Thailand/Iran: One of two vessels belonging to Siam Cement Group has departed the Strait of Hormuz, following diplomatic engagement between Thailand, Oman and Iran to secure safe passage, according to the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow paid an official visit to Oman to seek assistance in coordinating with Iran over the safe passage of nine Thai vessels that still await transit through the Strait. The ministry said that it would continue to monitor the vessel’s journey and provide further updates once it arrives in Thailand. No details were released regarding the ship or its cargo.

Ireland: Ireland’s cement industry believes that it can reduce fossil fuel use by 90% over the next 15 years by increasing the use of solid recovered fuel (SRF) in kiln operations. A report commissioned by Cement Manufacturers Ireland (CMI), the lobby group that represents the industry, indicated that the cement sector used around 325,000t of SRF in 2024. The report was compiled by consultancy firm SLR, and states that Ireland’s four cement kilns rely on SRF, and that cement production accounts for 22% of residual waste treatment through the use of SRF.

The country has capacity to produce 430,000t of SRF, with potential to increase to 860,000t subject to investment and regulatory approvals. However, it warned that recycling targets and any downturn in cement production could reduce availability and demand for the fuel.

Chair of CMI David O’Brien said “The use of SRF contributes to reduced fossil fuel consumption, diverts waste from landfills, lowers greenhouse gas emissions and supports Ireland’s broader circular economy initiatives. To secure SRF as a sustainable long-term solution for Ireland’s cement sector, co-ordinated efforts are essential among government entities, the waste industry, cement manufacturers and academic institutions. Addressing legislative challenges, market fluctuations, and operational risks will be critical for the future success of SRF in decarbonising the cement industry.”

Ireland: Irish Cement has commissioned a 1MW rooftop solar installation at its Platin Works plant. The project involved installing solar arrays across two buildings on site, with the electricity generated used to support the plant’s operations. The company said that the project will support its decarbonisation goals by increasing the use of renewable energy.

Environmental manager James Weir said “Ireland’s solar output is highly seasonal due to longer daylight hours with around 70% of annual solar electricity generated from April to September. We are looking forward to seeing how well the panels perform over the summer.”

Türkiye: Turkish conglomerate Sabanci Holding will sell its remaining 39.7% stake in Akçansa to Heidelberg Materials, according to an exchange filing made on 20 April 2026. Sabanci said that Heidelberg Materials exercised its right of first refusal after a binding offer valued the company at US$1.1bn. Following the transaction, Heidelberg said that its stake in Akçansa will double to 79.44%.

Akçansa operates three cement plants, 26 ready-mix concrete plants, five aggregate quarries and five cement terminals across Türkiye’s Marmara, Aegean and Black Sea regions.