MARKETWATCH: EVENT PREVIEW Taking place from 3-6 September 2024 in Hamburg, Germany, SMM 2024 will focus on decarbonisation and the digital transformation of the shipping industry. Discussions at the event will focus on how the maritime industry can move towards carbon neutrality by 2050, digitalise its operations, cope with volatile global supply chains and geopolitical instability. “The sector can only tackle these difficulties by working together closely,” said Claus Ulrich Selbach of event organiser, Hamburg Messe und Congress. “At SMM we offer shipowners, suppliers and shipyards an optimal platform for their joint efforts to develop feasible technology solutions that address the pressing challenges of our time. The enormous interest from exhibitors and visitors alike tells us that there is a tremendous need for communication.” Organisers are expecting more visitors and exhibitors in 2024 than at the previous event, partly because the Asian market has fully resumed 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 Selbach. “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 have a dedicated AI Center in Hall B6, which will show start-up companies how artificial intelligence technologies are being used in maritime projects. “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, cofounder and CEO of AI.Hamburg and initiator of the AI Center. 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 in Hall B2. “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,” said Christoph Lücke, SMM director. Attendees will also have the opportunity to attend conferences and networking events. Register for the event at: www.smm-hamburg.com SMM 2024: decarbonising the shipping industry 3-6 September 2024 | Hamburg, Germany 35 Photo: Hamburg Messe und Congress/Michael Zapf Photo: Hamburg Messe und Congress/Michael Zapf Photo: Stephan Wallocha
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