Numerous Asian countries are increasing their participation at SMM 2026 in Hamburg – including Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam for the first time. Japan is recording growth in exhibition space of around 13%.
SMM 2026 is seeing growing participation from the Asia-Pacific region. Several countries are expanding their presence compared to the previous event, including Japan, Korea and India.
Japanese companies have booked around 13% more exhibition space than at SMM, which takes place from September 1 to 4 this year. The joint stand of the Japan Ship Machinery and Equipment Association (JSMEA) is even growing by 22%.
According to the organizers, Korea is increasing the size of its national pavilion by around 15%. India is appearing for the first time with a joint stand officially organized by the Indian government. In addition, companies from Indonesia, Malaysia and Vietnam are planning to take part in the trade fair for the first time. Companies from Southeast Asia and China are also continuously expanding their presence.
Transformation as a driver
Hamburg Messe und Congress cites the growing need for international exchange on topics such as decarbonization, digitalization and energy efficiency as well as the high level of investment in maritime infrastructure in the region.
“SMM offers precisely the environment that this transformation requires: a global platform where decision-makers come together, partnerships are formed and concrete business opportunities are developed,” Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President Exhibitions Maritime & Energy at Hamburg Messe und Congress, is quoted as saying in the press release.
Maritime Future Summit with a focus on AI
The Maritime Future Summit (MFS) will take place parallel to the trade fair on September 2 – moderated by Volker Bertram (World Maritime University) and Michael Meyer (HANSA – International Maritime Journal). The focus will be on the influence of generative AI on ship design, operation and fleet management. On the open stage in the exhibition hall, classification societies, technology providers and start-ups will discuss specific applications – from digital twins and autonomous systems to AI-supported efficiency optimization during operation.
Hamburg as an international meeting place for the maritime industry
SMM makes Hamburg the central hub of the global maritime industry. More than 2,200 exhibitors and around 50,000 participants from 120 nations ensure a unique concentration of international decision-makers. More info: smm-hamburg.com
