The big interview: Lars Jensen on US port fees, IMO rules & 2026 container shipping outlook

New US port fees. Tougher IMO environmental rules. A record wave of new ships. Fragile demand. What does it all mean for carriers, shippers – and your freight bill in 2026?

In this episode, Mike King sits down with global liner shipping expert Lars Jensen (CEO of Vespucci Maritime) to cut through the noise on:

• US Port Fees on Chinese-built vessels – how carriers are reshuffling fleets

• Container Shipping Outlook 2026 – demand, rates and new capacity

• Suez Canal & Red Sea Risks – what happens if it fully reopens

• IMO MEPC / Carbon Charging – what it means for greener supply chains

• Transpacific, Asia–Europe, Africa & Australasia trade trends

This episode is produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group – a leading global logistics and transportation solutions provider.

Packed with straight talk and data-driven insight, this interview helps freight buyers, shippers and carriers plan for an uncertain future.