SMM is expanding its Maritime Security & Defence offering with the launch of the Naval Hall, a dedicated exhibition hall for this important sector. Hall B8 combines a specialised exhibition, the Naval Stage as the venue for an international conference programme, and networking opportunities.

As such, the Naval Hall will become a central meeting place for industry, navies, procurement organisations, research institutions, start-ups and international delegations. From 1 to 4 September 2026, more than 50 companies and organisations will showcase technologies and systems for naval vessels, maritime surveillance, communications, underwater applications and other solutions for maritime security and defence. Across the wider exhibition grounds, a further 150+ exhibitors will present dual-use technologies and solutions for both commercial and naval applications.

"SMM has always evolved alongside the maritime industry. Maritime security, defence and dual-use technologies have been an integral part of our exhibition and conference programme for many years. With the Naval Hall, we are now taking the next step by creating a dedicated hall and stage for this important sector," says Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President Exhibitions Maritime & Energy at Hamburg Messe und Congress.

TECHNOLOGICAL DIVERSITY
The Naval Hall showcases the full spectrum of maritime security and defence technologies, ranging from shipbuilding and naval systems to communications, sensors, navigation, automation, underwater technologies and satellite-based solutions. Among the exhibitors are Rheinmetall Naval Systems, Kongsberg Ferrotech, Bosch Rexroth, Rohde & Schwarz, Telespazio, Emerson – Damcos, PGZ Stocznia Wojenna and ELAC Sonar. Across the wider exhibition grounds, companies including Fincantieri, Damen Shipyards, Navantia, Fassmer, Anschütz and Hensoldt will present additional solutions for maritime security and dual-use applications.

Highlights of the exhibition include Bosch Rexroth's drive and control technologies for naval and defence applications, with live demonstrations of its Motion Platforms. Kongsberg Ferrotech will present a robotic solution for underwater hull repairs, enabling shipyard-quality repairs without dry-docking or interrupting vessel operations. Telespazio will showcase a new generation of satellite communications solutions, including a resilient multi-orbit communications architecture and the AI-enabled T-BOX EVO for secure and resilient connectivity at sea.

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER
Another key focus is the transfer of new technologies into operational use. The Bundeswehr Innovation Centre (InnoZBw) will demonstrate how collaboration between start-ups, research institutions and industry can accelerate the transition of innovations from concept to operational capability. The programme is complemented by the Dual-Use Tech Newcomer Zone, start-up speaker sessions and additional innovation and networking formats, providing companies with a platform to present their solutions to an international professional audience.

"Innovation plays a key role in strengthening defence capabilities and is equally essential for maritime security. Especially in the field of dual-use technologies, expertise from industry, academia and the armed forces can be brought together to significantly accelerate the journey from concept to operational application. The Naval Hall provides exactly the right environment for this within SMM," says Rear Admiral Bock, Head of the Bundeswehr Innovation Centre.

MS&D CONFERENCE AND NAVAL STAGE
One of the key programme highlights in the Naval Hall is the MS&D – International Conference & Expo for Maritime Security & Defence, taking place on 3 and 4 September on the Naval Stage and open to all SMM participants. Together with the sessions taking place on 1 and 2 September, it forms a four-day conference programme covering both technological developments and strategic aspects of maritime security.

Topics on the agenda include underwater systems, technological sovereignty, European cooperation in naval shipbuilding, maritime resilience, autonomous systems, industrial capability and defence procurement. The MS&D Conference is curated by the German Maritime Institute (DMI). The Naval Stage programme is organised in cooperation with partners including Sea Naval – the European platform connecting navies, shipyards and the maritime security and defence industry – the German Society for Maritime Technology (GMT) and maritime think tank Nexmaris.

"Maritime security has become a key element of both economic competitiveness and strategic resilience. The growing challenges at sea can only be addressed through close cooperation between governments, navies, industry and academia. Platforms such as SMM and its new Naval Hall provide exactly the right environment for this exchange," says Dr Moritz Brake, Founder and Managing Director of Nexmaris.

FROM INNOVATION TO PROCUREMENT
To help innovations reach procurement processes more quickly, the Naval Hall offers dedicated matchmaking and networking formats connecting industry, procurement organisations and potential suppliers. A key element is the BME Buyers' Day, taking place for the first time as part of SMM on 1 September. Organised in cooperation with the German Association for Supply Chain Management, Procurement and Logistics (BME), Germany's leading professional association for procurement, supply chain management and logistics, the event will focus on strengthening European supply chains, expanding shipbuilding capacity, autonomous systems and improving market access for new suppliers to the defence sector.

The programme also features SVI Connect, a platform funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy and jointly developed by BME and the German Security and Defence Industry Association (BDSV). It digitally connects procurement organisations, defence companies and potential suppliers, making it easier in particular for new entrants and dual-use companies to access defence supply chains.

About SMM

• SMM – the world’s leading maritime industry event – will take place from 1 to 4 September 2026 in Hamburg.
• Under the guiding theme “Driving the Maritime Transition”, it brings together international stakeholders from across the maritime industry to discuss key future topics and actively shape the development of the sector.
• More than 2,200 exhibiting companies from around 60 countries and approximately 50,000 participants from up to 120 nations are expected.
• Spanning around 90,000 m² across twelve exhibition halls, SMM showcases the entire value chain of the industry.
• The focus is on energy efficiency as a key lever of the maritime transition, complemented by maritime security and defence, artificial intelligence, decarbonisation, and digital technologies.
• SMM serves as a central platform for innovation, international exchange and business development. A comprehensive conference programme accompanies the exhibition, including TradeWinds Shipowners’ Forum, Maritime Future Summit, gmec – Global Maritime Environmental Congress, MS&D – International Maritime Security & Defence Conference, and Offshore Dialogue.
• Running alongside SMM, ALL ABOUT PORTS will launch as a new platform for integrated port solutions.
•  The international conference and accompanying exhibition focus on port infrastructure, terminal technology and port logistics, bringing together port operators, technology providers and investors.