In this Insight episode of The Freight Buyers’ Club, host Mike King is joined by Robbert van Trooijen, founder of Inception Partners and former Regional President for Maersk, to provide forwarders and shippers with expert insights into the pressing challenges shaping supply chains in early 2025.

With U.S. East and Gulf Coast port strikes potentially disrupting global trade from January 15, President Trump’s upcoming inauguration on January 20 driving regulatory uncertainty, and container shipping alliances set to realign in February, this timely discussion helps listeners prepare for the year ahead.

Robbert draws on decades of leadership experience to explore how carriers and logistics companies are approaching capacity disruptions, geopolitical risks, and shifting U.S. trade policies. He also delves into contracting strategies, M&A trends, and the role of technology in cost reduction and operational efficiency.

Sponsored by Ontegos Cloud, this episode delivers actionable strategies to help you navigate 2025’s early disruptions.

Guest

Robbert van Trooijen, Maersk veteran and founder of Inception Partners LLC

Is a US port strike in January good for container lines? This is an extended clip from EP 29 of The Freight Buyers' Club featuring host Mike King, Lars Jensen, CEO, Vespucci Maritime and Peter Tirschwell, VP, S&P Global.

Big thanks to Dimerco Express Group (https://dimerco.com/) for supporting independent journalism.

The full episode is available on all podcast platforms, YouTube and at https://www.thefreightbuyersclub.com/.

In this episode of The Freight Buyers’ Club, host Mike King is joined by Lars Jensen, CEO of Vespucci Maritime, and Peter Tirschwell, Journal of Commerce veteran and VP at S&P Global, to explore the latest challenges and opportunities facing global trade and shipping. From the implications of Donald Trump's return to the White House and potential new tariffs on China, to the looming threat of US port shutdowns, our expert guests provide unparalleled insights.

We also discuss the reconfiguration of liner alliances, the Red Sea crisis, and the evolving strategies of major carriers. Whether you're managing supply chain complexities or analysing global trade trends, this episode, produced with the support of Dimerco Express Group, offers valuable perspectives and expert analysis.

Key Points Covered:

• The geopolitical and economic impacts of Trump's presidency starting in 2025.
• Analysis of US-China trade relations and the potential consequences of new tariffs.
• The Red Sea crisis and its implications for shipping routes and Suez Canal traffic.
• Looming US port strikes in January and their potential disruption to trade.
• Reconfiguration of global liner alliances and their effect on shippers.
• Strategies for freight buyers amid uncertainty in tariffs, alliances, and labour disputes.
• Investments by major carriers in logistics, airlines, and infrastructure.

Guests

Lars Jensen, CEO, Vespucci Maritime

Peter Tirschwell, VP, S&P Global