SMM 2026: Security becomes the dominant issue
Friday, 4th September 2026
Four intensive days at SMM reveal a shift in priorities: decarbonisation remains a strategic goal, but security and resilience are increasingly shaping the maritime agenda. Despite continued uncertainty, the industry is investing and calling for faster innovation, procurement and implementation.
Hamburg, 4 September 2026 – SMM 2026 has closed with record attendance and an exceptionally positive mood across the industry. More than 50,000 participants from 134 nations attended the event, which brought together around 2,300 exhibiting companies from 66 countries.
Over four days, representatives of shipping companies, shipyards, suppliers, technology companies, navies and international organisations discussed investment, emerging technologies and new partnerships.
“What we have seen over these four days is an industry with a strong determination to shape its future. Despite geopolitical and regulatory uncertainty, companies are investing, seeking solutions and building new partnerships. Across all topics, there was a clear sense that available technologies need to be deployed more quickly,” said Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President Exhibitions Maritime & Energy at Hamburg Messe und Congress.
Security and resilience move centre stage
The growing importance of maritime security was particularly evident in the new Naval Hall B8. The MS&D Conference & Expo and Naval Stage brought together international navies, defence companies, maritime suppliers and providers of dual-use technologies.
Discussions focused on unmanned systems, sensors, cybersecurity and the protection of critical maritime infrastructure.
“Decarbonisation remains important, but safety at sea and the protection of sea lanes are currently the number-one priority. We need to get ships into the water quickly and significantly shorten procurement processes. Industry is ready: many of the products and technologies we need already exist and do not have to be developed from scratch,” said Klaus Deleroi, Managing Director of REINTJES.
At the MS&D Conference, Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack, in his final public appearance as Chief of the German Navy, emphasised the need for greater operational readiness, shorter procurement processes and increased use of unmanned systems.
Efficiency and AI: solutions for today
While security and resilience are playing a greater role on the agenda, decarbonisation and energy efficiency remain key challenges.
At the new Energy Efficiency Hub, 24 companies presented solutions across 300 square metres that can already help reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The capacity audience at the Global Maritime Environmental Congress (gmec) further demonstrated that decarbonisation remains a major concern for the industry.
In discussions of digitalisation and artificial intelligence, the focus shifted firmly towards implementation. Rather than exploring theoretical potential, participants increasingly concentrated on practical applications, from fleet optimisation and predictive maintenance to autonomous systems and AI-based situational awareness.
Strong willingness to invest despite uncertainty
Throughout the four-day event, exhibitors reported high-quality discussions, strong attendance by decision-makers and a continued willingness to invest.
“SMM 2026 has been an excellent week for Alfa Laval, with a high level of engagement and substantive conversations across the industry. There is clearly still uncertainty in the market, but we also see a real willingness to invest where solutions can deliver tangible operational and environmental value,” said Helena Sannicolo, Vice President, Marketing & Communications, Ocean Division at Alfa Laval.
The level of international participation underlined SMM’s global reach. The event featured 26 national pavilions and delegations from around 30 countries. For the first time, India, Cyprus and Brazil were represented by their own national pavilions. More than 70 per cent of exhibitors came from outside Germany.
“After four days of SMM, one thing is particularly clear to me: this industry is not standing still. Companies are investing, seeking partners and looking to deploy available technologies more quickly,” Selbach concluded.
Upcoming events
Maritime security and defence will remain firmly on Hamburg’s agenda in 2027. The next MS&D Conference & Expo will take place on 8 and 9 December 2027, alongside the Global Security and Defence Summit (GSIS) at the CCH – Congress Center Hamburg.
The next SMM will take place in Hamburg from 5 to 8 September 2028.
Participant figures are preliminary and based on an extrapolation from attendance recorded by 12 noon on the final day of the event.
