SMM 2014 sets new record
This year’s SMM Exhibition proved to be a great success, with more than 2,100 exhibitors from around the world, including 150 first-timers, and 50,000 industry visitors taking to the Hamburg halls.
The 26th SMM saw four days of activity from 25 national pavilions and exhibitors from 67 different countries, making this year’s fair more international than ever. Two-thirds of exhibitors came from countries other than Germany, while companies from Egypt, Lebanon and Sri Lanka showcased their products and services for the first time. Dubai also set up its first ever national pavilion.
“We set new records this year,” said Bernd Aufderheide, CEO and president of Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH. “The excellent turnout not only showed that companies are ready to meet the current challenges with determination, but it also revealed a growing appreciation for collaboration.”
“This fair generates ideas and fresh impetus for the maritime industry, and it is a perfect platform for networking, inspiring each other and negotiating deals. It sends a positive, encouraging signal to the maritime community,” he added.
On the agenda this year was the protection of the marine environmental and the improvement of vessel efficiency. New products were introduced from some of the industry’s biggest names including MAN Diesel and Turbo, ZF Marine Propulsion, Rolls-Royce and SKF Blohm + Voss, among others.
The exhibition also played host to popular events and integrated conferences including gmec, MS&D, SMM Offshore Dialogue, SMM Ship Finance Forum and the brand-new Recruiting Day, which aimed to attract highly-qualified staff to the sector.
By Rachael Doyle
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