Hamburg, 23 April 2026 \u2013 With several months to go until the trade fair opens, demand is soaring and exhibitor spaces at the four-day event are nearly fully booked. Visitor tickets can now be purchased. \u201cWe are expecting over 2,200 exhibitors and around 50,000 international attendees from 120 nations here in Hamburg from 1 to 4 September 2026,\u201d says Claus Ulrich Selbach. \u201cAs the world\u2019s leading maritime industry event, SMM is far more than a classical trade fair: It is a must-attend event for the global shipbuilding and shipping community, an occasion that is lots of fun and creates bonds between people,\u201d the Vice President Exhibitions Maritime & Energy at Hamburg Messe und Congress adds.<\/p>\n
International decision-makers from the industry, politics, science and numerous international organisations gather at SMM to discuss matters of critical importance for the future, promote technological solutions, and build strategic partnerships \u2013 whether at the conferences, the exhibition stands or the curated networking opportunities. The acceptance of the event patronage by Chancellor Friedrich Merz underlines the political, economic and societal relevance of SMM 2026.<\/p>\n
Security & Defence: focus on maritime resilience<\/p>\n
Sea route blockades, military conflicts, hybrid threats and cyber attacks are increasingly putting pressure on the global maritime infrastructure, revealing the importance of maritime security and resilience as core prerequisites for stable supply chains and economic agility. Acknowledging this reality, SMM 2026 will put the focus on maritime security and defence as a key topic.<\/p>\n
The MS&D \u2013 International Conference on Maritime Security & Defence, the leading international platform for naval and dual-use technologies, promises to provide answers. Experts will discuss the future role of the maritime industry as a stabilising factor, in particular by advocating the responsible use of new technologies such as AI and autonomous systems in an increasingly fragmented geopolitical environment. The MS&D Conference will bring together international decision-makers from naval forces, politics, the industry and science. At SMM 2026, the conference will for the first time be supplemented by an exhibition of its own called MS&D Expo that will bolster its international significance. Located in Hall B8, the exhibition, conference and open stage \u2013 or Naval Stage \u2013 will be united under one roof.<\/p>\n
The emphasis will be on key topics such as:<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Protection of critical maritime infrastructure<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Development of capabilities and military procurement<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Autonomous and unmanned systems<\/p>\n
\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Maritime surveillance and dual-use technologies<\/p>\n
Energy efficiency & decarbonisation: profitability is the key<\/p>\n
Amid rising energy costs and tighter regulations, the industry is under pressure to become more efficient and climate-friendly. Energy efficiency is considered the most effective and economically compelling short-term means to drive the maritime transformation. Themed \u201cEfficiency First: Powering the Future of Shipping\u201d, the Energy Efficiency Hub in Hall A2 will give tangible evidence of how innovative technology can lower carbon emissions while strengthening competitiveness. The strong demand for participation in the Energy Efficiency Hub underlines the high market relevance of efficient, scalable solutions for the maritime transformation.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Energy Efficiency Hub highlights the position of SMM as the globally leading platform for the transformation of the shipping sector,\u201d says Christoph L\u00fccke, Director SMM, Seatrade Europe and INMEX SMM India.<\/p>\n
But in the long run, the decarbonisation of shipping will only be successful if the entire industry switches to alternative, carbon-neutral fuels. At gmec, the Global Maritime Environmental Congress that will take place on the Energy Efficiency Stage in Hall A4 on 2 September, industry and science experts will discuss the pros and cons of various approaches. Another fascinating topic on the conference agenda is wind-assisted propulsion in commercial shipping.<\/p>\n
Re-thinking port operations: all about ports<\/p>\n
The conference formats at SMM 2026 focus on specific subjects to provide strategic guidance to the maritime industry. Well-established highlights include the Maritime Future Summit, which puts the emphasis on the digital transformation of the industry, and the Offshore Dialogue dedicated to sustainable use of the oceans. The prestigious TradeWinds Shipowners\u2019 Forum contributes key perspectives from international shipowning companies.<\/p>\n
A new item in this year\u2019s programme is an international specialist conference on the future of port operations called all about ports which recognises the growing strategic importance of ports as energy, security and logistics hubs. all about ports co-locates with SMM and will be taking place at the CCH \u2013 Congress Center Hamburg on 2 and 3 September 2026. It sheds light on major challenges facing the global ports industry, proposing solutions in areas such as digitalisation, automation, sustainability, safety and security, and logistics. Participation in all about ports is included in the SMM ticket price.<\/p>\n
Winning talents: finding professionals for the maritime sector\u2019s future<\/p>\n
The Maritime Career Market at SMM aims to help secure the industry\u2019s future by combining career information with talent recruitment. It will take place on 3 and 4 September 2026. The shortage of trained professionals is one of the greatest challenges of the maritime industry.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe maritime sector needs to find new ways to attract talents. By hosting the Maritime Career Market, we are providing a centralised career-building and recruitment platform that puts employers in direct contact with skilled professionals and highlights specific career options,\u201d said L\u00fccke.<\/p>\n
From young professionals to university students, and from pupils to career changers, interested talents can meet companies ready to hire in Hall B2.OG. The Job Route leads qualified professionals and career starters directly to exhibitors with hiring needs. Proven formats such as the Career Happy Hour, guided tours of the exhibition, and the popular Pupils\u2019 Rallye foster informal interaction while helping jobseekers find their way. In addition, the Career Forum provides insights into current developments and career paths in the maritime industry, from jobs in the digital realm to positions with an international perspective, and through to new educational and qualification requirements. On 3 and 4 September, university students, pupils and their accompanying teachers have free access to SMM and the Maritime Career Market.<\/p>\n
Getting guidance at SMM: themed routes and digital tools<\/p>\n
Whatever their area of interest \u2013 career, maritime security, digitalisation, etc.: visitors can use six\u00a0themed routes to find exactly what they are looking for. The participating companies can be easily identified in the online exhibitor directory, the Visitor Guide or the SMM app, clearly marked along the respective route. In addition, digital tools such as the networking platform SMM Connect generate personalised recommendations and offer matchmaking features that help visitors plan their visits efficiently and get guidance, both before and during their visit.<\/p>\n
To purchase tickets, book hotel rooms or get further information, visit www.smm-hamburg.com.<\/p>\n
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About SMM<\/p>\n
SMM \u2013 the world\u2019s leading maritime industry event \u2013 will take place from 1 to 4 September 2026 in Hamburg. Under the guiding theme \u201cDriving the Maritime Transition\u201d, it brings together international stakeholders from across the maritime industry to discuss key future topics and actively shape the development of the sector.<\/p>\n
More than 2,200 exhibiting companies from around 60 countries and approximately 50,000 participants from up to 120 nations are expected. Spanning around 90,000 m\u00b2 across twelve exhibition halls, SMM showcases the entire value chain of the industry.<\/p>\n
The focus is on energy efficiency as a key lever of the maritime transition, complemented by maritime security and defence, artificial intelligence, decarbonisation, and digital technologies.<\/p>\n
SMM serves as a central platform for innovation, international exchange and business development. A comprehensive conference programme accompanies the exhibition, including TradeWinds Shipowners\u2019 Forum, Maritime Future Summit, gmec \u2013 Global Maritime Environmental Congress, MS&D \u2013 International Maritime Security & Defence Conference, and Offshore Dialogue.<\/p>\n
Running alongside SMM, all about ports will launch as a new platform for integrated port solutions. The international conference and accompanying exhibition focus on port infrastructure, terminal technology and port logistics, bringing together port operators, technology providers and investors.<\/p>\n
The main sponsor of SMM this year is once again DNV, the globally leading classification society for the maritime industry.<\/p>\n
Further information: SMM \u2013 Driving the Maritime Transition | 1\u20134 September 2026<\/p>\n
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