SMM 2024 can start. With today’s propeller installation in front of the main entrance of the Hamburg Messe, SMM has established its symbol.
The traditional installation of the propeller marks the beginning of the world’s largest shipbuilding fair. The symbol is once again provided by Mecklenburger Metallguss GmbH (MMG). It is a refit propeller intended for a container ship built in 2004 at the Szczecin Shipyard for the shipping company MSC. After SMM, the old propeller of the 3,100-TEU vessel will be replaced, resulting in an efficiency increase of around 7.5%.
Reduction of underwater noise becomes increasingly important
As MMG Managing Director Lars Greitsch reports, this efficiency improvement is also one of the main topics at the company’s booth. A new version of the MMG espro (Energy Saving Propeller), the espro silent, will be introduced. This version will significantly reduce underwater noise and vibrations. MMG has been researching the topic of underwater noise for over eight years, according to Greitsch, driven by increasing demand from shipping companies. Customers are now requesting not only green but also quiet ships. Additionally, additive manufacturing will play a role at the MMG booth. A prototype of a yacht propeller blade produced using 3D printing technology will be showcased. With this nearly one-meter-tall blade, MMG aims to demonstrate that 3D printing works in these dimensions.
SMM 2024: Trending topics and parties
SMM Director Christoph Lücke is also looking forward to many product innovations. As Lücke stated during the propeller installation, SMM 2024 is sold out with around 2,200 exhibitors. Two thematic focuses will, of course, be decarbonization and digitalization. The sold-out AI Center in Hall B6 will focus on artificial intelligence. Meanwhile, future fuels will be a key topic in the Future Fuels Arena in Hall A2. Another highlight, according to Lücke, will be Hall B5, where all companies related to maritime interior are grouped. Two additional current topics will be maritime security, which will be addressed during the two-day MS&D Conference (Hall B6). For the first time, two days will be dedicated to the topic of young talent within the framework of the Career Market and Career Forum in Hall B2.
Despite all these important trending topics, fun and networking should not be neglected. The SMM beer gardens in the outdoor area of the exhibition, the Wine o’clock events on the open stages, and around 92 stand parties will provide the perfect setting, reports Christoph Lücke.
