Weekly Supply Chain Report

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%+.

In the same period, 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.

Elsewhere, 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.

Then, 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.

Continuing on, 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.

Meanwhile, 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.

Shortly after, 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.

On another front, 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 parallel, 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.

Around the same time, 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.

In the same period, 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.

Elsewhere, 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.

Then, 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.

Continuing on, 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.

Meanwhile, 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.

Shortly after, 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.

On another front, 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 parallel, 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.

Around the same time, 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.

In the same period, 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.

Elsewhere, 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.

Then, 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.

Continuing on, 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.

Meanwhile, 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.

Shortly after, 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.

On another front, 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 parallel, 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.

Around the same time, 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.

In the same period, 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.

Elsewhere, 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.

Then, 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.

Continuing on, 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.

Meanwhile, 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.

Shortly after, 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.

On another front, 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 parallel, 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.

Around the same time, Falcon Copper and Glencore International sign MoU for up to 1.6 million tonnes per annum of copper concentrate and an Arizona smelting facility to bolster the U.S. supply chain. Falcon Copper and Glencore International signed a non-exclusive MoU to strengthen the U.S. critical-minerals supply chain; Glencore will deliver up to 1.6 million tonnes per annum of copper concentrate to Falcon's planned smelting and refining facilities, with Falcon acting as operator or investor and Glencore providing capital, logistics, marketing and offtake; Falcon's Arizona smelting project sits at the center of a U.S. push to rebuild domestic copper midstream capacity, following Glencore's March 2026 binding nickel offtake from the Centaurus Jaguar project in Brazil.

In the same period, US targets Iran-China oil pipeline in dual sanctions on Qingdao Haiye terminal and Iranian exchange houses. The U.S. State Department designated China-based Qingdao Haiye Oil Terminal alongside a tanker, vessel managers and a linked individual under EO 13846; Treasury moved in parallel under EO 13902 against three Iranian currency exchange houses said to convert oil proceeds for Tehran, expanding compliance exposure across cargo handling, chartering, financing and settlement.

Elsewhere, KEGM signs Med Marine's Ereğli Shipyard contract for two 80-ton bollard pull emergency response tugs. KEGM signed the second tranche of its six-tug procurement program with Med Marine's Ereğli Shipyard in Zonguldak; the 80-ton bollard pull tugs will perform emergency response and salvage missions across the Turkish Straits.

Then, Trump targets EU cars and trucks with 25% tariff. President Trump announced via Truth Social that the U.S. will impose a 25% tariff on EU-origin cars and trucks next week, accusing the bloc of non-compliance with last summer's framework deal that capped vehicle duties at 15%; the new rate marks a return to the prior Section 232 levies.

Continuing on, Somali piracy resurges: JMIC issues "credible threat" warning for the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin. The Joint Maritime Information Center reported two commercial vessels hijacked within hours last week and a May 1 approach by a skiff carrying seven armed men on a bulk carrier in the IRTC southwest of Al Mukalla, Yemen; with the Hormuz crisis pulling naval assets to the Persian Gulf, pirate groups are reverting to mothership-style operations.

Meanwhile, US Treasury OFAC expands sanctions warning on Iranian "toll" payments in Strait of Hormuz. OFAC's May 1 alert ruled that any "safe passage" value transfer to Iran or the IRGC—cash, crypto, offsets or charitable donations—will be treated as sanctionable; non-US shipowners, insurers and P&I clubs face secondary sanctions and loss of US financial-system access.

Shortly after, Foreign-flag cargo ship runs aground in storm off Karasu. A foreign-flagged cargo ship lost control in adverse weather and grounded off Sakarya's Karasu coast on Türkiye's Black Sea; the Turkish Coast Guard mobilised to evacuate the eight-strong crew, with an air asset requested to support the operation.

On another front, Goodwill Maritime exits the capesize segment with $65M Lowlands Spirit sale to Genco. Singapore-based Goodwill Maritime sold the 2019 Imabari-built, 182,000 dwt scrubber-fitted Lowlands Spirit for $65 million to NYSE-listed Genco Shipping & Trading; delivery is expected in June 2026 and the vessel will trade in the spot market.

In parallel, Clarksons acquires Peruvian shipbroker Serpac International. The London-listed broker absorbed Lima-based Serpac's six-person dry bulk team under Andrew Hardy, securing a strategic Pacific coast foothold for Asia-Latin America commodity flows.

Around the same time, London Court of International Arbitration (LCIA) awards Yapı Merkezi compensation exceeding $300 million from Ethiopia. LCIA ruled in favor of Yapı Merkezi against Ethiopia Railways Corporation (ERC) in a dispute over a $1.7 billion, 400 km railway project from which the contractor withdrew due to civil war; PwC was appointed quantum expert, Ethiopia's scenario priced compensation at $230-300 million but with elapsed time the amount sits well above $300 million, with the payment plan expected by end-May.

In the same period, Iran's Parliament unveils 12-article Strait of Hormuz governance plan. Iranian Parliament Vice Speaker Ali Nikzad announced the 12-article transit protocol during a Bandar Abbas visit: an outright ban on Israeli vessels, war-reparations condition for ships from countries deemed hostile to Iran; revenue split 30% to armed forces and 70% to public welfare and development; "the new governance is as important as the nationalization of oil, ship traffic will not return to its pre-war state".

Elsewhere, Oil tanker M/T EUREKA hijacked off Yemen's Shabwa coast. Yemen's Coast Guard reported that unidentified armed attackers hijacked the oil tanker M/T EUREKA off Shabwa and were diverting it toward Somali waters via the Gulf of Aden; the same day UKMTO logged a separate approach on a bulk carrier 84 miles southwest of Mukalla, as the Hormuz crisis pulls naval assets toward the Persian Gulf and lifts piracy risk in the corridor.

Then, Trump administration formally tells U.S. Congress that hostilities with Iran are "terminated". On the last day of the 60-day War Powers window, the White House told Congress hostilities with Iran are "terminated" and no fresh authorization is required; the same letter notes Iran's threat remains significant and the war may be "far from over," while the U.S. naval blockade and military presence at the Strait of Hormuz remain in place.

Continuing on, Australia and Japan sign four bilateral deals on energy and critical minerals; Australia commits AU$1.3 billion. Japan and Australia signed four bilateral agreements on May 3, 2026 covering energy security, defense and critical minerals; the package includes a declaration to share information and consult on "economic contingencies" in response to geopolitical events, a pledge to cooperate on rare-earth and critical-mineral projects, a statement on aligning national defense strategies and an energy-security cooperation deal; Australia committed AU$1.3 billion (about US$930 million) to joint critical-minerals projects with minerals described as "a core pillar of our economic security relationship," explicitly aiming to build a non-China processing alternative; Japan sources roughly 95% of its oil from the Middle East and around 40% of its LNG from Australia; Anthony Albanese framed the deals as a way to navigate the Hormuz-driven energy crisis together and keep open trade flows of essential energy goods.

Meanwhile, EU's 20th Russia sanctions package uses anti-circumvention tool against Kyrgyzstan for the first time; EU Today documents trace aircraft parts flow into S7 Engineering and Siberia Airlines via the UAE-Jordan corridor. The EU's 20th Russia sanctions package was adopted in April 2026, using the anti-circumvention tool against Kyrgyzstan for the first time to restrict metal-cutting machinery and modem-router exports and adding 120 new individual listings; EU Today-reviewed commercial papers trace 2022-2023 shipments of aircraft parts, APUs and test equipment from UAE-based Golden Falcon Aviation, Casper Aviation and U.C.A Aviation and Jordan-based Aerospace Technical Services into S7 Engineering and Siberia Airlines at Domodedovo and Tolmachevo airports; OFAC had previously designated an ATS-linked entity in December 2023.

Shortly after, Swedish Coast Guard boards Russian shadow fleet suspect Jin Hui off Trelleborg. Civil Defense Minister Carl-Oskar Bohlin announced on X that Jin Hui, listed by the EU, UK and Ukraine, was sailing under a false flag with seaworthiness and insurance issues; the case marks a second major boarding off Trelleborg after the Caffa bulker stopped in March 2026.

On another front, Istanbul Strait two-way traffic suspended after bulker Zaltron suffers engine failure. A 185-meter bulker Zaltron, sailing from Egypt to Russia, suffered an engine failure off Kuruçeşme; Türkiye's Coastal Safety General Directorate dispatched the rescue tugs Kurtarma-3, Kurtarma-5 and Kurtarma-9, two-way Bosphorus traffic was temporarily suspended and the vessel was successfully recovered.

In parallel, Ukraine strikes 2 Russian shadow fleet tankers off Novorossiysk and the Primorsk oil terminal. Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces struck two Russian shadow fleet oil tankers at the entrance to Novorossiysk in the Black Sea; the same day, the Baltic Sea Primorsk oil export terminal (1 million bpd capacity) suffered a brief fire from a drone strike, with 334 drones launched overnight; Russia returned with 268 drones and one Iskander-M missile, killing two in Odesa including a port truck driver.