SMM | On course for innovation for six decades

Six decades of innovation

The need for SMM emerged way back in the mid-50s. Driven by a new era of economic optimism and the strong development of the maritime sector, the members of the newly formed German Association of Marine Engineers (VDSI) held a convention every 2–3 years in the city of Flensburg, and combined it later with a specialist trade fair.

This idea turned into SMM when the Hamburg branch of the VDSI hosted a similar congress in Hall B of the exhibition centre in Hamburg. The event took place on 22 May 1963 and was accompanied by the ‘Schiff und Maschine’ (Ships and Engines) exhibition. This was to be the very first in the series of SMM international trade fairs. Boosted by the export-oriented German economy and the importance of Hamburg as one of Europe’s leading ports, SMM managed to gain in reputation and has been growing ever since.

SMM through the years

1963

Closely monitoring development within the various maritime sectors and offering visitors an ever-expanding and more diversified picture of topics, players and technologies, SMM developed into the most important exhibition and networking event for the maritime industry, and remains so to this day.

Historical picture of the information stand of the Association of Ship Engineers in Hamburg E.V.. With two tables and several pictures hanging on the wall.

1970

1978

Historical image of a group of trade fair visitors looking at a machine part on display. Other trade fair stands and visitors can be seen in the background.

Historical picture of a group of trade fair visitors looking at large parts of a ship, which are in the foreground.

Close-up view of 6 trade fair participants talking to each other.

A historical picture of a Table with a miniature ship and multiple small ship parts from CN Ventile Goebel & Co.

A historical picture of a fair stand of the Motors and Turbine Union, with a bit displayed turbine.

A group of men looking at a big turbine at a fair.

A group of men in suits at a fair. They're being photographed by a photographer to the right.

Big ship parts that are exhibited at a fair and viewed by visitors.

A big seated audience and a group of speakers on a stage. There is multiple flags to the left and right.

Close view of a speaker behind a podium. To the right there more speakers and theres a bunch of flowers all around.

View of a stage with a speaker behind a podium. Theres a big sign on the stage saying "Ausstellung Schiff, Maschine Meertechnik International Exhibition Ship, Machinery Marine Technology International".

Multiple fair visitors, who are looking at the miniature ship "Öslau 1". There's more exhibition stands in the background.

A black-and-white photograph from an earlier trade fair, showing two men shaking hands

A black-and-white photograph of an exhibition piece at a trade fair, featuring a ship model that may be a representation of a real ship

A black-and-white photograph from an earlier trade fair, with a speaker presenting from the stage; the image was taken from the front row

For six decades now, SMM has been pursuing its mission to continuously build and expand a unique platform that highlights innovations and initiatives, encourages dialogue and cooperation, and helps drive business forward. After the last physical event in 2018 and the virtual SMM DIGITAL in February 2021, SMM is now proud to open its doors again for the movers and shakers of the maritime transition to join forces in tackling the industry’s big challenges.