By
Laura Hyde |
SMM 2024 will take place from 3-6 September 2024 in Hamburg, Germany.
This year’s event, which will focus on decarbonisation and the digital transformation of the shipping industry, will be bigger than the last event, with organisers expecting more visitors and exhibitors. Organisers are partly attributing this to more Asian exhibitors and visitors, who are back in full operations after the pandemic. For example, China and Korea, two big shipbuilding nations, will have a stronger presence at SMM 2024.
“We are expecting more than 2,000 international exhibitors from 70 nations to be here [which] means we are almost fully booked,” said Claus Ulrich Selbach of Hamburg Messe und Congress. “We are overwhelmed by the response [and] are setting up an additional hall to accommodate all requests. Ticket sales are likewise very strong, and we are anticipating an attendance of over 40,000.”
The 31st SMM will examine the use of artificial intelligence with a dedicated AI Center, which will showcase start-up companies and AI technologies and projects for the maritime industry in Hall B6.
“AI fundamentally changes our economy and our business processes – across all industries [and] it harbours many opportunities for the shipping sector, as well,” said Petra Vorsteher, co-founder and CEO of AI.Hamburg and initiator of the AI Center.
Over 40,000 people from over 120 countries are expected to attend the 31st SMM event
SMM 2024 will also focus on recruiting young talent to the industry. For the first time, the Maritime Career Market and the Career Forum will take place on two days (Hall B2).
“At the Maritime Career Market, companies can demonstrate how much the maritime industry has to offer,” said Christoph Lücke, SMM director. “This is where young jobseekers can meet potential employers. They will receive information about jobs on shore and at sea as well as training programmes, career opportunities and job openings in the maritime sector.”
Attendees will also have the opportunity to attend conferences and networking events.
Find out more about SMM 2024 on the website.