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
This Episode’s Sponsor
This episode is sponsored by Danelec.
Voyage optimization has been a maritime buzzword for years, yet many operators still manage routing, fuel consumption, emissions, and vessel performance as separate challenges.
In partnership with Thetius, Danelec recently released The Great Integration, a report examining how leading operators are connecting existing systems and data sources to improve voyage performance, strengthen decision-making, and prepare for an increasingly regulated operating environment.
To learn more, download the report at Danelec.com
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:
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.
