SMM preview: A glimpse of the event

SMM goes back 60 years, with its first iteration the German Association of Marine Engineers (VDSI), which began holding conventions every two or three years in the city of Flensburg.

It began life as SMM when the VDSI hosted a congress in Hamburg, at the exhibition centre, in May 1963 alongside the Schiff und Maschine (Ships and Engines) exhibition.

The show has been growing in size and reputation ever since, and is now held every two years.

More than 40,000 visitors representing 120 companies are expected this year to wander around a dozen or so halls with 2.000 exhibitors showcasing their latest products and technologies.

As has been the norm in the past few years, the prime focus of the event will be on emissions and the environment.

China and Korea are once again joining the growing number of national pavilions at the show.

Conferences

One of the main draws of SMM is the conferences and panel discussions that run throughout the event, and in SMM’s case they are held on four stages for the first time within the actual exhibition areas themselves, rather than in separate conference halls.

These include the Digital & Security Stage, which will host discussions on autonomous navigation, AI and all things digital; the Open Stage, with Damen Shipyards, North Windships and others; the Green Stage, with future fuels discussions, other low-carbon alternatives and hybridisation; and the Cruise & Ferry stage.

There’s also an AI Center, Future Fuels Area, Marine Interiors and Maritime Career Market to visit.

SMM is on at Hamburg’s huge convention centre from September 3-6.