SMM 2026 to spotlight energy efficiency solutions for shipping

Energy Efficiency Hub will bring together technologies focused on reducing fuel consumption and improving vessel performance

The maritime industry’s focus on reducing emissions is increasingly being accompanied by efforts to improve vessel energy efficiency. At SMM 2026, scheduled for 1 to 4 September in Hamburg, a dedicated Energy Efficiency Hub will showcase technologies and operational approaches designed to reduce energy consumption across the shipping sector.

The Energy Efficiency Hub, under the theme “Efficiency First: Powering the Future of Shipping”, will feature 24 companies from Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The exhibition area will cover more than 200 square metres and will include 16 exhibitors at an international joint stand and eight individual exhibitors.

The initiative comes as shipowners and operators continue to navigate uncertainty over which low-carbon fuels will gain widespread adoption. Technologies that can deliver immediate improvements in fuel efficiency and vessel performance are therefore becoming an important part of the industry’s transition.

Technologies covering the vessel efficiency value chain

The Energy Efficiency Hub will feature solutions spanning digital optimisation, performance management, artificial intelligence, energy management, hybrid systems and electrification.

Other technologies on display will include wind-assisted propulsion, solar systems, onboard carbon capture and storage, vessel retrofits, alternative-fuel systems and next-generation propulsion technologies.

Exhibitors include BAR Technologies from the United Kingdom, Cryospain from Spain, ENOGIA from France, the European Research Institute for Gas and Energy Innovation (ERIG) from Belgium, GLO MARINE from Romania, NEUMAN & ESSER from Germany and YADA Green Energy Solutions from China.

BAR Technologies will present its WindWings® Hub, a digital platform designed to provide real-time monitoring and analysis of wind-assisted propulsion systems. The platform provides operators with data on voyage efficiency, fuel savings and maintenance requirements.

Cryospain will showcase cryogenic process equipment and vacuum-insulated piping systems designed for applications involving LNG, liquid hydrogen, methanol and ammonia.

NEUMAN & ESSER will focus on compressor technologies for marine fuel and cargo-handling applications. Its solutions cover LNG, LPG, liquid ammonia and LCO₂, as well as boil-off gas handling for LNG carriers and LNG FSU/FSRU applications.

Hydrogen and waste-heat technologies

ERIG will present the EU-funded NavHyS project, which involves 14 partners from eight European countries. The project is developing a liquid hydrogen storage and propulsion system for service and maintenance vessels operating in offshore wind farms.

ENOGIA will demonstrate compact Organic Rankine Cycle units that recover waste heat from marine engines and convert it into electricity. The technology is intended to reduce fuel consumption associated with onboard power generation.

GLO MARINE will present retrofit and vessel-upgrade solutions covering shore power, battery energy storage, wind-assisted propulsion, electrical upgrades and the integration of new onboard systems.

YADA Green Energy Solutions will showcase fuel supply systems for LNG, methanol, ammonia and hydrogen, alongside carbon capture technologies for lower-emission vessel operations.

Roman Schroth, Solution Manager, LNG & Marine Business at NEUMAN & ESSER, said: “For us, SMM is an important platform for maintaining direct dialogue with shipowners and other stakeholders across the maritime industry. In a market that is constantly evolving, these conversations are essential to developing solutions that are not only efficient, but also reliable and practical for everyday operation at sea.”

Energy efficiency discussions to continue at SMM 2026

The Energy Efficiency Hub will be complemented by the Energy Efficiency Stage in Hall A4. The programme will examine technologies and strategies related to climate-friendly and energy-efficient shipping, including nuclear propulsion concepts.

Sessions will cover areas such as retrofit and upcycling, wind-assisted propulsion systems, shore power, digitalisation and Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships. The programme will also include the global maritime environmental congress (gmec) and the Offshore Dialogue.

Daily expert sessions at the Energy Efficiency Hub in Hall A2 will provide updates on projects and technologies. One of the projects featured will be the EU-funded SEAGLOW initiative, which is examining ways to reduce fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions from small-scale fishing vessels operating in the Baltic and North Sea.

Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President Exhibitions Maritime & Energy at Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH, said: “The maritime transition will not be driven by a single technology, but by intelligent improvements in efficiency throughout a vessel’s entire lifecycle. With the Energy Efficiency Hub and the Energy Efficiency Stage, SMM provides an international platform where technology providers, shipowners, shipyards and suppliers can work together to shape the future of shipping.”