MS & D - Importance of maritime safety

Welcome to the most important shipping industry event in the world: SMM 2024 is in full swing with around 40,000 participants from over 120 countries. It is a unique platform for business, exchange of ideas and cooperation. More than 2,000 exhibiting companies will provide an insight into the latest state of the art. Key areas such as future fuels, sustainability, decarbonisation and innovation through AI dominate the discussions.

With a unique range of networking, conferences and many small "come togethers", SMM is the industry event of the year. From stand parties to business talks, everything is possible. The "United Nations of Shipbuilding", as it was called at the opening ceremony, meet here in Hamburg. And so it is not surprising that the celebrities of the shipping industry have come together and will continue to do so until Friday. Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary General of the IMO, Dr Gaby Bornheim, President of the German Shipowners' Association, Dieter Janecek, Maritime Coordinator of the German Federal Government and Silke Lehmkoester from HAPAG Lloyd welcomed the visitors to the opening panel, to name but a few. The motto of this year's SMM is "Driving the Maritime Transition". Nowhere are the changes to be mastered on the world's oceans more evident than in the area of safety.

But no trade without protection. Maritime security is a current core topic at SMM. The Maritime Security & Defence Conference is therefore traditionally held during the trade fair. This year, the conference will be organised by DMI. It has long been customary to use this opportunity not only to celebrate the booming industry, but also to take a look at the risks, because shipping is challenged. There are hazards in the Black and Red Seas, on Africa's west and east coasts and in Asia.

During MS & D, representatives from navies and industry, science and start-ups will be on stage together. As the German Maritime Institute, we are firmly convinced that this conference will provide a powerful impetus to turn new ideas into reality.