MS&D Special 2025: Europe's maritime security and defence conference returns ahead of schedule - Topic: Procurement in focus - Europe's industry faces new opportunities
From a press release by SMM Hamburg
A new stage for security and defence
The Maritime Security & Defence Conference (MS&D), which has been an integral part of the leading international trade fair SMM - World's Leading Maritime Trade Fair - for many years, will take place as an independent event for the first time in 2025. On 25 November 2025, Hamburg Messe und Congress will host a special edition of MS&D at the International Maritime Museum Hamburg. This will give Germany's only international conference for maritime security and defence its own platform - to address security policy challenges and technological innovations in an even more targeted manner.
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25 November 2025 | 12:00-20:00
MS&D Special 2025
International Maritime Museum Hamburg
"With this stand-alone MS&D event, we are creating a new, exclusive forum for the maritime security and defence industry. The need for exchange, strategic orientation and partnerships is greater than ever - especially in view of NATO's five per cent target and the importance of credible deterrence," says Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President Exhibitions at Hamburg Messe und Congress.
Focus on procurement and unmanned systems
Under the motto "Turning point? It's all about procurement!", MS&D 2025 puts procurement for the navy centre stage. The focus is on the new opportunities for European industry in a dynamic defence market. Unmanned systems serve as a striking example - they show how innovation, industrial development and security policy relevance can be combined.
Target groups and strategic exchange
The conference is aimed at companies that have little or no experience with procurement for the navy - from technology-driven start-ups to established medium-sized companies - as well as experienced players in the defence and dual-use industry. Innovation managers from science and industry as well as procurement experts from the Bundeswehr, the EU and NATO will also find a high-quality platform for strategic dialogue here.
"Especially in times of accelerated procurement processes and growing security requirements, it is crucial to share knowledge and strengthen interfaces between industry, the armed forces and politics," emphasises retired Admiral Karsten Schneider, President of the German Maritime Institute (DMI), which is responsible for the programme design and the selection of speakers.
Top-class programme and professional exchange
The afternoon programme offers a compact, high-calibre format of keynotes, panels and expert discussions. Speakers from NATO, the EU, the Bundeswehr and industry will shed light on current European cooperation formats and upcoming German procurement initiatives.
Limited participation - maximum added value
The conference language is English. Participation is limited in order to enable a high-quality professional exchange and targeted networking. The regular participation fee is currently 250 euros. Representatives of the Navy, the Federal Ministry of Defence, advisory bodies and procurement agencies are invited free of charge.
Outlook for the SMM 2026
MS&D 2025 is organised by the Hamburg Fair and Congress organised, curated and co-designed by the German Maritime Institute (DMI). Editorial support and media relations are provided by Tamm Media. The step towards an independent format also lays the foundation for SMM 2026, where maritime security and defence topics will play an even greater role.
About Hamburg Messe und Congress
In Germany's second largest city, Hamburg Messe und Congress (HMC) organises, supports and facilitates a large number of major national and international events year after year. Nestled between the university and the Reeperbahn, between the vibrant city centre and spacious parks, the eleven halls of the Hamburg exhibition grounds offer 87,000 square metres of exhibition space. The CCH - Congress Center Hamburg, just a few metres away, also offers up to 50 halls.
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