Hamburg, 12 August 2026 – The international presence at SMM 2026 continues to grow. With 26 national pavilions – two more than in 2024 – eleven new exhibiting countries and growing participation from Asia’s leading shipbuilding nations, the world’s leading maritime trade fair confirms its role as a global meeting place for the maritime industry. New official national pavilions from Cyprus and Brazil will be joined by first-time official representations from India and Vietnam. More and more countries are using SMM to showcase their maritime industries and access new markets.
“SMM is more than ever the central meeting place for the maritime industry. Companies, associations and governments use the world’s leading maritime trade fair to jointly develop responses to the challenges facing the industry. The growing international participation shows that face-to-face exchange across national borders is more important than ever,” says Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President Exhibitions Maritime & Technology at Hamburg Messe und Congress.
India Significantly Expands Its Maritime Presence
For the first time, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), together with the Indian Ports Association, is organising two official Indian joint pavilions at SMM – in Hall B3.OG and in the Naval Hall B8. India’s participation reflects its growing importance as a maritime industrial and technology nation. The country is pursuing ambitious expansion plans for port infrastructure, shipbuilding, and digital and sustainable maritime technologies. Around 35 exhibitors from India are expected at SMM 2026, including Chowgule & Company Private Limited, Buoyancy Consultants & Engineering, Swan Defence and Heavy Industries, Vedam Design & Technical Consultancy, Marine Electricals (India) Limited and Synergy Shipbuilders N Dock Works Ltd.
Beyond the joint pavilions, India will also play a role in SMM’s conference programme. Shri Vijay Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, will take part in the Official Opening Conference, where his statement “India Perspective: Global Maritime Growth & Connectivity” will highlight India’s growing role in the global maritime economy. On the Open Stage, the session “The India Opportunity: Investing in Shipbuilding & Shipping Clusters” will focus on investment and development opportunities in Indian shipbuilding, maritime clusters and international cooperation. A high-level Indian naval and government delegation is also expected at SMM. In the Naval Hall B8, the Indian Ports Association, Cochin Shipyard and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers will showcase their capabilities.
India is also part of the programme at ALL ABOUT PORTS: Shri Vijay Kumar will participate in the official opening of the new port conference. An Indian session will also focus on the development of Indian ports into competitive, technology-enabled and sustainable logistics hubs and the associated opportunities for international investment.
New Country Representations from Brazil, Cyprus and Vietnam
Brazil will present an official national pavilion at SMM for the first time, organised by the Brazilian Association of Companies of the Blue Economy (ABEEMAR). The association promotes Brazil’s blue economy with a focus on innovation, sustainability and business development. Companies represented at the pavilion include Flexprin Industria and Diesel Line.
The national pavilion from Cyprus is organised by the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Cyprus in cooperation with the Shipping Deputy Ministry and the Cyprus Trade Centre in Berlin. Ten companies as well as government and maritime institutions will be represented, covering maritime services, ship repair and technical equipment, communications and automation, artificial intelligence, research and classification. Participants include the Cyprus Marine & Maritime Institute (CMMI), Tototheo Maritime, Multimarine Services and the Shipping Deputy Ministry. The programme also includes the “Cyprus Maritime Innovation Event”, featuring presentations and a panel discussion on innovation, technology and market opportunities in Cyprus’s maritime economy.
“Cyprus' first official national pavilion at SMM Hamburg 2026 marks an important milestone for our maritime industry, showcasing the strength, expertise and global competitiveness of the Cyprus maritime cluster. Through our participation, we aim to reaffirm Cyprus’ commitment to quality, innovation and international cooperation. Cyprus offers a stable and attractive environment for international shipping companies supported by a business-friendly regulatory framework, a competitive and transparent tonnage tax system and a proactive maritime administration,” according to the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Cyprus.
For the first time, Vietnam will also be officially represented by the Vietnam Shipbuilding Industry Association (VISIA). The association represents Vietnam’s shipbuilding industry and will also contribute to the programme: The Open Stage session “Digital Engineering Partnerships: Expanding Global Shipbuilding Capacity” will explore current developments and perspectives in the sector.
Companies from Luxembourg, Azerbaijan, the Philippines, Andorra, the Bahamas, the SlovakRepublic, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Curaçao will also be exhibiting at SMM for the first time.
Asia’s Shipbuilding Nations Continue to Expand Their Presence
South Korea is once again recording growth. Key Korean exhibitors include Korean Register, Panasia, Bosung Engineering, Daeyang Electric and Kangrim Heavy Industries.
China remains SMM’s largest international country representation and is further expanding its presence in 2026. Another first is the China-Europe Maritime Summit, jointly organised by the German Shipowners’ Association (VDR), the China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry (CANSI) and DNV. The conference will bring together high-level representatives of the Chinese and European maritime industries to discuss industrial cooperation, technological innovation and pathways for transformation.
Japan is also expanding its presence, including through the joint stand of the Japan Ship Machinery and Equipment Association (JSMEA).
More Exhibitors from Europe
Among SMM’s top 20 exhibiting countries, France is recording one of the strongest growth rates. Austria, Spain, Norway and the Netherlands will also have a stronger presence than at the previous event.
High-Level Delegations from Around the World
In addition to international exhibitors, SMM once again expects high-level delegations from government, business, navies and coast guards. Naval and government delegations have been announced from countries including Albania, Argentina, Brazil, Finland, France, Ghana, the United Kingdom, India, Qatar, Korea, Romania, Spain and Türkiye.
The programme will be complemented by business delegations, including the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the China Shipowners Association, the Cooperative Association of Japan Shipbuilders (CAJS), as well as delegations from China, India and Colombia. The delegation programme promotes direct exchange between companies, associations and public authorities.
Jie Chen, Vice Mayor of Shanghai, is also expected to attend SMM. His visit coincides with the 40th anniversary of the partnership between Hamburg and Shanghai. An official evening reception will be held to mark the occasion, highlighting the close economic and maritime ties between the two cities.
SMM 2026 brings together established shipbuilding and shipping nations as well as emerging maritime markets in Hamburg. As “the world’s leading maritime industry event”, it provides a global platform for exchange, collaboration and shaping the future of the maritime industry.
