Global shipowners, shipyards, and suppliers are preparing for a fresh investment cycle centered on fleet efficiency, artificial intelligence, and sustainability, according to the latest SMM Maritime Industry Report (MIR) released ahead of next year’s shipping exhibition in Hamburg. The survey, carried out by Hamburg Messe und Congress (HMC) alongside market research firm mindline, reveals that industry confidence remains robust despite economic challenges. The Maritime Industry Score—which gauges sentiment across shipping, shipbuilding, and supply sectors—is at 50. 5 points, indicating ongoing optimism, although slightly down from last year’s 52. Suppliers continue to be the most optimistic group, scoring 64. 6, while shipyards rose to a record high of 49. 9, their best result since the survey’s inception. Shipowners are somewhat more cautious at 34. 4 points, reflecting uncertainty concerning fuel choices and regulatory compliance. “The industry is still growing dynamically, sending a strong message during a period of rapid change, ” stated Claus Ulrich Selbach, vice president of exhibitions – maritime and energy at HMC. For the first time, the report also emphasized key operational challenges facing the sector—chief among them a shortage of skilled workers, high energy costs, and rising bureaucracy. Organizers noted that the Maritime Career Market at SMM 2026 will specifically target the labor shortage by linking employers with young professionals. The report also indicated that investment readiness has reached record levels.

Almost half of shipowners (48%) say they are “likely” or “very likely” to place new vessel orders before 2026—the highest proportion since the survey began. Sustainability and digitalization remain leading priorities, with 60% of respondents anticipating increased pressure to modernize fleets for improved energy performance. Demand for data-driven and AI-based solutions has surged sharply, increasing by 13 percentage points compared to the previous survey. “The importance of AI and digital tools is growing across all sectors, from ship design to fleet optimization, ” said Christoph Lücke, director of SMM. The strongest intention to place orders is seen in containerships, ro-ro and passenger ferries, cruise ships, and naval vessels. “The turbulent global political landscape, marked by numerous conflicts directly impacting the maritime world, is evidently having an effect, ” remarked Klaus Borgschulte, shipyard manager and chairman of the SMM advisory committee. Suppliers are also seeing a rising emphasis on after-sales service and long-term product reliability. “Quality is becoming the key success factor, ” said Hauke Schlegel, CEO of VDMA Marine Equipment and Systems. “Shipowners can no longer tolerate breakdowns—reliability is vital, especially for non-redundant systems like scrubbers and ballast water management. ” The next SMM Hamburg will be held from September 1 to 4, 2026, gathering shipowners, shipyards, suppliers, and regulators at what organizers describe as “the world’s leading maritime platform for innovation and collaboration. ”