POMTOC CEO Gerard van den Heuvel joined regional maritime leaders in Panama City to discuss cargo growth, connectivity, and innovation across the Gulf and South Florida.
Panama City, Panama – September 2026 – POMTOC participated in the 11th Latin America Ports Forum, held September 9–10 in Panama City, bringing together port authorities, terminal operators, shipping lines, logistics companies, and other maritime industry leaders from across the region.
Representing POMTOC, Chief Executive Officer Gerard van den Heuvel joined industry peers to discuss opportunities for additional cargo growth in the Gulf and South Florida regions, as well as the infrastructure and transportation solutions that could support that growth.
During the forum, van den Heuvel shared POMTOC’s perspective on potential innovations in regional cargo connectivity, including more frequent and responsive feeder vessel concepts — comparable to an “Amazon Prime”-style service model — and express feeder services connecting larger markets.
The discussion also addressed the importance of continued modernization and investment in South Florida’s port infrastructure. As trade patterns and customer expectations continue to evolve, strengthening port capabilities, connectivity, and efficiency will be essential to maintaining the region’s competitiveness and supporting future cargo growth.
POMTOC’s participation in the Latin America Ports Forum reflects its continued commitment to engaging with industry partners, exploring new opportunities for regional connectivity, and contributing to conversations shaping the future of maritime transportation and logistics.
About POMTOC
POMTOC (Port of Miami Terminal Operating Company), the only independent marine terminal operator in Miami, provides marine terminal, MTY depot, and cargo-handling services at PortMiami, supporting the movement of containerized cargo and connecting South Florida with markets throughout the Americas and beyond.