Monthly Supply Chain Report

U.S. Section 232 metal tariffs restructured: 50% on semi-finished, 25% on derivatives, tariff base widened to full product value. A U.S. executive order signed by President Donald Trump and effective April 6, 2026 restructured Section 232 tariffs on aluminum, steel and copper: 50% duty applies to semi-finished products and 25% to metal-intensive derivatives (appliances, trucks, silverware, railway cars); the rate drops to 10% when 95%+ of the metal content is U.S.-sourced and goods are exempt if metal content is 15% or less by weight; copper was included in the framework for the first time; Cato Institute analysts said the change "will likely raise actual dollar costs for most importers."

In the same period, Fuel tanker blast shuts Panama Canal bridge. Serious disruption on the Atlantic–Pacific link.

Elsewhere, Marine insurers await clarity on Iran ceasefire. Skuld and DNK warn on Hormuz navigation risk.

Then, US counter-strikes close Strait of Hormuz. Bunker fuel shortages loom; global tanker flow disrupted.

Continuing on, Bullet attack on US-flag tanker at Bahrain port. Gulf security back in the spotlight.

Meanwhile, Drone attack halts operations at Salalah port. Oman's largest transhipment port temporarily shut.

Shortly after, Dutch inland vessel Sola Gratia sinks at Royers Lock near Antwerp. On the night of April 17-18, 2026, the 86-metre Dutch inland vessel Sola Gratia sank at the Royers Lock near Antwerp after colliding with mooring posts while carrying about 1,600 tonnes of sand; the crew was rescued before the ship went fully under; the wreck lay at about 15 metres depth at low tide on the River Scheldt and was raised on May 3, 2026 by Multraship Salvage and Herbosch-Kiere; the incident underlined how maritime safety, supply-chain flows and port operations remain tightly intertwined along the Scheldt, one of Europe's busiest inland logistics corridors.

On another front, Worm-like supply chain attack on NPM: malicious code in 16 Namastex packages. Reported by Socket and StepSecurity; the attack targets SSH, K8s, LLM tokens and MetaMask/Phantom wallets, going cross-platform via PyPI.

In parallel, Lufthansa cancels 20,000 flights over the Iran war. The German carrier is cutting capacity to save 40,000 tonnes of jet fuel.

Around the same time, India raises approved Russian ship insurers from 8 to 11. India's move preserves Russian tanker port access and keeps oil flowing.

In the same period, Red Sea ship ablaze, abandoned after Yemen-area attack. Crew rescued; vessel drifts in flames.

Elsewhere, Greek-interest container ship hit by gunfire off Oman. Armed intervention in waters close to the Iranian coast.

Then, Houthis attack Netherlands-flagged ship in Gulf of Aden. Attack wave spreads to the southern Red Sea.

Continuing on, Jaguar Land Rover production paralysed by cyberattack. UK vehicle output down 27%; supplier network hit in cascade.

Meanwhile, US cuts EU auto tariffs to 15%. Transatlantic trade deal terms firmed up.

Shortly after, GSSA signs MoU with EARTH & LIFE SYMBIO on responsible supply chain governance. Signed at the WBCSD-Alibaba Green Supply Chain Forum during Shanghai Climate Week 2026, the MoU targets the green transformation of the global solar-storage value chain.

On another front, Med Beykoz container ship suffers engine failure in Çanakkale Strait. Tugs intervened to prevent traffic disruption; transits continued without delay.

In parallel, CENTCOM turns back 37 Iranian shadow-fleet vessels. US Central Command turned back 37 vessels including MV Sevan as sanctions enforcement intensifies.

Around the same time, Akar Deniz acquires two chemical tankers from Maersk Tankers. Turkish operator picked up Bro Nuuk and Bro Nissum tankers from the Maersk Tankers fleet.

In the same period, Worker Galip Avcı killed at Aliağa ship recycling yard. Another worker died at Aliağa breaking yards; industry safety concerns mount.

Elsewhere, White House issues a 90-day Jones Act waiver extension. The original 60-day waiver took effect March 18; extension applies from May 18 onwards. 40+ tankers used the waiver, lifting inter-port U.S. capacity 70%+.

Then, Union Pacific signs seven-year steel rail deal with Rocky Mountain Steel, drops Nebraska lawsuit. CEO Jim Vena sealed a seven-year domestic steel rail contract with the Atlas Holdings-owned Pueblo mill; a $1B long-rail line will produce 328-foot rails; USW International President Roxanne Brown backed the deal.

Continuing on, Container vessel KAPPA ran aground off Yenikoy in the Istanbul Strait after a rudder failure. Inbound from the Black Sea to Izmit, container ship KAPPA grounded only meters from waterfront yalı houses off Sariyer Yenikoy; KEGM refloated her under Istanbul VTS coordination using tugs KURTARMA-5, KURTARMA-6 and KURTARMA-8.

Meanwhile, South Korea unifies shipbuilding and shipping under a single national strategy via the W.A.V.E. council. Chaired by Minister Hwang Jong-woo with HD Hyundai, Hanwha, Samsung Heavy, HMM and Pan Ocean; the three majors, Korea Gas Corporation and KSA signed an LNG transport MOU; a 600 billion won (~$407M) AI autonomous-vessel programme was approved.

Shortly after, South Korea binds shipbuilding and shipping under the W.A.V.E. national strategy. At the Seoul council launch, three major shipbuilders + KOGAS + Korea Shipowners' Association signed an LNG MOU; KRW 600B ($407M) confirmed for AI fully autonomous vessel R&D.

On another front, Idemitsu Maru becomes the first Japanese supertanker to exit Hormuz since the Iran war. Carrying 2M barrels of Saudi crude, the VLCC operated by Idemitsu Kosan cleared the Gulf on April 28 via Tehran's approved northern route, ETA Nagoya May 18.

In parallel, Honda Türkiye opens a 100,000-unit motorcycle factory at İzmir Aliağa OIZ. PCX 125cc is the first model, 100,000 m² site; single-shift output 100,000 units, scaling to 200,000 with a second shift; initial employment 300, target 750-800.

Around the same time, North Korea's Void Dokkaebi (Famous Chollima) runs a self-propagating supply chain attack via VS Code. Per Trend Micro: fake job interviews compromised 750+ repositories, 500+ malicious VS Code configurations, commit-tampering injected into 101 repos; DEV#POPPER RAT delivered.

In the same period, CENTCOM boards commercial vessel M/V Blue Star III in the Sea of Oman. US Marines boarded on suspicion of breaching the Iran blockade; the vessel was released after no Iranian port was found on its route. 39 vessels rerouted in total.

Elsewhere, UAE announces withdrawal from OPEC and OPEC+ effective May 1, 2026. Announced via WAM, the move signals "full flexibility" from the third-largest producer amid the Hormuz blockade and shakes OPEC+ quota discipline.

Then, Schmitz Cargobull moves to take 100% of Berger Fahrzeugtechnik. Schmitz Cargobull, holding 49% since 2024, will acquire the remaining shares pending competition approval, consolidating Austrian and German manufacturing under one owner.

Continuing on, KAPPA container ship grounds off Yeniköy after rudder failure. The 148-metre vessel sailing from Russia to Kocaeli halted meters from a mansion; KEGM tugs refloated her.

Meanwhile, 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.

Shortly after, 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.

On another front, 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.

In parallel, 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.

Around the same time, 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.

In the same period, 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.

Elsewhere, 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.

Then, 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.

Continuing on, 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.

Meanwhile, 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.

Shortly after, 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.

On another front, 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.

In parallel, Turkish Competition Authority fines dietary supplement brand Orzaks ~TRY 35.68 million. The Authority ruled that Orzaks restricted competition by limiting pharmacies' online sales; the probe covered alleged purchase obligations, mandatory bundling and discount policies that constrained rival product visibility; Orzaks committed to discontinuing shelf support and meal-voucher support for D vitamins and applying objective criteria across pharmacies.

Around the same time, Subsea 7 and OneSubsea sign FEED deal for Equinor's $12 billion Bay du Nord project. Subsea Integration Alliance will mature the subsea architecture for the Bay du Nord field off Newfoundland and Labrador; together with BW Offshore's FPSO FEED, the contract is read as a parallel package accelerating the project toward final investment decision.

In the same period, US CENTCOM: 42nd commercial vessel turned back in Iran blockade, 69m barrels stranded on 41 tankers. Admiral Brad Cooper said the 42nd commercial vessel attempting to break the blockade has been turned back; 69 million barrels of Iranian oil sit unsold across 41 tankers, costing Tehran more than $6 billion in lost revenue.

Elsewhere, Ukraine strikes sanctioned Marquise tanker in the Black Sea with MBEC kamikaze drones. The 37,662 dwt product tanker was hit at the stern by two MBEC kamikaze drones while waiting some 210 km off Tuapse for an STS transfer; on sanctions lists since 2023, Marquise typifies Russia's "shadow fleet" parallel transport network.

Then, PSA International invests in Xiamen Container Terminal Group to expand China footprint. The Singaporean port operator has secured a stake in the eight-terminal group with annual designed capacity of about 20m TEU and will further increase its investment in the Xiamen Port Intermodal Logistics Hub, deepening its Fujian footprint.

Continuing on, North Star acquires 4 SOVs from Edda Wind, growing offshore wind fleet to 14 vessels. The UK owner has taken over the high-spec SOVs Goelo Enabler, Boreas Enabler, Nordri Enabler and Sudri Enabler with their charter parties and 160 offshore roles, becoming the world's largest offshore infrastructure service provider by fleet size.

Meanwhile, OMSAN Lojistik signs fresh 5-year contract for Renault Morocco vehicle logistics. Effective 16 March 2026, the new five-year contract extends the more-than-50-year partnership and keeps OMSAN running Renault's Morocco vehicle transport operation; OMSAN won the original tender in 2020 and a three-year extension in 2023.

Shortly after, Fincantieri takes 51% controlling stake in Albania naval JV with KAYO. The Pashaliman-based JV will deliver vessels to the Albanian Navy and pursue export work; the 2026-2030 industrial plan targets around 10 unit deliveries, with Fincantieri retaining prime-contractor status on export units below 80 metres.

On another front, Sweden formally confiscates bulk carrier Caffa over Ukraine sanctions list link. Identified as flying a false Guinean flag and listed on Ukraine's sanctions register, the Caffa was detained near Trelleborg on March 6 and has now been formally confiscated at a foreign state's request; ten of its eleven crew are Russian nationals.

In parallel, Norwind Offshore doubles fleet by acquiring six CSOVs from Edda Wind. Closed in partnership with Navigare Capital Partners, the deal adds six next-generation Vard 4 25 and SALT 0217 service operation vessels to Norwind's fleet; Edda Wind's remaining SOV is set to change hands in Q4 2026.

Around the same time, BW Offshore signs FEED agreement with Equinor for the Bay du Nord FPSO project. The FEED for the project offshore Newfoundland and Labrador formalises BW Offshore as preferred FPSO supplier, with a final investment decision pointed at 2027 and the FPSO designed for 200,000 bopd capacity.

In the same period, ABS acquires industrial cybersecurity and risk management firm RMC Global. Closed via ABSG Consulting, the deal expands the maritime classification society's capacity in critical infrastructure protection and cyber resilience.