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 – 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.
Security & Defence: focus on maritime resilience
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.
The MS&D – 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 – or Naval Stage – will be united under one roof.
The emphasis will be on key topics such as:
- Protection of critical maritime infrastructure
- Development of capabilities and military procurement
- Cybersecurity and Artificial Intelligence
- Autonomous and unmanned systems
- Maritime surveillance and dual-use technologies
Energy efficiency & decarbonisation: profitability is the key
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 “Efficiency First: Powering the Future of Shipping”, 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.
“The Energy Efficiency Hub highlights the position of SMM as the globally leading platform for the transformation of the shipping sector,” says Christoph Lücke, Director SMM, Seatrade Europe and INMEX SMM India.
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.
Re-thinking port operations: all about ports
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’ Forum contributes key perspectives from international shipowning companies.
A new item in this year’s 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 – 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.
Winning talents: finding professionals for the maritime sector’s future
The Maritime Career Market at SMM aims to help secure the industry’s 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.
“The 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,” said Lücke.
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’ 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.
Getting guidance at SMM: themed routes and digital tools
Whatever their area of interest – career, maritime security, digitalisation, etc.: visitors can use six themed 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.
Press material for download: https://hmc.canto.de/b/KS39S
