Episode 92: Port Miami’s Vision for the Future with Christopher Hudtwalcker

Episode 92: Port Miami’s Vision for the Future with Christopher Hudtwalcker

Guest: Christopher Hudtwalcker, Senior Strategy & Innovation Officer, Port Miami

Episode Overview: In this episode of The Last Dinosaur, Christopher Aversano welcomes Christopher Hudtwalcker, the Senior Strategy & Innovation Officer of Port Miami. Hudtwalcker shares the port's transformative journey, detailing their dual focus on cruise and cargo sectors and plans for expanding as a key cargo hub for Latin America. With a strong emphasis on innovation, Port Miami is pioneering new initiatives like the creation of a dedicated innovation office and ambitious cargo visibility projects to optimize operations, decarbonization efforts, and community engagement.

Key Points:

1. Port Miami's Economic Impact: Port Miami generates $61.4 billion in economic activity, supports over 340,000 jobs, and plays a crucial role in Florida’s economy. Hudtwalcker discusses the port's commitment to local economic growth and community impact.
2. Expanding Cargo Operations: While historically known as the “cruise capital of the world©,” Port Miami is doubling down on its cargo facilities. With new densification projects, the port aims to strengthen its position as the primary cargo gateway to Latin America.
3. The Innovation Office: Port Miami is leading the way by establishing a dedicated innovation office, one of the first of its kind in the U.S. This office will centralize digital transformation efforts, streamline cargo tracking, and enhance port operations through emerging technologies.
4. Cargo Visibility and Pilot Projects: Hudtwalcker shares details about current pilot projects using AI and computer vision to track cargo movements and manage port efficiency, helping Miami compete in a data-centric future.
5. Decarbonization and Sustainability Efforts: Given its unique location, Port Miami prioritizes sustainability by reducing emissions, investing in shore power for cruise ships, and managing truck idling times, all with an eye on improving air quality for the community.
6. Building a Port Community System: With inspiration from other global ports, Miami aims to create a “one-stop-shop” online platform for stakeholders to access real-time port data, from truck schedules to weather updates, fostering a more connected ecosystem.
7. Engaging the Next Generation: Reflecting on his own journey from politics to the maritime sector, Hudtwalcker shares insights on the appeal of maritime careers and the variety of opportunities in this dynamic field.

Learn More: For those who enjoyed learning about port modernization, check out Episode 77 with Bethann Rooney, Director of Port New York & New Jersey, where we discuss the strategic transformations happening in one of the busiest ports on the East Coast. Like Port Miami, Port New York & New Jersey operates as a landlord port, collaborating with cargo handlers and focusing on sustainable growth.

Tune in Now: Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more! Watch the episode on YouTube.

Special Announcements:

• The Captain’s Table Partnership: This episode is part of The Last Dinosaur’s collaboration with the Captain’s Table, supporting the Captain's Table Challenge to spotlight groundbreaking innovations and startups in maritime.
• Media Partnership with LISW25: The Last Dinosaur is also proud to be a media partner for the London International Shipping Week (LISW25) in September 2025. Stay tuned for exclusive coverage and insights from one of the industry’s most significant global events.

Music by: Peg and The Rejected 'King of SKA'

Artwork By: GA Design

Produced by: Chris Aversano

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