In a few days’ time, SMM, the world’s leading trade fair for the maritime industry, will open its doors in Hamburg. The exhibitor line-up is becoming increasingly international, with several key countries expanding their presence. China remains the leader.
With 26 national pavilions – two more than in 2024 – eleven new exhibiting countries and growing participation from Asia’s leading shipbuilding nations, SMM is reaffirming its role as a global meeting place for the maritime industry, the organisers announced. New official national pavilions from Cyprus and Brazil will be joining the line-up, alongside official appearances from India and Vietnam for the first time.
“The growing international participation shows that face-to-face exchange across national borders is more important than ever,” says Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President Exhibitions Maritime & Technology at Hamburg Messe und Congress.
For the first time, for example, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), together with the Indian Ports Association, is organising two official Indian joint pavilions – in Hall B3.OG and in the Naval Hall B8. This participation reflects India’s growing importance as a maritime industry and technology nation. The country is pursuing comprehensive expansion plans for port infrastructure, shipbuilding, and digital and sustainable maritime technologies. Around 35 exhibitors from India are expected at SMM 2026, including Chowgule & Company, Buoyancy Consultants & Engineering, Swan Defence and Heavy Industries, Vedam Design & Technical Consultancy, Marine Electricals (India) and Synergy Shipbuilders N Dock Works.
In addition to the joint pavilions, India is also represented in the SMM conference programme. Shri Vijay Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, will take part in the Official Opening Conference and, in his address entitled ‘India Perspective: Global Maritime Growth & Connectivity’, will highlight India’s growing role in the global maritime economy. On the Open Stage, the session ‘The India Opportunity: Investing in Shipbuilding & Shipping Clusters’ will focus on the investment and development potential of the Indian shipbuilding industry, maritime clusters and opportunities for international cooperation. In addition, a high-level Indian naval and government delegation is expected to attend SMM. In Naval Hall B8, the Indian Ports Association, Cochin Shipyard and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers will be showcasing their organisations.
New national pavilions from Brazil, Cyprus and Vietnam
Brazil is exhibiting for the first time with a national pavilion at SMM, organised by the Brazilian Association of Companies of the Blue Economy (ABEEMAR). The association promotes Brazil’s blue economy, focusing on innovation, sustainability and business development. Companies in the pavilion include Flexprin Industria and Diesel Line, amongst others.
The Cyprus national pavilion is organised by the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Cyprus in collaboration with the Deputy Ministry of Shipping and the Cyprus Trade Centre in Berlin. Ten companies, as well as government and maritime institutions, are represented from the sectors of maritime services, ship repair and technical equipment, communications and automation, artificial intelligence, research and classification. These include, amongst others, the Cyprus Marine & Maritime Institute (CMMI), Tototheo Maritime, Multimarine Services and the Deputy Ministry of Shipping. The programme also features the ‘Cyprus Maritime Innovation Event’, featuring presentations and a panel discussion on innovations, technologies and market opportunities in the Cypriot maritime economy.
“The first official Cypriot national pavilion at SMM Hamburg 2026 marks an important milestone for our maritime economy and demonstrates the strength, expertise and international competitiveness of Cyprus’s maritime cluster. Through our participation, we wish to reaffirm Cyprus’s commitment to quality, innovation and international cooperation. Cyprus offers international shipping companies a stable and attractive environment, underpinned by a business-friendly regulatory framework, a competitive and transparent tonnage tax system, and a proactive maritime administration,” said the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Cyprus.
For the first time, Vietnam is also officially represented by the Vietnam Shipbuilding Industry Association (VISIA). The association represents the Vietnamese shipbuilding industry and is also contributing to the programme’s content: the session ‘Digital Engineering Partnerships: Expanding Global Shipbuilding Capacity’ on the Open Stage will highlight current developments and prospects within the sector.
In addition, companies from Luxembourg, Azerbaijan, the Philippines, Andorra, the Bahamas, the Slovak Republic, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon and Curaçao are taking part for the first time.
Asia’s shipbuilding nations continue to grow
South Korea has once again recorded growth. Key Korean exhibitors include, amongst others, Korean Register, Panasia, Bosung Engineering, Daeyang Electric and Kangrim Heavy Industries. China continues to represent the largest international national delegation at SMM and will further expand its presence in 2026. The China-Europe Maritime Summit is also taking place for the first time, jointly organised by the Association of German Shipowners (VDR), the China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry (CANSI) and DNV. The conference brings together high-ranking representatives from the Chinese and European maritime industries and focuses on industrial cooperation, technological innovations and pathways to transformation. Japan is also expanding its presence at the exhibition, including with a joint stand organised by the Japan Ship Machinery and Equipment Association (JSMEA).
