Arctic Shipping Pivot: South Korea’s PanStar Acro has launched a government-backed commercial trial from Busan to Europe via the Northern Sea Route, calling at Felixstowe, Rotterdam and Gdansk, aiming to cut distance versus Suez and test viability amid Middle East route risks. Inland Waterway Shock: Rhine River ferry services are restarting after weeks of drought-driven low water, while Maersk and freight groups warn that many Rhine barge routes remain hard to reach, pushing cargo toward rail and road. Energy Security Pressure: The EU is scrambling to refill gas storage as LNG flows shift to Asia and Strait of Hormuz disruptions persist, with storage targets likely missed despite flexibility on the 90% rule. Maritime Trade Recovery: The Suez Canal has restored Europe–Asia shipping services, with Maersk reporting higher daily transit rates as convoys resume. Wildfire Response: EU civil protection helicopters and firefighters are being sent to Serbia to tackle major blazes, as drought and heat keep escalating fire risk across the region. EU Tax Push: Six EU countries are urging an EU-wide windfall tax on oil firms after war-driven profit surges.