-flagged vessels, creating
unfavorable conditions for shipping in US foreign trade.
The regulator said these restrictions could
affect the efficiency and reliability of international maritime supply chains,
while also undermining efforts to support US exports and the American merchant
marine.
In response, the FMC is considering two sets
of measures. The first would impose a $200,000 fee on each voyage by a
Spanish-flagged vessel. The second would restrict imports of certain Spanish
goods.
Products potentially affected include
perfumes, cosmetics, oils and fats, ceramics, stone products, sugar and
confectionery.
Proposed measures remain under review
The FMC has invited public comments on the
proposed actions, including their potential impact on shipping and
international trade.
The Commission will also offer Spain an
opportunity for a hearing before determining how to proceed.
Neither the proposed vessel fees nor the
import restrictions have taken effect. Any final
measures will depend on the outcome of the regulatory process.
The case could have implications for maritime
trade between the United States and Spain, particularly if the proposed fees or
import restrictions are ultimately adopted.
Container
ship sinks near Strait of Hormuz
A Singapore-registered container ship has
sunk after being struck by an unknown projectile while transiting the Strait of
Hormuz, as reported by Singaporean authorities.
The 2,824 TEU GFS Pride sustained damage and
caught fire following the incident on 13 October. All 21 crew members were
safely evacuated, with no injuries reported.
The MPA said it was in contact with the
vessel’s management company and continued to monitor the situation. The ship is
managed by UAE-based GFS Ship Management FZE.
“MPA is deeply concerned about the continued attacks on commercial shipping in
the Strait of Hormuz,” the authority said.
“Such attacks are unprovoked, unjustifiable
and a breach of international law. All actions affecting international shipping
must fully comply with international law and must not endanger the safety of
seafarers and ships at sea,” it added.
A second Singapore-registered container ship,
GFS Giselle, was struck by an unknown projectile while transiting the strait on
14 October. The vessel sustained hull damage but reached a safe anchorage under
its own propulsion.
All 22 crew members aboard GFS Giselle were
reported safe, with no injuries. There were no Singaporean nationals aboard
either vessel.
Separately, the Antigua and Barbuda-flagged
dry bulk carrier Cape Dao was reportedly sinking near the strait after
sustaining damage in a projectile attack on 23 September, maritime security
sources told Reuters.
According to Reuters, attacks around the
strategic waterway have increased sharply over the past 10 days. The loss of
GFS Pride marks the second vessel to sink since the conflict involving Iran,
the United States and Israel began on 28 February, based on data from the
International Maritime Organization.
Before the conflict, approximately one-fifth
of global oil and liquefied natural gas trade passed through the Strait of
Hormuz.
Attacks
disrupt Saudi air cargo; China-Europe air rates slump
Multiple Houthi missile attacks on Saudi Arabia’s Riyadh airport since late last week mark another serious escalation of the Saudi – Houthi conflict. Saudi Arabia has promised retaliation for the deadly strikes which have shut down airport operations in Riyadh. Interceptions at the airport in Dammam and attacks on other airports have led to disruptions and cancellations at other hubs as well.
The Houthis sought to close the Bab el-Mandeb
Strait to Saudi-linked traffic in July, attacking several vessels into August
after nearly nine months of quiet. The current escalation may increase the
likelihood of renewed Red Sea strikes. Container carriers have nonetheless
gradually increased Asia – Europe Red Sea transits since June, which is one
factor – with a post-peak season slide in demand the bigger factor – to
uninterrupted spot rate decreases on these lanes since July.
Shippers and carriers on these trades are now
entering tendering season for 2027’s annual ocean contracts. This time last
year carriers reduced capacity and pushed through a series of Q4 GRIs to raise
the benchmark around which long term negotiations were based. Some carriers
have already announced October rate increases and Asia – Mediterranean prices
increased 7% to $3,800/FEU last week. But even with the rate decreases since
July, prices are still quite elevated at more than $3,000/FEU on both lanes and
are about 70% higher than they were last year, working in carriers’ favor even
without additional increases.
But current rate levels are partially being
supported by lingering congestion in N. Europe – though a strike at German
ports that could have made things worse was recently averted – and in the Far
East. Fleet growth through newbuild deliveries next year and the possibility
that Red Sea transits will continue to increase effective capacity in 2027 also
have some shippers expecting rate levels may ease next year, and hesitant to
lock in annual rates at current levels.
On the transpacific, sustained peak season
demand, together with Far East congestion, has kept container rates at about
peak levels since July, though Far East – US West Coast rates dipped 2% to
$8,150/FEU and could signal the start of a downward trend with Golden Week
behind us.
The latest National Retail Federation US
ocean import volume report projects November arrivals to drop 11% month on
month, suggesting that peak season is finally coming to an end and that we may
see rates ease until demand pressure from the pre-Lunar New Year rush kicks in
late this year or starting in January. Despite the extended peak season, NRF
projections would put year totals – which would approach the record set in 2021
– just 1.4% higher than 2025 and up 1.2% from 2024.
The attacks in Saudi Arabia are disrupting
air cargo flows in and out of the country for affected airports, with some
foreign carriers suspending services. But as Saudi Arabia – unlike some of the
other Gulf states – is not a major transhipment hub for the international air
cargo market, the closures may not be felt more broadly.
There are more indications of air cargo
freighter capacity shiftingaway from Asia – Europe trades as e-commerce volumes
slump, and toward lanes with stronger growth like AI-fueled transpacific.
Elevated fuel costs and overall strong global volume growth have the Freightos
Air Index global benchmark rate up 33% year on year and 29% higher than levels
before the Strait of Hormuz closure.
South East Asia – N. America rates are 40%
higher than last year and pre-war, reflecting the data center volume growth as
a component of the global rate. China – Europe prices meanwhile dipped to
$3.58/kg last week, down 9% compared to a year ago and up just 4% compared to
before the war, suggesting that even with capacity shifts, the drop in
e-commerce volumes may be dragging down rates for this lane.
Iraqi Line
returns to Gulf shipping after five decades
Iraq’s national maritime carrier, Iraqi Line,
is resuming commercial shipping operations in the Gulf following a suspension
of more than 50 years.
The first sailing to depart from Jebel Ali
Port in the United Arab Emirates for Umm Qasr Port in Iraq on 15 October 2026.
According to Iraq Business News, citing the
Iraqi Ministry of Transport, the return is intended to increase cargo flows
through Iraqi ports, support regional trade and expand the national carrier’s
presence across regional shipping routes.
The ministry said Iraqi cargo vessels last
operated in the region during the mid-1960s. The initiative was directed by
Transport Minister Wahab Salman Mohammed as part of broader plans to reactivate
Iraq’s national carriers and strengthen their role in transport and trade.
HMM
approves US$1.62 billion investment in 12 containerships
South Korean container shipping company HMM has approved a KRW 2.168 trillion (approximately US$1.62 billion) investment programme, with HD Hyundai, covering 12 containerships, as part of its efforts to strengthen its fleet and improve competitiveness.
According to a regulatory filing dated 15
October 2026, the investment was approved by the company’s Board of Directors
and includes eight newbuildings and four resale newbuildings, representing a
combined capacity of approximately 114,100 TEU.
Investment programme includes large and
smaller containerships. The programme comprises eight 13,000 TEU
containerships, three 2,800 TEU vessels and one 1,700 TEU ship.
The eight larger vessels account for 104,000
TEU of the planned capacity, while the four smaller vessels will contribute an
additional 10,100 TEU.
The smaller ships are classified as resale
newbuildings, meaning vessels acquired through resale arrangements rather than
conventional secondhand purchases of ships already in service.
According to the disclosure, the investment
represents approximately 8.16% of HMM’s equity, with the final vessel delivery
expected by December 2029.
HMM stated that the investment is intended to
reinforce its container shipping operations and enhance the competitiveness of
its fleet.
The announced investment amount and delivery
schedule may be subject to adjustments depending on final vessel specifications
and delivery arrangements.
The regulatory filing confirms approval of
the investment programme. However, the Board’s decision should not be
interpreted as confirmation that all individual shipbuilding and vessel
acquisition contracts have already been executed.
/// Air Cargo News
///
 India has taken a significant step to strengthen its standing in international air cargo with the operationalization of a new transshipment framework that allows eligible shipments to stay securely packed during transit, thereby removing the requirement for mandatory piece-level security re-screening at the connecting airport. Air India began the proof of concept (PoC) on the Chennai–Delhi–Frankfurt corridor on June 20, 2026. The government approved an expansion that could reach five Indian origins and three European destinations, adding to the potential reach of the initiative beyond the original pilot route, after encouraging results. The reform tackles a long-standing operational constraint in India’s ambition to be a global cargo hub: the extra time and handling involved when cargo arriving at an Indian airport has to be unpacked, screened piece-by-piece and reassembled before being transferred to an onward international flight. The updated process allows eligible cargo to remain safely packed in the same unit load device (ULD) for the duration of its journey, subject to prescribed security controls. The framework aims to speed up transfers while maintaining security and improving cargo integrity by reducing the need to break down and rebuild shipments at Delhi. The initial results suggest that the changes could make a material difference to the competitiveness of Indian cargo connections. Air India reported that average daily cargo volumes on the Chennai–Delhi–Frankfurt corridor increased from 2.2 metric tonnes to 4.5 tonnes during the pilot period. Between June20 and August 20, the airline transported 300 tonnes of cargo from Chennai to Frankfurt through Delhi. More significantly for freight forwarders and shippers, average cargo connection times at Delhi fell from 36–48 hours to between five and eight hours. Air India's Flown-as-Booked performance also improved from 76 percent to 100 percent, with the airline reporting no cargo loss or damage during transit. Freight forwarders, including DHL, Dachser, DVS and Kuehne+Nagel provided positive feedback on their experience. The results point to benefits beyond faster transfers. More predictable connections can improve shipment planning, reduce uncertainty for customers and help airlines make better use of available belly-hold capacity. The pilot was authorized by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), which is using the exercise to validate the revised process as the supporting infrastructure is progressively developed. Following government approval, Air India is extending the framework to eligible shipments originating in Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad and Mumbai, connecting through Delhi to Copenhagen, Frankfurt and London Heathrow. The expansion links several of India's major manufacturing, technology and commercial centres with important European cargo markets. It also gives freight forwarders additional opportunities to route shipments through an Indian gateway rather than relying exclusively on established transshipment centers overseas. The government has identified domestic-to-international transfers as the immediate focus. The longer-term plan envisages extending the framework to international-to-domestic movements and international-to-international transshipment through Indian airports, subject to regulatory approvals. This could result in a significant increase in the cargo flows managed by India. However, the scale and timing of that expansion will depend on regulatory clearances, infrastructure readiness and the ability of airlines and ground handlers to maintain consistent operating standards. Air India estimates that Delhi alone could attract more than two million tonnes of additional annual transshipment cargo across more than 95 addressable international air cargo corridors. That figure represents potential rather than traffic already secured. Capturing such volumes would require competitive schedules, sufficient handling capacity, dependable connections and close coordination between airlines, airport operators, security agencies, customs authorities and freight forwarders. For India, the opportunity is to turn its substantial domestic cargo market and geographical position between East and West into a more effective international connecting network. The new framework could also benefit e-commerce operators, warehousing providers, ground handlers and other logistics businesses by making cargo movements through Indian airports faster and more predictable. The Chennai pilot has demonstrated what can be achieved on one corridor. The expanded network will test whether those gains can be replicated across more origins and destinations, while preserving the security controls on which the reform depends. If the model can be scaled reliably, it could help India compete more effectively for cargo currently routed through overseas hubs. The challenge now is to turn a successful proof of concept into a consistent, nationwide transshipment capability. Tirthankar Ghosh |
UPS Opens Clark
Hub to Process Up to 46,000 Packages Daily
Global logistics company UPS has opened a new hub at Clark International Airport in the Philippines, with the facility capable of handling up to 46,000 packages daily. The development is expected to strengthen the company’s parcel processing capacity and support growing logistics demand in the region.
The
new hub will enhance package sorting and handling operations, helping UPS
improve shipment processing efficiency and connectivity for businesses relying
on international express delivery services.
Clark
International Airport, located in Pampanga, is an important aviation and
logistics gateway in the Philippines. Its strategic location and airport
infrastructure offer opportunities for logistics providers to improve cargo
movement and expand their regional networks.
The
facility’s daily processing capacity could support e-commerce shipments,
business to business deliveries and time-sensitive international consignments.
Efficient parcel handling is increasingly important as online retail and
cross-border trade generate demand for faster and more reliable delivery
services.
The
investment also highlights the growing importance of modern logistics
infrastructure in supporting the Philippines role in regional supply chains.
Advanced sorting capabilities and efficient airport operations can help reduce
processing delays and improve shipment visibility.
With
the new hub, UPS aims to strengthen its operational capabilities in the market
and better serve businesses requiring dependable domestic and international
shipping solutions.
Bengaluru Airport
Signs MoU with Vancouver International Airport
Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Vancouver International Airport (YVR) in Canada to explore opportunities for collaboration and strengthen international aviation cooperation.
The
partnership is expected to provide a platform for both airports to exchange
knowledge, share operational best practices and explore opportunities to
improve airport management and passenger experience.
Bengaluru
Airport is one of India’s major aviation hubs, serving growing passenger and
cargo traffic and supporting the country’s expanding technology and business
sectors. Vancouver International Airport is a key gateway to Canada and an
important link between North America and international markets across the
Asia-Pacific region.
Co-operation
between the two airports could facilitate the exchange of expertise in areas
such as airport operations, digital transformation, sustainability, passenger
services and cargo development, depending on the scope of future initiatives.
The
agreement also reflects the growing importance of international airport
partnerships in addressing shared challenges and improving operational
efficiency amid rising global air travel demand.
For
India’s aviation sector, such collaborations offer opportunities to learn from
international airport operators and strengthen global industry connections.
Bengaluru’s expanding role as a business technology and logistics sector makes
inter-national cooperation increasingly relevant to its long term development.
My Freighter Wins
Approval to Expand into the UK
My Freighter has secured approval to operate in the United Kingdom, marking a step forward in the company's international expansion plans and opening opportunities to serve customers in the UK air cargo market.
The
approval is expected to support the company's efforts to develop its presence
in a key global logistics market. The UK plays an important role in
international air freight, with demand driven by e-commerce, manufacturing,
pharmaceuticals, high-value goods and cross-border trade.
Regulatory
approval is an important milestone for air cargo operators seeking to establish
or expand services in overseas markets. It enables companies to pursue eligible
operations in accordance with applicable requirements, while building
relationships with airlines, freight forwarders, cargo agents and other supply
chain partners.
The
UK market offers access to established cargo infrastructure and connections to
major international trade routes. For logistics providers, operating in the
market can create opportunities to support businesses requiring reliable
movement of goods between the UK and overseas destinations.
My
Freighter’s approval comes amid continuing changes in the air cargo industry,
where operators are adapting to e-commerce growth, shifting trade partners and
customer demand for flexible transportation solutions. Expanding into new
markets can help companies broaden their service networks and diversify their
customer base.
The
commercial impact of the approval will depend on the scope of the
authorisation, the services introduced and the company’s operational plans.
Details regarding launch dates, routes, capacity and specific cargo services
were not included in the information provided.
The
approval nevertheless represents a significant development for My Freighter as
it seeks to expand its international footprint and explore opportunities in the
UK logistics sector.
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.
Comments
Post a Comment