Pioneering technologies for safe shipping

From 3 to 6 September, SMM will once again be a hotspot for the maritime industry. In addition to the main topics of decarbonisation and digitalisation, this year's focus will increasingly be on maritime security.

Attacks by Houthi rebels on merchant ships in the Red Sea, geopolitical tensions in the Taiwan Strait, armed attacks by pirates in the Horn of Africa: the many critical security situations worldwide pose enormous challenges for the shipping industry. Martin Kröger, Managing Director of the German Shipowners' Association, rightly demands that the protection of ships and seafarers on the sea routes must be the top priority. Shipowners receive support from naval vessels that accompany them in dangerous areas. The EU-led Operation Aspides, for example, ensures greater safety in the Red Sea. Against the backdrop of growing geopolitical challenges, many countries are investing in their naval forces. The SMM trade fair in Hamburg offers the perfect platform for this: exhibitors present the latest security technologies here.

Hamburg is the world's leading maritime trade fair.
Economy at home, Photo: SMM/Michael Zapf

Submarines, frigates, minesweepers: naval vessels are complex high-tech systems that require enormous shipbuilding expertise. At SMM, the leading international companies present their state-of-the-art solutions - often those that have also proven themselves in civilian use. For example, low-noise engines are not only in demand for frigates and other naval vessels. Civilian shipping also relies on smart technologies. Lürssen uses them in the yacht sector, for example. The sister company NVL Group (Naval Vessels Lürssen) installs them in naval vessels. Other companies such as engine manufacturer MTU and navigation specialist Kongsberg also put their expertise at the service of customers in the civil and military shipping industry. The two segments are mutually beneficial when it comes to innovation. Once again, the fact that SMM covers the entire value chain of the industry proves its worth.

Classification societies such as DNV present their services in Hamburg, Photo: SMM/Kathrin Neuhauser

Decarbonisation and digitalisation

In total, SMM is expecting more than 2000 exhibitors from 70 countries from 3 to 6 September. Despite an additional lightweight construction hall, the trade fair is almost fully booked. The few remaining spaces available will be allocated on request. With more than 40,000 international participants - including decision-makers from shipping companies, shipbuilders and suppliers - SMM is the undisputed world's leading maritime trade fair. Also because it is constantly reinventing itself. SMM has developed two new formats to actively promote the two key topics of decarbonisation and digitalisation: Firstly, the Future Fuels Area, in which the potential applications of hydrogen and its derivatives in shipping are presented. Secondly, the AI Centre, where start-ups will showcase the pioneering solutions that artificial intelligence (AI) can offer the maritime industry. AI undoubtedly also harbours exciting potential applications for maritime shipping. The spectrum ranges from autonomous navigation technologies and automated target recognition systems to cyber security and predictive maintenance. Sensors and advanced analysis tools are used in the predictive maintenance of ships to continuously monitor the condition of machinery and equipment.

50,000 trade visitors meet committed exhibitors, photo: SMM/Kathrin Neuhauser

The popular networking format Wine o'clock also offers the perfect opportunity to socialise over drinks and snacks. Thinking outside the box is important for shipping companies and naval procurement managers so that they can meet the major technological challenges of fleet renewal and refurbishment in a customised, timely and cost-effective manner.

The high-calibre conference programme is also all about know-how transfer. A significant innovation is that the previously fee-based conferences will take place on the Transition Stages in the exhibition halls for the first time. The open stages offer all participants free access to high-calibre discussions and presentations. High-ranking delegations from navies and coast guards from all over the world are expected to attend the International Maritime Security and Defence Conference MS&D on 5 and 6 September.

The Dutch Damen shipyard is also important for the German Navy, photo: SMM/Kathrin Neuhauser

More efficiency through digitalisation, more climate protection through new propulsion technologies, more safety through smart high-tech solutions for the navy: At the world's leading trade fair for the maritime industry, we are jointly setting the course for the maritime transformation - be there!

Claus Ulrich Selbach is Head of the Maritime and Technology Fairs Division at Hamburg Messe und Congress.

Claus Ulrich Selbach