SMM 2026 to focus on maritime careers as demand for skilled workers rises

Maritime Career Market to bring companies, universities and job seekers together in Hamburg on 3 and 4 September

The maritime industry is facing growing demand for skilled professionals as shipping, shipbuilding, ports and offshore sectors undergo changes driven by decarbonisation, digitalisation and maritime security.

According to the Seafarer Workforce Report by BIMCO and the International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), the global shipping industry is expected to require more than 113,000 additional ship officers by 2030. Demand is also increasing for engineers, software and IT specialists, automation professionals and workers in offshore energy and port logistics.

Against this backdrop, SMM 2026 will host the Maritime Career Market on 3 and 4 September in Hamburg. The initiative will bring together maritime companies, educational institutions and prospective employees for recruitment, career guidance and industry networking.

“The success of the maritime transition depends not only on new technologies, but above all on the people who develop them. With the Maritime Career Market, we are creating opportunities for companies, universities and everyone who wants to shape the future of the industry to connect directly,” says Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President Exhibitions Maritime & Energy at Hamburg Messe und Congress.

Maritime Career Market to feature around 30 exhibitors

The Maritime Career Market will feature around 30 exhibitors from the maritime industry, academia and education. Companies registered to participate include Anschütz, Boluda, DNV, Heinrich Rönner Group, KBN, PROSTEP, SKF and Vulkan.

Academic institutions taking part include Emden/Leer University of Applied Sciences, Flensburg School of Nautical Studies and the University of Rostock.

The programme will cover multiple entry points into the maritime sector, including vocational training, dual-study programmes and direct employment. Career opportunities will be presented across shipbuilding, maritime digitalisation, offshore industries, port operations and maritime services.

Dr Reinhard Lüken, Chief Executive Officer of the German Shipbuilding and Ocean Industries Association (VSM), said: “Germany’s maritime industry enjoys full order books and outstanding technological prospects. However, our future competitiveness will depend on our ability to attract enough qualified professionals and young talent. To achieve this, we need to demonstrate just how modern, international and future-oriented maritime careers have become. The Maritime Career Market at SMM brings companies and prospective professionals together face to face – exactly the kind of format we need to inspire people to pursue careers in the maritime industry.”

Career Forum and recruitment activities

The Maritime Career Market will include a supporting programme focused on employment trends, skills requirements and career development.

The Career Forum will feature presentations and panel discussions addressing future skills and employment opportunities in the maritime sector. Other activities will include a Career Happy Hour, Job Route, guided tours and a school rally organised in cooperation with VSM.

School pupils, university students and accompanying teachers will receive free admission to SMM on both days of the Maritime Career Market.

German Maritime Centre to launch recruitment campaign

The German Maritime Centre (DMZ) will also use SMM 2026 to launch a new image and recruitment campaign aimed at attracting younger professionals to the maritime sector.

The campaign will be introduced during the “Ship your Talent” panel session on 3 September.

Hanna Maurer, Project Manager at the German Maritime Centre (DMZ), said: “The maritime industry has a great deal to offer young people. Together, we want to inspire the next generation by highlighting the wide range of career opportunities our industry provides. The Maritime Career Market at SMM is the ideal setting for launching this campaign.”