A fresh breeze for MS&D, the international conference on maritime security and defence: Next year’s event will for the first time be co-hosted by Deutsches Maritimes Institut (DMI). “We are more than pleased to have succeeded in winning such a competent and reputable partner,” says Claus Ulrich Selbach, Business Unit Director – Maritime and Technology Fairs & Exhibitions at Hamburg Messe und Congress. The German Maritime Institute has been disseminating maritime knowledge among the public for 50 years. Media cooperation for MS&D will be in the hands of publishers Mittler-Report-Verlag, respectively, Tamm-Media Gruppe, both based in Hamburg. “MS&D is a renowned international event. What makes it unique is that it takes place under the umbrella of SMM. It provides opportunities for naval delegations to interact directly with shipyards and suppliers,” says the DMI Chairman, Rear Admiral Christian Bock. The agenda of the next MS&D will put the main focus on the latest maritime technologies as well as effective approaches to cyber protection.
Rising demand from navies and coast guards
Against the background of increasing geopolitical challenges, such as the war in Ukraine, tensions between China and Taiwan, or the escalating conflict in the Middle East, many nations around the world are re-evaluating their military strength and investing more heavily in defence equipment. For example, in Germany will provide 20 bn euros in additional funding for its navy over the coming years, as part of the “Zeitenwende”, or dawn of a new era, announced in 2022. From submarines to frigates and minesweepers, naval vessels are complex systems that require enormous know-how. At SMM, the leading international maritime trade fair, international key industry players will be present to showcase their innovations. More than 2,000 exhibitors are expected, including submarine specialists thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, the naval yard NVL Group and the Danish company SH Defence. These and many other companies from the naval segment will be easily recognisable along the Security & Defence Route, one of six theme routes at SMM.
Many SMM exhibitors will offer advanced dual-use technology – products that can be used in both, naval and civil shipbuilding. Both segments can benefit each other when it comes to innovation: “This once again demonstrates the great advantages of our global flagship fair reflecting the entire value chain,” says Claus Ulrich Selbach.
About SMM
The leading international maritime trade fair will take place in Hamburg from 3 to 6 September 2024. More than 2,000 exhibitors and around 40,000 visitors from over 100 countries are expected to attend. Covering the entire value chain of the maritime industry in eleven exhibition halls, SMM is the world’s foremost platform for innovation and the latest technologies in the maritime sector that brings together business leaders from around the world. Themed “SMM – driving the maritime transition”, the 31st SMM will focus on the maritime energy transition and the digital transformation. An attractive conference programme and a wide range of networking opportunities will supplement the exhibition. For the first time, the conferences will take place on open stages inside the exhibition halls. Several themed itineraries will guide visitors to exhibitors of interest.
