US Challenges Adani’s Cargo Shift to Navi Mumbai, Citing Treaty Breach

The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has objected to Adani Group’s directive to shift cargo operations from Mumbai International Airport to the upcoming Navi Mumbai International Airport, reported Bloomberg. The objection stems from possible violations of the US‑India Air Transport Agreement, which guarantees reciprocal rights for carriers of both countries.

The DOT has written to India’s civil aviation ministry, seeking clarification on whether the relocation aligns with treaty obligations. At issue is the potential disruption to established logistics networks and the restriction of treaty‑protected access to Mumbai’s primary hub.

At the heart of the dispute is Adani’s expanding control over India’s aviation infrastructure. With Adani Airport Holdings managing Mumbai and building Navi Mumbai, foreign carriers fear reduced operational flexibility and rising costs.

FedEx is the only US cargo airline directly affected by Adani’s relocation plan. Other carriers, including UPS and DHL, don’t operate freighters from Mumbai or fall outside the scope of the US–India aviation treaty

According to BusinessLine, the DOT’s communication in March 2026 argued that Adani Airport Holdings Ltd.’s push to relocate freighters could breach the bilateral agreement. The letter warned that compelling American carriers to move might prompt the US to consider countermeasures under the treaty.

Adani’s directive requires freight operators to shift to Navi Mumbai between August 2026 and May 2027, citing refurbishment works at the existing Mumbai airport.

The issue carries wider implications for India‑US relations. If the US deems the relocation a breach, it could retaliate by restricting Indian carriers’ rights in the American market. For India, the challenge lies in balancing Adani’s infrastructure ambitions with international treaty commitments, ensuring that cargo operators retain fair access as Navi Mumbai comes online.

Bloomberg reports that the US Department of Transportation (DOT) has formally objected to Adani Group’s plan to shift cargo operations from Mumbai International Airport to Navi Mumbai International Airport, citing potential violations of the US‑India Air Transport Agreement. The report highlights that the dispute could escalate into broader aviation tensions between the two countries.

Key Points from Bloomberg’s Coverage

• DOT’s Objection: Bloomberg notes that the DOT wrote to India’s civil aviation ministry in March 2026, warning that Adani’s directive to relocate freighters could breach the bilateral Air Transport Agreement.
• FedEx’s Role: While FedEx is mentioned as the only US cargo airline currently operating out of Mumbai, Bloomberg frames the issue more broadly as a challenge to American carriers’ treaty‑protected rights.
• Adani’s Directive: Freight operators have been instructed to shift to Navi Mumbai between August 2026 and May 2027, citing refurbishment works at Mumbai International Airport.
• Potential Consequences: Bloomberg emphasizes that if the US deems the relocation a breach, it could retaliate by restricting Indian carriers’ rights in the American market, raising the risk of bilateral aviation tensions.

Broader Implications

• Adani’s Control: The report underscores concerns about Adani Airport Holdings’ growing influence, as it manages Mumbai and is building Navi Mumbai, potentially reducing operational flexibility for foreign carriers.
• India‑US Relations: Bloomberg frames the dispute as more than a logistics issue — it is a test of India’s ability to balance private infrastructure ambitions with international treaty commitments.

Bottom Line: Bloomberg portrays the dispute as a high‑stakes aviation and diplomatic issue. While FedEx triggered the DOT’s objection, the report stresses that the controversy is about protecting US carriers’ treaty rights and could lead to retaliatory measures against Indian airlines if unresolved.

APM Terminals Pipavav Signs Key Contracts to Advance Liquid Cargo Jetty, Reinforcing Gujarat’s Maritime Vision

In a firm step toward fulfilling its commitment made at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit 2024, APM Terminals Pipavav has formalised two significant contracts to accelerate the construction of a dedicated liquid cargo jetty (Berth 6), solidifying its role in India’s maritime growth story.

APM Terminals Pipavav has signed a contract with L&T Geostructure Pvt. Ltd. for the construction of the new liquid jetty and related marine infrastructure. In parallel, Van Oord India Pvt. Ltd. has been engaged for capital dredging and reclamation works essential to the project’s execution.

The signing ceremony was held in the presence of Shri Rajkumar Beniwal, IAS, Vice Chairman & CEO of the Gujarat Maritime Board, at GIFT City, Gandhinagar, emphasizing the State’s continued support for port-led development and infrastructure expansion.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Girish Aggarwal, Managing Director, APM Terminals Pipavav, said, “APM Terminals Pipavav remains committed to the Gujarat, its people, and its progress. The signing of these strategic contracts is a reflection of our intent to transform investment into impact. With the continued support of the Gujarat Maritime Board, we are advancing infrastructure that not only strengthens the state’s maritime capabilities but also fulfils the vision we set forth at the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit.”

The upcoming liquid jetty is expected to significantly boost the port’s capabilities in handling diversified cargo, while also improving service reliability and future-proofing operations. Beyond infrastructure, the project is poised to generate employment, attract industrial investments, and catalyse regional development around the Pipavav Port corridor.

APM Terminals Pipavav is one of India’s leading gateway ports for containers, dry bulk cargoes, liquid bulk, and RoRo with excellent connectivity to the India’s northwest hinterland through rail and road network. The current annual cargo handling capacity includes 1.35 million TEUs of containers, 4 million metric tons of dry bulk, with a dedicated liquid berth coming up the capacity will be increased to 5.2 million metric tons of liquid bulk and 250,000 passenger cars. APM Terminals Pipavav is India’s first public private partnership (PPP) port and the first port to be connected to the DFC in India and is a part of the APM Terminals global terminal network.

Air India Becomes the 1st Indian Airline Certified for Good Distribution Practices (GDP)

Air India, India’s leading global airline, has been awarded the Good Distribution Practices (GDP) certification for its Cargo business, reinforcing its commitment to delivering world-class logistics solutions for pharmaceutical products.

Air India is the first and only Indian carrier, and among a few in Asia, to have achieved this global standard for excellence in handling, storage, and transportation of time and temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical shipments.

The GDP certification validates Air India’s compliance with international guidelines for the safe and secure distribution of pharmaceuticals. In the financial year 2024-25, Air India transported over 4,000 tonnes of pharmaceuticals across the globe.

“India is one of the world’s key exporters of pharmaceutical products, demanding specialised logistics and precision for their transportation to other parts of the world. This certification provides a shot in the arm to our expertise and capabilities in this specialised space of logistics, assuring partners globally that we are fully equipped to safeguard the integrity of every shipment,” said Ramesh Mamidala, Head of Cargo, Air India.

In its domestic route network, Air India’s GDP-certified stations include major cargo hubs in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Indore, and Goa. Internationally, the certificate covers major gateways like New York (JFK), Newark (EWR), Chicago, London Heathrow, Frankfurt, Paris, and Amsterdam - ensuring seamless connectivity for pharmaceutical shipments both within India and globally.

Strengthening its ability to transport vaccines, biologics, and other high-value medical goods, Air India has made significant investments in enhancing its pharmaceutical handling capabilities, including:

• Partnering with GDP or CEIV-certified Cargo Terminal Operators at key airports
• Joining hands with container solution providers offering both active and passive temperature-controlled solutions
• Specialised trainings for cargo staff on IATA’s Temperature Control Regulations (TCR)
• Procurement of essential equipment and tools such as thermal blankets and the introduction of a cool dolly at Delhi airport to minimise temperature deviations
• Robust Quality Systems: End-to-end documentation and monitoring processes to guarantee traceability and compliance with global standards.

Air India’s GDP certification was awarded following a rigorous audit that included checks for quality manuals for pharmaceuticals, temperature-controlled warehouse and equipment, change control systems, documentation systems and processes, Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA) protocols, hygiene, safety and environment, as well as several assessments for risks and deviation management, etc.

With a fast-modernising fleet and expanding global connectivity, Air India is poised to meet the evolving needs of the pharmaceutical sector while contributing to India’s ambition to become a leading air cargo hub.

Wipro and Menzies Aviation Expand Partnership to Roll-Out MACH Cargo Management System to 28 New Stations in 2025

Wipro and Menzies Aviation have indeed expanded their partnership to roll out the Menzies Aviation Cargo Handling (MACH) system to 28 new locations by 2025. This innovative cargo management system has already been deployed at 24 locations across four continents, with an additional 13 airports set to go live soon.

The MACH system, which was launched in November 2023, has revolutionized operations at major airports like Auckland Airport (AKL), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), and O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), managing over 150,000 tonnes of cargo. It provides real-time data insights, enhances accessibility, and improves operational efficiency through its cloud-based architecture.

This expansion is a testament to the successful collaboration between Wipro and Menzies Aviation, leveraging advanced automation and real-time data integration to handle more shipments with fewer resources.

MACH seamlessly integrates with other systems helping to simplify and standardise all processes. An integral part of the cargo management ecosystem, it improves data accuracy as all electronic information is populated automatically across the system.

Rory Fidler, SVP Cargo Technology, Menzies Aviation, said: “We are very excited to confirm the second phase of the MACH roll-out, which will see the system implemented at an additional 28 locations across the world. The first phase of the programme will be completed over the coming months, which is testament to the successful offering, and sharing the multiple benefits of this pioneering and cutting-edge system to our airline customers across our global network.”

Omkar Nisal, UKI Managing Director, Wipro Limited, said: “Leveraging advanced automation, real-time data integration, and streamlined workflows, our solution is helping Menzies handle more shipments with fewer resources, leading to cost savings and faster turnaround times. Through real-time data integration, Menzies is now able to have better visibility into the supply chain, allowing them to identify and resolve issues promptly, thus ensuring timely deliveries and customer satisfaction. We are committed to continually raising the bar on our work for Menzies and bringing these leading technology solutions to the broader Cargo industry.”

Tata Steel Becomes the 1st Indian Steel Co. to Ship Fully Loaded Cargo on B24 Biofuel for Its Raw Material Shipment From Australia to India

Tata Steel has recently announced that it has become the first Indian steel company to complete a full laden leg voyage using B24 biofuel for transporting raw materials from Australia to India.

B24 biofuel is a sustainable marine fuel blend that consists of 24% used cooking oil methyl ester (UCOME) and 76% very low-sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO) 1. This blend is increasingly being used in the maritime sector as a 'plug-and- play' solution to reduce carbon emissions while the industry transitions to lower or zero- carbon alternatives.

This significant achievement by Tata Steel involved importing 1,48,500 metric tons of coal from Gladstone, Australia to Paradip, India, with a 20% reduction in carbon emissions compared to traditional methods.

The vessel, MV Cape XL, embarked on this journey from Gladstone port on April 17, 2024, and successfully berthed at Kalinga International Coal Terminal Paradip Private Ltd. (KICTPPL) on May 8, 2024. The use of B24-grade biofuel, which is a blend of 24% used cooking oil methyl ester (UCOME) and 76% very low sulphur fuel oil (VLSFO), resulted in approximately 565 tons less carbon emission.

This initiative not only demonstrates Tata Steel's commitment to reducing carbon emissions but also sets a new standard for sustainability in the maritime industry. It aligns with the company's ambitious Scope 3 reduction targets and marks a milestone in India's maritime sector. Tata Steel's proactive approach towards sustainable shipping practices is commendable and showcases their alignment with global efforts to combat climate change.

Impact on Tata Steel's overall carbon footprint

Tata Steel's use of B24 biofuel for its raw material shipment is a significant step towards reducing its overall carbon footprint. The company has set ambitious sustainability goals, including a 30% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 and a 75% reduction by around 2035, with the ultimate goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2045.

The successful voyage using B24 biofuel, which resulted in a 20% reduction in carbon emissions for that shipment, contributes to these targets¹. By adopting greener shipping practices and investing in sustainable technologies, Tata Steel is actively working to lower the emission intensity of its steel production.

Moreover, Tata Steel is exploring the transition to green hydrogen-based steel making and other innovative technologies to further reduce emissions³. The company's commitment to climate action is also reflected in its endorsement of the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).

Overall, such initiatives are critical for Tata Steel to meet its carbon footprint reduction targets and align with global efforts to combat climate change. The impact of these measures is expected to be substantial, considering Tata Steel's scale and the steel industry's significant contribution to global CO2 emissions.

Adani Group Gets Govt Nod for India's First TransShipment Port in Kerala

Adani Group's Vizhinjam Port in Kerala has received approval to operate as India's first transshipment port. This port facilitates the transfer of cargo between ships and aims to tap into India's transshipment cargo, which is currently handled by foreign ports like Colombo.

The shipping ministry has given its nod for Vizhinjam Port to function as India's first transshipment port, reported Economic Times. 

The shipping ministry's approval allows customs to establish an office at Vizhinjam Port. The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) is expected to provide the final nod within the next three months.

A transshipment port acts as a transit hub where cargo from one ship is transferred to another ship on its way to the final destination. Mostly transshipment happens to transfer smaller cargos on to bigger mother ships which saves shipment cost and time. Since all the ports in the world are not directly linked, transshipment ports are needed.

The project started in 2015 with the goal of completing the ₹7,700 crore deepwater seaport by 2019. However, it is now expected to start operations in the current financial year.

Vizhinjam Port boasts advanced infrastructure and can handle large vessels.

In its initial phase, the port's capacity is set at one million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs), with plans to expand further in subsequent phases. Large-scale automation ensures quick turnaround of vessels, and the port is equipped to handle Megamax containerships, which are currently the largest in operation globally.

Significances of Vizhinjam Port

Nearly 75% of India's transshipment cargo is currently handled by ports outside the country, including Colombo, Singapore, and Klang. By establishing Vizhinjam as a transshipment hub, India aims to retain a share of the more than a million containers transshipped annually through foreign Ports.

The vision for Vizhinjam Port is to be the preferred international transshipment gateway on the Indian subcontinent, known for operational excellence, industry leadership, and sustainability.

Leveraging cutting-edge infrastructure and technology, the port aims to boost India's blue economy and foster inclusive growth. With this development, Vizhinjam Port is set to become India's first full-fledged deepwater transshipment port.

The Port

Adani Group's Vizhinjam Port represents a significant milestone in India's maritime infrastructure, enhancing its capacity to handle transshipment cargo and reducing reliance on foreign ports.

Vizhinjam International Transhipment Deepwater Multipurpose Seaport, also known as the Adani Vizhinjam Port, is an ambitious project located near Kerala's capital, Thiruvananthapuram.

The Vizhinjam Port is designed primarily to cater to container transshipment along with multi- purpose and break bulk cargo. It operates under a landlord model with a Public Private Partnership (PPP) component, where the private partner is Adani Vizhinjam Port Private Limited.

Vizhinjam enjoys inherent locational advantages due to its proximity to the busy international shipping route connecting Europe, the Persian Gulf, and the Far East. It is strategically positioned on the East-West axis, which handles a substantial portion of global maritime trade.

The port's natural depth of 18 meters close to the shore requires no capital dredging, making it suitable for hosting ultra-large container ships with drafts of 20 meters or more. Its curvilinear coast helps mitigate tsunami impact, and minimal erosion reduces maintenance costs.