Daily Supply Chain Report

Otokar (Koç Holding) acquires 96.77% of Romania's Automecanica SA for €85 million. The 140,000 m² Mediaș plant was upgraded to NATO standards, securing an EU-soil COBRA II armored vehicle production base; the assembly line is targeted for June.

In the same period, US Navy awards HII Ingalls a $283 million contract for the FF(X) frigate program. Following the December 2025 cancellation of four Constellation-class frigates, the Navy operationalized its decision to base the next-generation frigate on the Legend-class design with a lead yard support contract; the first ship is targeted for the water by 2028.

Elsewhere, Zephyr Prosper tanker suffers engine failure in the Dardanelles, two-way traffic suspended. The 274-metre crude oil tanker en route from Russia to Kocaeli broke down off Kilitbahir; tugs KURTARMA-10, -18, -19 and -20 escorted her safely to anchor at Şevketiye, with Strait traffic temporarily suspended in both directions.

Then, CargoBeamer takes over Kaldenkirchen intermodal terminal operations in Germany. Semi-trailer specialist CargoBeamer has assumed terminal operations at Kaldenkirchen on the German-Dutch border and is building its own horizontal-transfer terminal on the same site; Domodossola in Italy is the next target.

Continuing on, Berg Propulsion signs full propulsion package contract for 8,000-DWT chemical tanker at Akdeniz Shipyard. The RINA-classed tanker for Transka Tankers, designed by Norden Design House Türkiye, is set for February 2027 delivery; the contract reinforces Turkish yards' role in the specialised chemical tanker segment.

Meanwhile, Port of Antwerp-Bruges merges RX/SeaPort and NxtPort into a single RX/NxtPort digital platform. Shareholders of RX/SeaPort, the Port of Antwerp-Bruges and private port federation APZI agreed on principles for merging the two digital platforms under RX/NxtPort, consolidating customs processes and port community applications.

Shortly after, Besiktas Shipping signs $105M deal with Scorpio Tankers for three MR tankers. Turkish owner Yavuz Kalkavan acquired half of NYSE-listed Scorpio's six-ship package — 49,000 dwt sister ships STI Aqua, STI Regina and STI Opera — pushing the controlled fleet to 39 vessels.

On another front, Mercedes-Benz signs multi-year EV battery supply deal with Samsung SDI. Joo Sun Choi (Samsung SDI), Ola Källenius and Jörg Burzer (Mercedes-Benz) signed in South Korea; high-nickel NCM cells will power upcoming compact and mid-size electric SUVs and coupes; the firms also plan joint development of next-generation cells.

In parallel, Mobile harbor crane destroyed by fire at JBS Terminais inside the Port of Itajaí. A 9:30 PM April 25 blaze fed by 12,000 liters of fuel was extinguished with 30,000 liters of water; no injuries; the crane was part of a $42M terminal modernization.

Around the same time, AD Ports Group and AZCON Holding sign MoU on Azerbaijan corridor ports, shipping and logistics. Signed by Abdulaziz Zayed AlShamsi (AD Ports Regional CEO) and Vugar Mirzazada (AZCON Deputy ED); follows the UAE-Azerbaijan CEPA that entered into force on 15 April 2026.

In the same period, Rhenus completes full acquisition of LBH Global Agencies, taking 100% ownership. The 2023 partnership concludes as the Lagendijk family stake transfers to Rhenus; LBH (24 countries) integrates into Rhenus Maritime Services.

Elsewhere, Dee4 Capital Partners Fund II buys its second ultramax for ~$29M. The 60,500 dwt Only You — 2017 Sanoyas-built — was acquired from Alpha Omega and renamed Dee4 Pine; the fund deepens its Japanese-built tonnage play.