Episode 138: Weather, Risk & Maritime Decision Making with Amy Buhl of Weathernews Guest: Amy Buhl, Service Operations Leader at Weathernews Episode Overview Weather impacts every voyage, every day, yet it often operates quietly in the background of maritime decision-making. In this episode of The Last Dinosaur, Chris sits down with Amy Buhl, Service Operations Leader at Weathernews, to discuss how weather intelligence, vessel operations, connectivity, vessel performance, and voyage optimization are becoming increasingly interconnected. Drawing on more than two decades of experience, Amy explains how voyage optimization has evolved from simply avoiding bad weather into a sophisticated balancing act involving safety, fuel efficiency, emissions performance, commercial requirements, and real-time operational decision-making. The conversation also explores the growing role of Starlink-enabled connectivity, probabilistic forecasting, and how weather professionals help operators navigate an increasingly volatile environment. Key Discussion Highlights 01:00 – Introduction to Amy Buhl and Weathernews 05:50 – Why a global maritime weather company operates from Oklahoma 09:00 – How Weathernews supports voyage planning, routing, monitoring, and post-voyage analysis 12:00 – The evolution of voyage optimization and the impact of emissions regulations 15:00 – Technology as decision support, not decision replacement 18:00 – Why maritime digitalization is often a communication challenge 20:30 – Starlink, real-time connectivity, and changing ship-shore operations 23:00 – Probabilistic forecasting and helping operators understand risk 26:00 – Extreme weather, rapid intensification, and emerging operational challenges 29:00 – Why maritime meteorology provides a unique view of global trade 32:00 – The real-world impact of weather decisions on global supply chains 34:45 – Wrap-up and book recommendations Related Listening Episode 134: Maritime's Digital Transformation with Tim Morris of ITS UK Maritime Both conversations explore how technology only creates value when it integrates into operational workflows and helps people make better decisions. Tune In Now Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts. Music by: Peg and The Rejected – King of SKA Artwork by: GA Design Produced by: Chris Aversano Support Our Podcast If you've found value in this episode, please rate the podcast, leave a review, follow the show, and share it with a colleague. Interested in sponsoring The Last Dinosaur? Reach out to our friends at Digital Ship to learn more about advertising opportunities.
