Being a »show« is not enough

Because one thing is certain: At the beginning of September, Hamburg will be the Mecca of the maritime industry when its world‘s leading trade fair opens its doors. To be precise: all doors. Because the SMM is fully booked and all halls are in use. Anyone who has ever been there knows: This will be a big get-together, it will be very commercial-lively and busy (and sociable).

Above all, it should also be very interesting. Because the trade fair will be a reflection of the current maritime situation. In addition to the well-known mega-trends of digitalization and decarbonization, the topic of »shipping and security« will be present in a variety of ways. Dual-use technology, cyber security, cooperation between a wide variety of actors… For the well-known geopolitical and military (and sometimes attention-seeking) reasons, the security aspect of the maritime industry is currently indispensable.

As it seems rather unlikely that this will change quickly, the maritime actors have no other chance than to deal with it. Just like with the two big »D« mentioned above. Keeping track of everything is really not easy. A trade fair like SMM can be a helpful option for this. There is still uncertainty in the industry when it comes to security – not least since it is still quite unclear to what extent digitalization will play a role in this. The magic word is: »Artificial Intelligence«.

„Maritime Future Summit“ at SMM

It can be used to arm and defend yourself. But it can also be used by the dark side of the Force. Generally speaking, AI will be the second big thing that will take up significantly more space in the halls and in people‘s minds than before. From ship design to ship operation to corporate processes, almost all parts of the industry are affected by corresponding ideas and projects. And here too, no one really has a clear overview of the opportunities and risks.

The »Maritime Future Summit« will deal intensively with this during the SMM. It will be interesting to learn about the findings of experts. However, what the SMM must not be is a pure show event. When it comes to security, for example, it shouldn‘t just be about who could do what for or with whom. It is also about inking cooperation, providing market-ready products and thus ensuring the basis for safe, efficient and, if possible, green shipping.

Not only, but above all, shipowners and managers need the innovations and expertise from the maritime industry to be able to master current (and future) challenges. Yes, we also want to be shown the future: What will be possible? But it can‘t be about that alone. Pie in the sky is nice to have and also looks good at an exhibition stand. But short-term solutions are just as necessary. A trade fair has to meet these demands.

And that is exactly what SMM aims to stand for – the exact number of participants is actually not the decisive factor. By the way: HANSA will also be there with a stand (A1.433). Come by, we look forward to good conversations!

Michael Meyer
Editor-in-Chief
HANSA International Maritime Journal &
HANSA.news global