SMM

Event Update

SMM will be held as a physical trade show at Messe Hamburg between 01.09.2026 and 04.09.2026.

A Brief Overview of SMM

Explore the machines that cross the seven seas at SMM – the maritime and shipbuilding trade fair with a long-standing history and reputation to attract renowned shipowners and all possible movers and shakers on the international shipyard engineering scene. Held in Hamburg, Germany, this is a high-regarded international trade fair for supply to meet demand as well as to move the industry with cutting-edge technologies and solutions regularly showcased.

GETA ltd knows that you need an online hotel reservation for trade fairs that work for your benefit. So we have a completely adjustable system to arrive at the best accommodation, depending on how many people are in your group and what your working budget is. Whether you wish to downsize the expenses or make a statement, our team sends you the best deals on hotels for SMM. We also make sure you’re close to public transport, so you are able to commute freely and in no time. Get the perfect hotel reservation close to Messe Hamburg and make killer savings at the same time!

Why Your Visit Is Worth It?

Are you interested in growing your sphere of influence beyond your region? SMM is where you should bring your tech and services to receive the attention they deserve from top buyers in Europe and beyond. The trade fair commands a strong turnout every single edition:

• 2,200+ international exhibitors from 60+ countries showcased at the event
• 45,000+ international trade visitors made the trip;
• 93,000+ square metres of exhibition space used.

Industry Relevance

SMM is short for Shipbuilding, Machinery & Marine Technology and has been the driving force for innovation since 1963. Editions are held once every two years at Messe Hamburg and we have to mention that Angela Merkel has been an official patron since 2008, giving the trade even more prestige. SMM has been slowly getting bigger and more international as it builds upon its product assortment. 

Under one roof, trade visitors discover marine engineering, marine equipment, inland vessels, fuel systems, lifting equipment, shipping companies, shipyard equipment, engines, cargo handling systems, compressed air systems, exhaust, polar technology and much more. We also have to point out that SMM is also famous for its in-depth programming that mixes symposia with conferences and workshops.

Now is the perfect time to consider attending SMM as the shipping industry wakes up from a two-year break due to the pandemic. We are seeing a quick bounce back and recovery. Many new orders for ships have been placed in 2021. BIMCO reports 381 new-builds have been ordered, and together they have the capacity of 3.44 million TEU. That is a new record and another reason to attend SMM. You have nearly 40% of all international shipowner managers have stated they’re looking to buy new ships. This is in stark contrast to the 28% from 2019. 

That’s why you can’t miss out on attending. You’re in the best position to expand your network and generate qualified sales leads without any barriers. Enjoy a far geographic reach, and surround yourself with innovators in all related sectors. 

Who Are You Going to Meet?

SMM promotes on-site business, and you will be successful at it, as 95% of exhibitors considered the last edition to be highly conductive to their sales numbers. 55% of trade visitors come intending to form new sales leads. You will be in an excellent spot to create brand awareness and create lucrative relationships over the course of the event. The fair is a force to be reckoned with. There are 29 national pavilions and 27 delegations, which represent politics, corporations, and navies. You will be in the right place to make an impact in your region and stretch to new markets.

As an exhibitor, you’re in good company. Companies that have already confirmed a return to SMM include Bansal Marine Bhavnagar, Headway Technology Group (Qingdao), Radio Zeeland DMP Terneuzen, Hefring ehf. Reykjavik and Oilon Oy Lahti. There is a great variety in the countries of origin. Of course, the majority are based in Europe, such as Germany, Iceland, Finland, Denmark, the Netherlands, Belgium, Italy, Spain, and Norway. Organisers have done a lot of work to open the trade fair towards far-away markets like India, China, Canada, South Korea and Singapore. 

Additional Value of Attending 

SMM does much more than just connect manufacturers and suppliers to shipyards and shipowners. The trade show has developed one of the most comprehensive and influential support programmes in the world. Top speakers from the world of commerce, politics, and the military participate in several high-profile events. One of the most important events is the MS&D Conference aimed at maritime security and defence. Over the course of two days, you will hear about security issues and countermeasures in the face of future military and non-military threats.

The Maritime Future Summit traces the next phase of digital transformation. Be the first to know about technologies that will completely change the maritime landscape. If you want to stay on top of news regarding the economy, then you best attend the TradeWinds Shipowners Forum. You’ll attend interactive discussions and debates on the subjects of future containers shipping and shipbuilding.

Other highlights include MARINE INTERIORS, Maritime Career Market, Start-ups@SMM, Speaker slots and Theme routes.