The German Shipbuilding and Ocean Industries Association provided information on current industry developments at the SMM.
Under the motto "SMM - driving the maritime transition", the 31st SMM focussed on the maritime energy transition and the digital transformation. Between 3 and 6 September, not only the latest technologies and solutions from the maritime industry were presented. Twelve packed exhibition halls and numerous exhibitors in the open-air areas once again impressively demonstrated the diversity of the maritime industry. 90,000 square metres, representing the entire value chain of the industry. After all, Germany's maritime industry employs around 400,000 people and its turnover is estimated at 50 billion euros (source: BMWK website). This figure covers all sectors, including harbours, maritime service providers and the supply industry. It is not limited to the coastal federal states, but extends as far as Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg.
SMM Hamburg 2024, Photo: IK
In addition to the exhibits, as in the past SMM offered numerous opportunities for dialogue between industry experts, companies and political representatives. In over 70 freely accessible sessions, more than 300 speakers provided practical insights and took a stand on industry issues. Various workshops and company-organised activities helped participants to gain insights or sharpen their focus. There were plenty of opportunities for networking and exchanging ideas. Access was facilitated by a new networking platform, which was made available as an app and in a desktop version. Pupils, students and accompanying teachers received free admission to the SMM.
The leitmotifs addressed at the trade fair included the maritime industry's responses to environmental protection issues, the challenges posed by digitalisation and artificial intelligence, the promotion of young talent and maritime safety.
Cruise ship AIDA Cosma at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, one of the largest shipyards in the world, which has been building cruise ships for international shipping companies for decades. Photo: Adobe Stock
Young talent wanted
Recruiting and training qualified specialists are essential in order to meet the future needs of the industry. Accordingly, the topic was given prominent treatment in order to make the maritime industry more attractive for young talent. On 5 and 6 September, the 'Maritime Career Market' took place at SMM, where information was provided about career opportunities in the maritime industry. Leading companies and universities presented training and study options.
Maritime security
The increasing importance of maritime security as one of the core topics was already evident at the opening event, where the geopolitical instabilities that result in insecure global supply chains were discussed. The Maritime Security & Defence Conference, a traditional element of the trade fair, was organised this year by the DMI (German Maritime Institute). It focussed on the existing risk zones in the Black and Red Seas and the dispute between China and Taiwan. In four panels, experts from politics, industry, science and the navy discussed their views on the geopolitical and technological challenges. Delegations from 17 countries attended with a total of 47 participants, including high-ranking officers, attachés and military chiefs.
Tour of a trade fair on the maritime energy transition
Abeking & Rasmussen at the SMM 2024 , Photo:IK
As is usual at major international trade fair events, the SMM was also used to announce innovations and initiatives. In the run-up to the event (on 30 August), IG Metall Küste published the results of its survey on the situation in the shipbuilding industry. According to the results, the number of employees at shipyards in the northern German states increased. There are currently 15,824 people working there, 5.3 per cent more than last year.
With over 2,200 exhibiting companies and more than 48,000 participants from over 100 countries, SMM confirmed its position as a leading international maritime trade fair. And demonstrated just how diverse and innovative the maritime industry is. The next SMM will take place in Hamburg from 1 to 4 September 2026.
Text: Mergener / Photos: ik / VSM
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