SMM 2026 showcases innovations moving into real-world application

The maritime industry is moving a growing number of emerging technologies from development into practical applications, with electrification, alternative fuels, wind-assisted propulsion, artificial intelligence, automation and safety systems among the key areas showcased at SMM 2026 in Hamburg.

The exhibition features several world and European premieres, reflecting the range of technologies being developed to improve vessel efficiency, reduce emissions, enhance safety and support maritime operations.

Electrification and alternative energy technologies

Battery-electric and hybrid propulsion are gaining traction as the maritime industry looks to reduce fuel consumption and emissions.

Danish company EPTechnologies is showcasing a solid-state marine battery described as the first DNV-approved solid-state battery for marine applications. AYK Energy from Andorra is presenting swappable battery containers, while Germany’s SCIO Energy is introducing modular battery systems.

Such battery concepts could support electrification in short-sea shipping, inland waterways and hybrid vessel applications, where operational requirements can make modular energy storage particularly useful.

Hydrogen is another area of development. The NavHyS project is examining the storage and use of liquid hydrogen in maritime applications, while Italy’s Gas and Heat is displaying an LH2 tank system designed for ships.

Hybrid propulsion is also receiving attention at the exhibition. Rolls-Royce PowerSystems is presenting its mtu Series 2000 variable-speed gensets, which are designed for battery-assisted propulsion and range-extender applications. The company says the technology can reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by up to 15%.

ZF Friedrichshafen is exhibiting its ZF 9200 A/V PTI, which is intended for hybrid and electric propulsion systems.

Alternative fuels and energy-efficiency technologies are also part of the exhibition. TecnoVeritas is showcasing BioHFO, a system designed to allow biofuels and conventional fuels to be used in different blending ratios.

Alfa Laval is presenting the Hukka-5 waste heat recovery system for cruise and passenger vessels. The technology recovers heat from exhaust gases with the aim of reducing fuel consumption.

Damen is also presenting its Container Feeder 1100, which is making its world premiere at SMM. The short-sea container vessel concept combines an energy-efficient hull and propulsion system with the capability to use alternative fuels including methanol and biofuels.

Wind-assisted propulsion returns to focus

Wind-assisted propulsion is emerging as another option for reducing fuel consumption and emissions, with several technologies being demonstrated at SMM 2026.

France-based Beyond the Sea is presenting SeaKite®, an automated kite propulsion system designed for both newbuild vessels and existing ships.

Other technologies include Michelin WISAMO’s automated sail system, NorthWindships’ DynaRig technology and Oceanbird’s Wing560.

Stirling Design International is demonstrating the integration of wind-assisted propulsion into a Kamsarmax bulk carrier concept. The suitability of each system depends on factors including vessel type, route, trading conditions and operating profile.

Hydrodynamic efficiency is another area of development. Dutch company Hull Vane is presenting a technology designed to reduce fuel consumption by improving hull hydrodynamics.

Noise reduction is also becoming more prominent in ship design. Germany’s MMG Mecklenburger Metallguss is showcasing ESPROsilent, a propeller technology developed to improve efficiency while reducing underwater radiated noise.

The issue is gaining regulatory attention as the IMO continues work on guidelines addressing underwater radiated noise from ships.

AI moves into maritime operations

Digitalisation and artificial intelligence are increasingly being applied to practical maritime workflows rather than remaining limited to experimental projects.

DNV is presenting RuleAgent, an AI-based tool intended to help users work with classification rules and support ship design and approval processes.

AILA.ai is showcasing an engineering platform that applies artificial intelligence to technical workflows. Tototheo Global is presenting Echoverse, a digital twin platform designed for condition monitoring, maintenance and operational optimisation.

Cyprus-based Intellar is demonstrating Astrolabe, a system focused on crew management.

The UK Hydrographic Office is also unveiling Admiralty Virtual Ports at SMM. The immersive 3D platform is designed to help seafarers familiarise themselves with ports before arrival, particularly where port layouts or navigation conditions may present challenges.

Golden Owl’s Strix™ Maritime Intelligence combines maritime, geopolitical, logistics, weather and market information to support decision-making in shipping.

AI and sensor-based systems are also being applied to situational awareness. SEA.AI, BOTIX and STARLIGHT Italia are showcasing technologies designed to identify objects and potential hazards at sea.

Germany’s Anschütz is presenting AUTONOMICS CGA, a navigation assistance system that combines sensor information, COLREG-based traffic assessment and manoeuvring recommendations to assist navigators in complex traffic situations.

Maritime autonomy expands into inspection and rescue

Automation is extending into ship inspection, maintenance and emergency response.

Kongsberg Ferrotech is exhibiting Hullius, an underwater robotic system designed for inspection and repair of ship hulls. Swiss company Flyability is demonstrating drones for inspecting difficult-to-access areas.

Remote Inspection Technologies are also becoming an increasingly relevant part of maritime regulatory discussions as autonomous and remotely operated systems take on more inspection tasks.

Autonomous systems are being developed for emergency response as well. German start-up SALVOR is presenting ASSIST, an autonomous rescue drone making its world premiere at SMM. The system combines autonomous flight capabilities, AI-supported search patterns and rescue-equipment deployment.

Vestdavit is demonstrating AutoHook, an automated system designed to perform individual tasks that have traditionally required manual intervention by crew members.

Intelligent systems target maritime safety

Safety technologies are another major area of development at SMM 2026, particularly systems designed to detect hazards at an earlier stage.

South Korean company Arges Marine is presenting intelligent flame and fire detection systems making their world premiere at the exhibition. LISTEC is also showcasing technology focused on early fire detection.

Italian manufacturer Veleria San Giorgio is presenting its Kanguro lifejacket, designed to provide protection for mothers and newborn babies during emergencies.

Man-overboard detection is another application for intelligent technology. ZOE from Zelim, presented by Germany’s Uni-Safe Rettungsgeräte, is designed to automatically identify people falling overboard and alert crew members in real time.

According to the company, ZOE is the first man-overboard detection system of its kind to receive certification under ISO 21195.

Multiple technologies shaping maritime transformation

The technologies being presented at SMM 2026 demonstrate that maritime decarbonisation and digital transformation are developing across multiple technology pathways rather than through a single solution.

Battery systems, hydrogen, alternative fuels, wind propulsion and energy-efficiency technologies are addressing emissions and fuel consumption, while AI, digital twins, autonomous systems, robotics and advanced sensors are targeting operational efficiency, safety and automation.

“At SMM, we can see just how many different solutions the industry is currently developing. Many of these technologies are no longer visions of the future but are already finding their way into real-world applications. We are proud to showcase this diversity here in Hamburg,” says Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President Exhibitions Maritime & Energy at Hamburg Messe und Congress.

The technologies that gain wider adoption are likely to vary according to vessel type, operating profile, route and application, with combinations of different technologies expected to play an important role in the maritime industry’s transition.