Technologies for maritime transformation: SMM, the world’s leading shipbuilding trade fair, is just round the corner. Innovations set to be put into practice will be showcased in the exhibition halls in Hamburg.
“The maritime industry is undergoing profound change. At SMM 2026, companies from all over the world will be showcasing technologies that are already transforming shipbuilding and ship operations today. These include numerous world and European premieres,” states a recent preview report from the Hamburg-based organisers. It becomes clear that no single technology will shape the shipping industry of the future. What is crucial is the interplay between different approaches. Many of these are no longer merely visions of the future, but are well on their way to practical application.
Electrification and new energy solutions
Reducing emissions remains one of the key challenges facing the shipping industry. Consequently, the sector is working intensively to use energy more efficiently on board and to put new propulsion concepts into practice.
Among the developments showcased at SMM are the solid-state marine battery from EPTechnologies (Denmark), which, as the first DNV-approved solid-state battery for marine use, is set to set new standards. Also making their world debut at SMM are the interchangeable battery containers from AYK Energy (Andorra) and the modular battery systems from SCIO Energy (Germany). Modular and interchangeable battery systems open up new possibilities for electrification, particularly for short-sea shipping, inland waterway transport and hybrid applications. The NavHyS hydrogen project is working on methods for the storage and use of liquid hydrogen in shipping. Gas and Heat (Italy) is showcasing an innovative LH2 tank system for maritime applications.
Hybrid propulsion systems are also continuing to gain in importance. Rolls-Royce Power Systems (Germany) is showcasing its MTU Series 2000 variable-speed gensets for the first time at SMM; these are designed specifically for battery-assisted applications and as range extenders. According to the company, this can reduce fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions by up to 15 per cent. The ZF 9200 A/V PTI from ZF Friedrichshafen (Germany) is designed for hybrid and electric propulsion concepts.
Other approaches focus on alternative fuels and more efficient use of energy on board. These include, for example, BioHFO from TecnoVeritas (Portugal), which is intended to enable the use of biofuels and conventional fuels in variable mixing ratios, thereby also offering an option for reducing emissions in existing fleets. Alfa Laval (Sweden) is presenting the Hukka-5, a new generation of waste heat recovery systems for cruise and passenger ships. By recovering waste heat from exhaust gases, the aim is to reduce fuel consumption and further improve energy efficiency on board.
The Dutch shipbuilding group Damen demonstrates how energy efficiency and fuel flexibility can be combined in a ship design with the Container Feeder 1100, which is making its world debut at SMM. Developed for short-sea container shipping, the concept combines an energy-efficient hull and propulsion design with the option to use alternative fuels such as methanol and biofuels.
Wind is making a comeback at sea
Wind-assisted ship propulsion is a particularly dynamic field of innovation. At SMM, international exhibitors are showcasing a range of technological approaches.
Beyond the Sea (France) is presenting the SeaKite, an automated towing kite system, a technology designed to be suitable for both newbuilds and existing vessels. Other exhibitors are focusing on sail and wing systems: Michelin Wisamo (France) is showcasing its automated sail system, North Windships (UK) is demonstrating DynaRig technology, and Oceanbird (Sweden) is presenting the Wing560. Stirling Design International (France), for its part, is demonstrating how such technologies can already be integrated into concrete ship designs with a wind-assisted Kamsarmax bulk carrier. Which system is suitable depends, amongst other things, on the type of vessel, the operating area and the operational profile.
Even beyond wind propulsion, energy requirements can be reduced through design solutions. Hull Vane (Netherlands) is presenting a hydrodynamic efficiency technology that reduces fuel consumption through optimised hull hydrodynamics.
In addition to efficiency, underwater noise is also coming increasingly into focus. Mecklenburger Metallguss (MMG, Germany) has developed ESPROsilent, a propeller whose optimisation also places a central emphasis on reducing noise emissions. This is based on simulation methods that MMG has developed in several collaborative research projects and validated through measurements on various types of vessel and under different operating conditions. In light of the IMO’s work on guidelines to limit underwater noise, the topic is becoming increasingly relevant.
AI is becoming a tool for everyday maritime operations
Alongside decarbonisation, digitalisation is continuing to gain in importance. Artificial intelligence is increasingly evolving from an experiment into a practical tool. The key factor here is the tangible benefit for shipyards, shipping companies and crews.
DNV’s (Norway) RuleAgent is designed to simplify work with complex classification rules and thus support design and certification processes. The engineering platform AILA.ai (Finland) utilises AI in technical work processes. Tototheo Global (Cyprus) is showcasing Echoverse, a digital twin that can be used for condition monitoring, maintenance and the optimisation of ship operations. Astrolabe from Intellar (Cyprus) supports crew management.
Admiralty Virtual Ports, from the UK Hydrographic Office (United Kingdom), promises immediate benefits for the crew. The solution for digital port familiarisation is making its world premiere at SMM. The immersive 3D application is designed to enable seafarers to familiarise themselves with the specific features of an unfamiliar or navigationally challenging port before calling at it.
Strix Maritime Intelligence, developed by the Spanish company Golden Owl, combines maritime, geopolitical, logistical, weather and market data to support decision-making in the shipping industry.
Another area of application is intelligent systems for environmental awareness. Sea.AI (Austria), Botix (China) and Starlight Italia (Italy) use sensors and digital technologies to detect objects and potential hazards at sea at an early stage. Such assistance systems enhance safety whilst also laying the groundwork for semi-automated and, in the future, autonomous vessel operations. Anschütz (Germany) is also showcasing a new navigation assistance system called Autonomics CGA. It combines sensor data, a COLREG-based assessment of the traffic situation and manoeuvre recommendations to provide navigators with additional guidance in complex traffic situations.
Autonomy moves beyond the testing ground
Another area of the future is the increasing automation of maritime processes. Robots and drones are opening up new possibilities for inspection, maintenance and safety. Particularly where work is dangerous, difficult to access or labour-intensive, autonomous and remotely controlled systems can take on tasks and relieve crews of the burden.
One example is the Hullius underwater robotic system from Kongsberg Ferrotech (Norway), which is designed to carry out inspection and repair work on ship hulls. Flyability (Switzerland) utilises drones to inspect areas that are difficult to access. Appropriate procedures for such remote inspection technologies are also being further developed at a regulatory level. Another field of application is rescue operations: the start-up Salvor (Germany) is presenting ASSIST, an autonomous rescue drone, which is making its world debut at SMM. It combines autonomous flight functions, AI-supported search patterns and the deployment of rescue equipment. Finally, AutoHook from Vestdavit (Norway) demonstrates how automated systems can take over individual tasks on board that were previously carried out manually.
Greater safety through smart technologies
New technologies are designed to detect hazards earlier and better protect people in emergency situations.
When it comes to early fire detection, Arges Marine (South Korea) is relying on intelligent flame and fire detection systems, which are making their world debut at SMM. Listec (Germany) is also working on early fire detection. The ‘Kanguro’ life jacket from Veleria San Giorgio (Italy) is designed to protect mothers and newborns in emergency situations. Smart technology is also being used to address the issue of man overboard. ZOE by Zelim (UK), presented by Uni-Safe Rettungsgeräte (Germany), automatically detects people falling overboard and alerts the crew in real time. According to the company, it is the first man-overboard detection system of its kind to be certified to ISO 21195.
“At SMM, it becomes clear just how many different solutions the industry is currently developing. Many of these technologies are no longer just a vision of the future, but are already finding their way into practical application. We are proud to showcase this diversity here in Hamburg,” says Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President of Exhibitions Maritime & Energy at Hamburg Messe und Congress. Which technologies will prevail in the long term will vary depending on the type of vessel and its area of operation.
SMM will take place in Hamburg from 1 to 4 September 2026. Under the theme ‘Driving the Maritime Transition’, it brings together international players from the maritime industry to discuss key future issues and actively shape the sector’s development. Around 2,300 exhibiting companies from 70 countries and 50,000 participants from 120 nations are expected to attend. Spanning more than 90,000 m² across twelve halls, the trade fair showcases the sector’s entire value chain. The focus is on energy efficiency as a key driver of maritime transformation, complemented by maritime security and defence, artificial intelligence, decarbonisation and digital technologies. SMM brings together shipyards and shipping companies, suppliers, classification societies, start-ups, research organisations, policymakers and international organisations from all over the world. Over four days, international market leaders, newcomers and the key players in the maritime industry will come together here. Numerous innovations and world premieres are on public display for the first time at SMM.
