SMM Hamburg hosts 30,000+ global visitors

After four years of waiting, the international maritime community once again came together for SMM Hamburg. (Photo: SMM Hamburg)

After four years of waiting, the international maritime community once again came together for SMM in Hamburg from Sept. 6 to 9. More than 30,000 visitors from over 100 countries attended the international trade fair, which featured 2000 exhibiting companies, roughly 80 conference speakers, 160-plus speakers on the Transition Stages, as well as 16 start-ups vying for the new SMM Maritime Start-up Award.

A common theme of the 30th edition of SMM on both the exhibition grounds and the conference program was the maritime energy transition and the technology, expertise and determination required to promote this change. The industry has set a goal for climate-neutral shipping by 2050. This will require practical solutions from engineering service providers, shipyards and suppliers, along with fuel producers. The challenge of retrofitting the current 60000 merchant ships in operation for greater environmental and climate compatibility was a key focus of the event.

More than 30,000 visitors from over 100 countries attended the international maritime trade fair. (Photo: SMM Hamburg)

“As a marketplace of innovations, SMM is an important basis for investment decisions by German shipping companies. The focus is on the climate-friendly transformation of the maritime industry,” said Dr. Martin Kröger, managing firector of the Association of German Shipowners. “We are in talks with shipbuilding and supplier companies all over the world and experts. Many of them can be found at the SMM in Hamburg.”

The next SMM is scheduled to take place Sept. 3 to 6, 2024. To learn more, visit www.smm-hamburg.com.