{
  "id": 4900795,
  "title": "SMM 2026 kicks off: Maritime industry charts a new course",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/01/smm-2026-kicks-off-maritime-industry-charts-a-new-course",
  "topic": "finance",
  "section": "Finance & Markets",
  "published": "2026-09-01T17:00:55.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hellenic Shipping News",
    "slug": "hellenic-shipping-news",
    "url": "https://www.hellenicshippingnews.com/smm-2026-kicks-off-maritime-industry-charts-a-new-course/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The 2026 SMM (Ships & Maritime Leaders) exhibition opened, marking a new era for the maritime industry. With security and resilience taking center stage, industry leaders gathered to discuss how the sector is adapting to evolving geopolitical and economic conditions. Hamburg, as a European gateway for trade, energy, and data, plays a crucial role in maintaining secure and resilient maritime infrastructure. The event will feature over 2,300 exhibitors from up to 70 countries and 50,000 participants from 120 nations across 90,000 square meters of exhibition space.\n\nSecurity concerns were addressed by experts, with a focus on the need for international cooperation and responses to emerging maritime threats. DNV Group's Group President and CEO, Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen, highlighted the industry's uncertainty due to rapid developments in technology, regulation, energy, and geopolitics. He suggested nuclear energy as a potential part of the maritime energy transition, particularly through Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and increased involvement of technology companies in their development.\n\nThe new Naval Hall B8 dedicated to maritime security and defence was introduced, featuring the Naval Stage, MS&D Conference & Expo, and international naval delegations. India's Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Shri Vijay Kumar, presented the country's long-term growth strategy for the maritime sector, aimed at extensive investments, technology partnerships, and strengthening industrial links with Europe.\n\nEuropean shipbuilding companies face intense competition from Asia, but global dynamics also present new opportunities. Shipbuilder Meyer Turku's Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer, Anu Ahola, emphasized the need for Europe to remain competitive by carefully selecting battles and ensuring a strong and internationally competitive shipping sector. Dr. Gaby Bornheim, President of the German Shipowners' Association, stressed the direct link between maritime strength and Europe's security, calling for a regulatory framework that enables investment and decarbonization without driving companies, vessels, and expertise out of Europe.\n\nGlobal industry experts agreed on the necessity of global rules for the maritime sector. John Denholm, Chairman of the International Chamber of Shipping, argued that shipping, being a global industry, requires global rules and regulations to foster a resilient maritime industry. Dr. Uwe Lauber, CEO of engine manufacturer Everllence, stressed that while technology for decarbonization is ready, shipping must wait for a credible IMO Net-Zero Framework to create investment certainty and reward climate-neutral alternatives. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is actively working on a pathway to achieve the net-zero target by 2050, but shipping companies must remain cautious due to the uncertain regulatory framework.",
  "summary": "Security and resilience are becoming increasingly important for the maritime industry. At the same time, decarbonisation, digitalisation and competitiveness remain key challenges. At the opening of SMM 2026, high-ranking representatives from politics, business and international organisations discussed how the industry is repositioning itself in response to changing geopolitical and economic…",
  "key_points": [
    "2026 SMM exhibition opens in Hamburg, marking new era for maritime industry",
    "Security and resilience highlighted as industry adapts to geopolitical, economic changes",
    "DNV Group's Knut Ørbeck-Nilssen suggests nuclear energy as part of maritime energy transition"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}