The latest SMM Maritime Industry Report (MIR) highlights that the biggest concerns for the maritime industry are the shortage of skilled labor, high energy costs, and increasing bureaucracy. Despite these challenges, shipping companies and shipyards worldwide are planning major investments in efficiency, artificial intelligence (AI), and fleet modernization. Notably, 48% of shipping companies intend to place new ship orders by 2026—a record high—as the sector remains confident and eager to invest one year before the world's leading trade fair, SMM, in Hamburg. The maritime industry’s key drivers, opportunities, and challenges have been analyzed by Hamburg Messe und Congress (HMC) alongside market research firm mindline for the fifth time. The biennial SMM Maritime Industry Report 2025 reflects market participants’ expectations for shipping and shipbuilding. Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President Exhibitions Maritime & Energy at HMC, emphasizes the ongoing growth momentum, noting the Maritime Industry Score at 50. 5 points on a −100 to +100 scale, indicating positive market sentiment despite a slight dip compared to 2023. For the first time, the study identifies the top concerns: skills shortages, energy expenses, and regulatory pressures. Christoph Lücke, SMM Director, states that SMM 2026 will address these issues via initiatives such as the Maritime Career Market, which connects talents with companies, and numerous exhibitors showcasing solutions to improve efficiency and reduce energy consumption. Additionally, classification societies and software providers will aid in meeting environmental and climate regulations efficiently.

Sustainability remains crucial, with six out of ten respondents anticipating growing pressure to modernize fleets energy-efficiently. Demand for data-driven solutions has risen by 13 percentage points since the last survey, while AI’s importance continues to grow and will be a central theme at SMM 2026. Concurrently, significant investments in hardware are planned, with nearly half of shipping companies likely to order new vessels by 2026. Looking ahead, SMM Director Christoph Lücke views SMM 2026 as an ideal platform for innovation and collaboration. Scheduled from 1 to 4 September 2026 in Hamburg, the event expects over 2, 200 exhibitors and around 48, 000 participants from more than 100 nations. Spanning approximately 90, 000 square meters across twelve halls, SMM will encompass the entire maritime industry value chain, attracting global executives and serving as the premier venue for showcasing innovations and cutting-edge technologies. Under the motto "SMM – driving the maritime transition, " the fair will focus on the maritime energy transition and digital transformation, featuring a diverse conference program on open stages free to attendees, along with extensive networking opportunities. The SMM Maritime Industry Report serves as a vital indicator of global maritime industry sentiment. Conducted biennially by Hamburg Messe und Congress and mindline, the latest survey engaged nearly 1, 500 managers from shipping companies, shipyards, and suppliers—a 35% increase over the previous survey—with 70% significantly involved in their companies’ procurement decisions.