SMM 2026 to bring global maritime industry together in Hamburg

SMM 2026 is set to open in Hamburg next week, bringing together around 2,300 exhibitors and 50,000 participants from across the global maritime industry.

The four-day event will occupy more than 90,000 square metres across 12 exhibition halls, with the exhibition grounds fully booked. The event will feature shipyards, shipping companies, equipment suppliers, classification societies, technology companies, start-ups, research organisations, policymakers and international maritime institutions.

“SMM is where the global maritime industry meets in person every two years. It is a showcase for technological and innovation leadership across the entire maritime value chain. And SMM is great fun, too. You simply meet everyone here!”, says Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President Exhibitions Maritime & Energy at Hamburg Messe und Congress.

International participation at SMM 2026

Companies from 70 countries and participants from 120 nations are expected at SMM 2026. The event will feature 26 official national pavilions, alongside delegations from leading shipbuilding and maritime nations.

China, Japan, South Korea and India are among the countries with a significant presence at the event. Cyprus, Vietnam and Brazil will participate with national pavilions for the first time.

Conferences and specialist programmes

SMM 2026 will feature five stages and five international specialist conferences covering key issues facing the maritime sector.

The conference programme includes the Maritime Future Summit, global maritime environmental congress (gmec), MS&D – International Conference on Maritime Security & Defence, Offshore Dialogue and the TradeWinds Shipowners Forum.

Additional sessions, panels and Innovation Talks will take place across the exhibition halls. The Transition Stages will host a programme that is free for SMM visitors, while the new Exhibitor Innovation Stage will allow exhibitors to present new technologies and products through short-format presentations.

Two additional events, ALL ABOUT PORTS and LogiNext Germany, will be held at the CCH – Congress Center Hamburg alongside SMM. The events will expand the programme into port operations, logistics and digitalisation.

Energy efficiency and maritime security take centre stage

Energy efficiency will receive a dedicated exhibition area for the first time through the new Energy Efficiency Hub. The area will be supported by a specialist programme on the Energy Efficiency Stage.

The maritime security and defence segment will also be expanded. The MS&D Conference will be complemented by the MS&D Expo in Naval Hall B8 and the Naval Stage.

SMM will additionally introduce the Dual-Use Tech Newcomer Zone, providing a dedicated platform for companies developing technologies with both civilian and military applications.

Focus on maritime careers and start-ups

SMM 2026 will also feature programmes aimed at attracting the next generation of maritime professionals.

The Maritime Career Market will run for two exhibition days, targeting students, young professionals and school pupils. School pupils, students and accompanying teachers will receive free admission on Thursday and Friday.

Start-ups@SMM and Young Innovators will showcase emerging technologies, business models and ideas from younger companies.

New opening format and networking events

For the first time, the SMM 2026 – Official Opening Conference will be open to all participants and streamed live to stages across the exhibition halls.

The event will also include a range of networking activities, including the Welcome Reception, Maritime Start-up Night, Career Happy Hour and MS&D Reception. Wine o’clock will take place at the Transition Stages from Tuesday to Thursday.

Six Theme Routes will help visitors navigate the exhibition grounds. The former Green Route has been renamed the Energy Efficiency Route for 2026.

SMM TV by TradeWinds will provide live coverage from the event, while the outdoor exhibition area will also have additional space.

Visitor services and digital matchmaking

Several changes are intended to simplify visitor access and event planning. HotelMap will support accommodation searches, while public transport within the Hamburg Transport Association (HVV) network will be included in visitor and exhibitor tickets for the first time.

SMM tickets will also provide access to ALL ABOUT PORTS and LogiNext Germany.

On-site facilities will include Charging Lounges, drinking-water dispensers and air-conditioned B halls. The AI-powered SMM Connect platform will support event planning and matchmaking before, during and after the exhibition.