Battery & Special Cargo Logistics: Lotte Global Logistics says it will ramp U.S. transport of LG Energy Solution battery energy storage systems to about three times first-half volume, using a dedicated team plus its Shiptte AI platform to manage safety and route optimization for heavy, high-value loads. Battery Supply Chain Expansion: Hansol Logistics launches a U.S. battery cell logistics business from a new Kokomo, Indiana hub, offering returnable packaging, RFID/GPS tracking, and storage-to-just-in-time handling for cell makers. Port/Trade Disruption Watch: Iran says it’s nearing a Strait of Hormuz shipping-lane deal with Oman, but insists the waterway won’t fully reopen until the U.S. meets demands including compensation and sanctions relief—keeping Gulf markets subdued. Energy Storage Tech Push: Rotork delivered the first batch of UK-made IQ3 Pro intelligent electric actuators for the Liverpool Bay CO₂ transportation and storage project under HyNet. AI Power Infrastructure: LS Electric and GS E&C plan next-gen DC distribution for AI data centers, targeting higher power-efficiency with core equipment for fast-growing GPU-driven demand. Manufacturing Scale-Up: Turntide wins a £17m UK grant to accelerate volume production of axial flux motors via automation under the DRIVE35 Scale-up Fund. Semiconductor for Autos: LX Semicon begins mass-producing its first automotive MCU, shipping to Hyundai and Kia for use in power-window and other control functions. Regulatory/Policy Pressure: California lawmakers renew a profit crackdown after major oil refiners posted high earnings, pushing proposals tied to war-related price-gouging rules and gasoline blend changes. Security & Smuggling: Australian authorities charge meth smugglers after 13 kilos of methamphetamine were found in a shipping container of car parts routed from Europe to Australia.