SMM sets stage for maritime industry’s energy transition

Digital transformation, climate change and the maritime industry’s energy transition will take center stage at SMM. (Photo: SMM)

Digital transformation, climate change and the maritime industry’s energy transition will take center stage at SMM, a leading international trade fair for the maritime industry, which takes place Sept. 6 to 9 in Hamburg, Germany. The event will serve as the meeting place for representatives of shipping companies, suppliers, shipyards and scientists to share views and ideas, expand their networks and conduct business.

The 30th edition of SMM will host roughly 2000 international exhibitors, including “visionaries” such those involved in the development of “Ellen”, an electric ferry that set a new world record by traveling 92 km on a single battery charge. The drivetrains and propulsion engines were supplied by the Danish company Danfoss, while the two fixed-pitch propellers were made by Piening Propeller. The battery packs featuring a capacity of 4.3 MWh were provided by the Swiss battery specialist Leclanché. All three companies will be represented at the event.

Maritime technology company Rolls-Royce has been one of SMM’s most faithful exhibitors, and this year will showcase its new ship automation portfolio. “We are the world’s only supplier of ship propulsion systems to offer an electronic platform for monitoring and controlling the entire ship – our mtu NautIQ,” asserted Denise Kurtulus, vice president Global Marine at Rolls Royce Power Systems. “This platform makes system integration much easier for our customers.”

The 30th edition of SMM will host roughly 2000 international exhibitors highlighting the latest technology and innovation. (Photo: SMM)

SMM also attracts startups such as OneWeb, one of this year’s first-time exhibitors. The British communications infrastructure company focuses on enhancing the network integration of ships by improving satellite connectivity.

“SMM really attracts a very wide spectrum of companies from all segments of the maritime market, and we are looking forward to making contact with partners and customers during the event,” says Carole Plessy, head of Maritime at OneWeb.

In addition to exhibits, the trade fair will offer even more opportunities for networking and a wider selection of free content. For the first time SMM participants will be able to present their knowledge or products on one of three “Transition Stages”, each dedicated to a different theme:

• alternative propulsion systems, environmental technologies and sustainability
• automation, digitalization and data management, and
• interior design, outfitting and technologies for passenger ships as well as challenges and opportunities facing the cruise industry.

Hapag-Lloyd, the world’s fifth-largest liner company, is an organization constantly looking for new inspiration and more sustainable solutions. “For us, SMM is the ideal platform to get a complete overview of the latest technical innovations and to meet important suppliers from all over the world”, said Richard von Berlepsch, managing director, Fleet Management.

“[SMM] is a place to inspire and be inspired,” added Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, CEO Maritime at DNV, a leading classification society and advisor for the maritime industry, “coming face-to-face with the individuals, technologies and services that will write the next chapters in the story of how we conduct responsible commercial activity within the ocean environment.”