SMM
Biennial international Maritime industry trade fair held in Hamburg, Germany.
SMM 2026 ran in Hamburg from 1 to 4 September with about 2,200 exhibitors. At the fair, DNV and the German yard Fassmer signed a memorandum to seek DNV approval in principle for crewless warships and state vessels.
Last refreshed: 7 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Is SMM becoming a naval autonomy trade show?
Timeline for SMM
Mentioned in: DNV and Fassmer aim to class robot ships
Autonomous Systems: Land & SeaBackground
SMM is an international Maritime industry trade fair held every two years in Hamburg, Germany, and organised by Hamburg Messe und Congress. It gathers shipbuilders, equipment makers and classification societies in one place. The 2026 fair was listed for 1 to 4 September, with about 2,200 exhibitors from around 60 countries across 90,000 square metres; maritime security was one of its stated themes.
The 2026 edition also served defence autonomy. DNV, the Norwegian classification society, and Fassmer signed a memorandum there, announced on 10 September, aiming for DNV approval in principle of crewless naval and state ships.
Because class societies and yards attend together, the fair is a natural venue for agreements that need both a builder and a rule-maker.
