The global maritime community comes together in Hamburg for SMM, the world’s leading trade show for the maritime industry, at a time of both significant uncertainty and remarkable opportunity. Geopolitical tensions, fragile supply chains, rising security requirements and challenging economic conditions are shaping the environment in which our companies operate. At the same time, the framework conditions in Germany are not always ideal for companies that must compete successfully on global markets. High costs, regulatory complexity and international competitive pressure remain real challenges for the maritime supply industry.
And yet, there is good reason for confidence. The shipbuilding market is currently developing very positively, and our member companies are benefiting from strong demand. VDMA Marine Equipment and Systems surveys its members exclusively every year, and the latest data underlines the resilience and strength of our industry: revenues increased again by 5.2 percent to around 12.5 billion euros. Incoming orders remain encouraging, and the full order books of shipyards worldwide indicate that this positive momentum is likely to continue in the near future.
This underlines the importance of SMM. Hamburg will once again become the international meeting place for the maritime sector, bringing together more than 2,200 exhibitors and tens of thousands of visitors from around the world. The show is not only a showcase for technology and innovation; it is also a platform for dialogue on the key issues that will define our industry’s future: decarbonisation, digitalisation, efficiency, resilience and competitiveness – and, increasingly, security and defence. As innovation and technology drivers, companies from the marine equipment and systems industry play a key role at SMM in setting important milestones for digitalisation and the transformation towards greener shipping.
A particularly growing field is naval shipbuilding. In view of the current security situation, maritime security and defence have gained strategic importance. This development is also reflected at SMM: the defence area is growing and will have its own naval hall with 50 exhibitors. On 3 and 4 September, the MS&D Conference will take place on the Naval Stage, offering a comprehensive programme dedicated to current developments and strategic issues in maritime security and defence. For many VDMA member companies, this creates additional opportunities to demonstrate their capabilities, contribute to resilient maritime infrastructure and support partners in the naval and dual-use sectors with high-quality technologies and solutions.
For the industry, SMM is always a special occasion. It is the place where all the key players of the maritime ecosystem meet: shipyards, suppliers, shipowners, classification societies, navies, policymakers, research institutions and many more. Personal exchange remains essential, especially in times when markets are complex and decisions often have long-term strategic implications. We look forward to discussing current challenges, presenting the strength of the German maritime supply industry and exploring new opportunities for cooperation.
We warmly invite all visitors, partners and members to meet our team at the VDMA booth in Hall A1, Stand 520. Let us use SMM 2026 to strengthen connections, share perspectives and demonstrate that the maritime industry, despite difficult external conditions, remains innovative, resilient and ready to shape the future.
