Turkish Airlines ready with binding offer for Air Europa
Turkish Airlines is preparing to submit a binding offer for a minority stake in Air Europa. The move aims to broaden the Turkish carrier’s reach and would be its first acquisition of this kind. The Istanbul-based group, which serves more international destinations than any other airline, is targeting Air Europa’s strong presence in the Iberian Peninsula and Latin America, in both passenger and cargo segments. Air Europa operates a fleet of more than 50 aircraft, including Boeing 787 Dreamliners and 737s, and serves over 55 destinations. Air France–KLM and Deutsche Lufthansa had considered taking a stake but withdrew in recent weeks. IAG, owner of British Airways, still holds 20% of Air Europa and has twice attempted a full takeover, both times blocked by regulators. Turkish Airlines already owns 50% of SunExpress, a joint venture with Lufthansa, and 49% of Air Albania.
Houthis threaten 64 shipowners
The Yemeni Houthi group has sent formal warnings to 64 international shipowners, accusing them of violating a self-declared blockade of Israeli ports. The rebels warned that the affected fleets will be barred from passing through the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, the Gulf of Aden and the Arabian Sea, and could be attacked “anywhere within reach”. The move follows the sinking, a month ago, of two Greek bulk carriers, Magic Seas and Eternity C. The Combined Maritime Task Force now rates the threat to Israel-linked ships as critical and the overall risk to navigation as severe. The shipowners’ names have not been disclosed, but their exposure could drive insurance costs sharply higher.
Samskip launches direct Morocco–UK–Netherlands route
Samskip has launched a new direct maritime service for refrigerated containers linking Agadir and Casablanca with ports in southern Britain and Rotterdam, offering Morocco’s first fast and sustainable sea route for perishable goods. With weekly non-stop departures, the Moroccan Reefer Service targets exporters of fresh produce, positioning itself as an alternative to road transport for fruit and vegetables. Developed in long-term partnership with the Moroccan Fruit Board, the service includes customs clearance and inland delivery, ensuring reduced transit times and cutting CO2 emissions by up to 80% compared with road transport.
MSC converts two Asia–Europe lines into round-the-world services
MSC has announced a reorganisation of its container services, converting its Albatros (North Europe–Far East) and Dragon (Far East–Mediterranean) lines into westbound round-the-world connections that will also call at ports on the US East Coast. The routes will cross both the Atlantic and the Pacific before returning to Asia, deploying vessels of 12,000–16,000 TEU, the largest on transatlantic routes. The new Dragon rotation will include ports in Asia, the Mediterranean, the United States and the Bahamas. The NEUSEC1 and MedUSEC services, previously operated with ships of 3,000–6,000 TEU, will be discontinued, while NEUSEC2 and EMUSA will undergo itinerary changes.
Lyten acquires European assets of Northvolt
California-based Lyten, a specialist in lithium–sulphur batteries, will acquire all remaining European assets of bankrupt Swedish producer Northvolt. The deal covers the main plant and R\&D centre in Skelleftea, Sweden, and the site for a planned plant in Germany. Chief Executive Dan Cook said the acquisition, made at a “deeply discounted price” compared with its estimated 5 billion dollar value, will allow production at Skelleftea to restart immediately, where around 3,000 people had been employed. Lyten plans to rehire most of the workforce, begin with lithium–ion batteries and later switch to a mixed production, aiming for profitability within 18 to 24 months. The company has already taken over Northvolt’s operations in Poland and the US-based Cuberg plant.
Freight volumes decline for Ukrainian Railways
In the first half of 2025, freight volumes on Ukrainian Railways fell by 11.8% compared with the same period in 2024. If this trend continues, the railway company is on track to record its worst-ever year for freight, with forecasts pointing to volumes 50% lower than in 2021.
US tariffs extended to gold
The Trump administration has decided to impose tariffs on one-kilogram and 100-ounce gold bars, surprising traders who had expected them to be exempt. The measure, clarified by US Customs and Border Protection in response to a Swiss refiner, risks disrupting global flows of the precious metal and the smooth functioning of US futures markets. Shipments to the United States, particularly from Switzerland and other refining hubs, have already slowed. The decision comes in a year of sharp turbulence for gold, with record prices driven by central bank purchases and trade tensions. Uncertainty remains over tariffs for other formats and producing countries, as the sector awaits official clarification.
