International participation at SMM 2026 continues to expand, with 26 national pavilions — two more than in 2024 — alongside eleven new exhibiting countries and increased involvement from Asia's top shipbuilding nations. The event reinforces its standing as the premier global gathering for the maritime industry, where exhibitors and delegations use the platform not only to present technologies and services, but also to connect across shipbuilding, shipping, ports, and maritime services in one place. New official national pavilions from Cyprus and Brazil will be complemented by first-time official representations from India and Vietnam, as an increasing number of countries turn to SMM to showcase their maritime sectors and access new markets.

"SMM is more than ever the central meeting place for the maritime industry. Companies, associations and governments use the world's leading maritime trade fair to jointly develop responses to the challenges facing the industry. The growing international participation shows that face-to-face exchange across national borders is more important than ever," said Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President Exhibitions Maritime & Technology at Hamburg Messe und Congress.

India Significantly Expands Its Maritime Presence

For the first time, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW), together with the Indian Ports Association, is organizing two official Indian joint pavilions at SMM — located in Hall B3.OG and the Naval Hall B8. India's participation underscores its growing stature as a maritime industrial and technology nation, with ambitious expansion plans targeting port infrastructure, shipbuilding, and digital and sustainable maritime technologies.

Around 35 exhibitors from India are expected at SMM 2026, including Chowgule & Company Private Limited, Buoyancy Consultants & Engineering, Swan Defence and Heavy Industries, Vedam Design & Technical Consultancy, Marine Electricals (India) Limited, and Synergy Shipbuilders N Dock Works Ltd.

India will also feature prominently in SMM's conference programme. Shri Vijay Kumar, Secretary of the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, will participate in the Official Opening Conference, delivering a statement titled "India Perspective: Global Maritime Growth & Connectivity" to highlight India's expanding role in the global maritime economy. On the Open Stage, the session "The India Opportunity: Investing in Shipbuilding & Shipping Clusters" will examine investment and development opportunities in Indian shipbuilding, maritime clusters, and international cooperation.

A high-level Indian naval and government delegation is also expected. In the Naval Hall B8, the Indian Ports Association, Cochin Shipyard, and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers will present their capabilities.

India is also part of the programme at ALL ABOUT PORTS, where Shri Vijay Kumar will participate in the official opening of the new port conference. A dedicated Indian session will address the development of Indian ports into competitive, technology-enabled, and sustainable logistics hubs, along with associated opportunities for international investment.

New Country Representations from Brazil, Cyprus, and Vietnam

Brazil will present an official national pavilion at SMM for the first time, organized by the Brazilian Association of Companies of the Blue Economy (ABEEMAR). The association promotes Brazil's blue economy with a focus on innovation, sustainability, and business development. Companies at the pavilion include Flexprin Industria and Diesel Line.

Cyprus's national pavilion is organized by the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Cyprus, in cooperation with the Shipping Deputy Ministry and the Cyprus Trade Centre in Berlin. Ten companies along with government and maritime institutions will be represented, spanning maritime services, ship repair and technical equipment, communications and automation, artificial intelligence, research, and classification. Participants include the Cyprus Marine & Maritime Institute (CMMI), Tototheo Maritime, Multimarine Services, and the Shipping Deputy Ministry.

The programme also includes the "Cyprus Maritime Innovation Event," featuring presentations and a panel discussion on innovation, technology, and market opportunities within Cyprus's maritime economy.

"Cyprus' first official national pavilion at SMM Hamburg 2026 marks an important milestone for our maritime industry, showcasing the strength, expertise and global competitiveness of the Cyprus maritime cluster. Through our participation, we aim to reaffirm Cyprus' commitment to quality, innovation and international cooperation. Cyprus offers a stable and attractive environment for international shipping companies supported by a business-friendly regulatory framework, a competitive and transparent tonnage tax system and a proactive maritime administration," stated the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry of the Republic of Cyprus.

Vietnam will be officially represented for the first time through the Vietnam Shipbuilding Industry Association (VISIA). The association represents Vietnam's shipbuilding industry and will also contribute to the programme: the Open Stage session "Digital Engineering Partnerships: Expanding Global Shipbuilding Capacity" will explore current developments and perspectives in the sector.

Companies from Luxembourg, Azerbaijan, the Philippines, Andorra, the Bahamas, the Slovak Republic, Ireland, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and Curaçao will also be exhibiting at SMM for the first time.

Asia's Shipbuilding Nations Continue to Expand Their Presence

South Korea is once again recording growth. Key Korean exhibitors include Korean Register, Panasia, Bosung Engineering, Daeyang Electric, and Kangrim Heavy Industries.

China remains SMM's largest international country representation and is further expanding its presence in 2026. A notable addition is the China-Europe Maritime Summit, jointly organized by the German Shipowners' Association (VDR), the China Association of the National Shipbuilding Industry (CANSI), and DNV. The conference will convene high-level representatives from the Chinese and European maritime industries to discuss industrial cooperation, technological innovation, and pathways for transformation.

Japan is also broadening its presence, including through the joint stand of the Japan Ship Machinery and Equipment Association (JSMEA).

More Exhibitors from Europe

Among SMM's top 20 exhibiting countries, France is recording one of the strongest growth rates. Austria, Spain, Norway, and the Netherlands will also have a larger presence than at the previous event.

High-Level Delegations from Around the World

Beyond international exhibitors, SMM expects high-level delegations from governments, businesses, navies, and coast guards. Naval and government delegations have been announced from Albania, Argentina, Brazil, Finland, France, Ghana, the United Kingdom, India, Qatar, Korea, Romania, Spain, and Türkiye.

The programme will be complemented by business delegations, including the Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA), the China Shipowners Association, the Cooperative Association of Japan Shipbuilders (CAJS), as well as delegations from China, India, and Colombia. The delegation programme fosters direct exchange among companies, associations, and public authorities, reflecting how the fair functions as a working venue for industry dialogue rather than only an exhibition floor.

Jie Chen, Vice Mayor of Shanghai, is also expected to attend SMM. His visit coincides with the 40th anniversary of the partnership between Hamburg and Shanghai. An official evening reception will be held to commemorate the occasion, underlining the close economic and maritime ties between the two cities.

SMM 2026 brings together established shipbuilding and shipping nations alongside emerging maritime markets in Hamburg. As the world's leading maritime industry event, it provides a global platform for exchange, collaboration, and shaping the future of the maritime industry.

Source: SMM