All Eyes on SMM Hamburg

The SMM international trade fair of the maritime industry has officially been opened in Hamburg. Every two years representatives of the maritime industry and experts from all over the world gather in Hamburg to showcase innovative developments and leading-edge technologies, and discuss the industry’s prospects. (SMM: shipbuilding, machinery, marine technology).

The opening ceremony of the 26th SMM took place on September 8 at the Congress Center Hamburg and was hosted by Bernd Aufderheide, CEO and President, Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH.

“This is a very special SMM,” said Bernd Aufderheide.

The enormous interest shown by exhibitors and visitors alike proves it. More than 2,100 exhibitors and over 50,000 visitors are expected, more than ever in the history of this fair.

“The fair welcomes every type and size of company, from market leaders and global players to medium-sized companies and innovation-focused start-ups. Their products cover a wide spectrum from large-scale ship engineering and shipbuilding products to ship outfitting and equipment supplies, and from cargo handling systems and maritime technologies to specialised services,” said Aufderheide.

With its 26 national pavilions and exhibitors from 67 different countries, this year’s fair is more international than ever, he added.

For example, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry is a first-time participant. “But it is not only in the exhibition halls that this event impresses. Our special-events programme sets new standards, as well, underscoring the role of SMM as the leading international maritime trade fair,” said Aufderheide.

As an example he cites the integration of the gmec and MS&D conferences, the SMM Offshore Dialogue, the SMM Ship Finance Forum and Recruiting Day into the SMM programme.

“This is a time when the eyes of the whole world are upon Hamburg. This is the heartbeat of the maritime industry, and this is where the future of the industry begins,” said Senator Frank Horch from the Hamburg Department of Economics, Transport and Innovation.

The protection of the marine environment is one of the top items on the SMM agenda. Exhibitors will give some fascinating insights into the latest industry trends.

“The shipping industry, working closely together with shipbuilders and suppliers, continues to devote considerable resources and capital to the development and implementation of a wide range of new technologies that protect air and water quality and increase energy efficiency. The full breadth of technologies available today will be on display at the fair centre,” said Dr. Stephan Timmermann, Executive Board Member responsible for Marine Systems and After Sales, MAN Diesel & Turbo SE, and Member of the SMM Advisory Board.

SMM will take place at the Hamburg congress center from September 9 to September 12, 2014.