From Energy Efficiency to Maritime Security: SMM 2026 Sets the Agenda for Shipping

“Participation in all stage events is once again free of charge for all ticket holders,” says Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President Exhibitions Maritime & Energy at Hamburg Messe und Congress. Located directly within the exhibition halls, the open-stage concept enables visitors and exhibitor teams alike to engage with key stakeholders from across the global maritime industry and exchange ideas and experiences. “The integrated concept with its low-threshold access has proven highly successful and has taken knowledge transfer to a new level,” says Selbach. Additional networking opportunities are provided by the popular “Wine o’clock” format at the end of each exhibition day.

Broad Scope Meets Thematic Depth

Whether on the Energy Efficiency Stage, Open Stage, Exhibitor Innovation Stage, Digital Stage or Naval Stage, visitors can expect a daily programme of expert panels, keynote sessions and exhibitor presentations. One example is the Energy Efficiency Stage. Under the headline “Propulsion of the Future – What Will Power Future Global Trade?”, experts will discuss which climate-friendly fuel alternatives could power global shipping in the decades ahead and whether sufficient quantities will be available. From a technical perspective, solutions already exist. “In theory, we could operate today’s engines in a completely CO₂-neutral manner with only minor modifications by using climate-neutral fuels produced through power-to-gas processes or sustainable biofuels,” explains Hauke Schlegel, Managing Director of VDMA Marine Equipment & Systems, Europe’s largest association for mechanical and plant engineering. Another important element of maritime decarbonisation is shore power. This topic will be explored during the panel “Decarbonising through Onshore Power Supply”, organised in cooperation with industry association EOPSA.

Driving the Path to Climate Neutrality

Decarbonisation is also the central theme of the Global Maritime Environmental Congress 2026 (gmec). International experts from politics, industry and research will discuss regulatory challenges, implementation hurdles and opportunities created by pioneering projects such as green shipping corridors, which serve as test routes for alternative fuels, new propulsion technologies, shore power solutions and optimised

port operations. “A conference like gmec is a fantastic opportunity to discuss the challenges facing the industry today and to build real consensus on how we move forward,” says John McDonald, Chairman and CEO of ABS.

The offshore sector also plays a critical role in the global energy transition. Sessions within the Offshore Dialogue will focus on strengthening the security and resilience of offshore energy infrastructure and the technical measures required to support future renewable energy systems.

Decarbonisation Meets Digitalisation

The Open Stage focuses on the economic future of the industry. Discussions range from passenger experience in cruise shipping and operational efficiency to the impact of European industrial maritime policy. One highlight is the panel “The European Industrial Maritime Strategy: A Gamechanger or More of the Same?”, organised in cooperation with SEA Europe, the leading European shipyard and maritime equipment association. “We welcome the strategy’s strong focus on stimulating both supply and demand,” says Christophe Tytgat, Secretary General of SEA Europe. Another session organised by CLIA, the world’s leading cruise industry association, examines how retrofitting measures can support the decarbonisation of cruise fleets.

Exploring the Digital Future of Shipping

The Digital Stage showcases the latest technological developments in shipping, including fleet operations, smart shipping solutions, deep data analytics and remote monitoring technologies. Visitors will also discover innovations such as the use of 3D printing for drone production, enabling the deployment of autonomous surface and underwater systems for both commercial and security applications. A major highlight is the Maritime Future Summit, where established industry leaders, technology companies and start-ups present innovations in ship design, operations and digital technologies, offering a glimpse into the future of AI-enabled maritime solutions.

Maritime Security and Defence in Focus

The Naval Stage addresses one of the industry’s most pressing issues: Maritime Security & Defence. Experts will discuss how closer cooperation within Europe’s naval industry can strengthen defence readiness and examine the role of EU funding programmes in accelerating capability development. The importance of the sector continues to grow. According to Global Markets Insights, the global naval vessel market is expected to nearly double, reaching USD 225 billion annually by 2035. During the final two days of SMM, the Naval Stage will host the MS&D – International Conference & Expo on Maritime Security & Defence, organised by the German Maritime Institute. The conference traditionally brings together senior representatives from EU institutions, defence ministries, procurement agencies and both civilian and military maritime industries.

One of the keynote speakers will be Vice Admiral Carsten Stawitzki, Director-General for Armaments at the German Federal Ministry of Defence. “The protection of NATO territory can only be achieved through international cooperation in procurement,” Stawitzki emphasises.

Shaping the Future Together

Cooperation is essential not only in defence but across the entire maritime value chain. Shipowners, shipyards, suppliers, ports, technology providers and policymakers all have a role to play in making shipping safer, more efficient and more sustainable.

SMM provides the ideal platform for these discussions and partnerships. From 1–4 September 2026, the organisers expect around 2,200 exhibiting companies from approximately 60 countries and around 50,000 participants from up to 120 nations. Across 90,000 square metres in 12 exhibition halls, the event will showcase the full spectrum of the global maritime industry.