SMM 2026: 35-tonne propeller marks the start of the Hamburg Shipbuilding Fair
Leonie Meyer
· 01.09.2026
From 1 to 4 September, the international maritime industry will gather at SMM 2026 in Hamburg. The large propeller, measuring 7.8 metres in diameter and featuring five blades, was erected on the exhibition grounds on 27 August. It is made of propeller bronze and was manufactured by Mecklenburger Metallguss (MMG) in Waren an der Müritz.
The propeller is intended for the KMTC Nhava Sheva, a container ship built in 2008 with a capacity of 4,300 TEU. Following its use as an SMM landmark, it is set to replace the ship’s existing propeller. According to MMG, the geometry has been optimised using flow simulations to match the freighter’s current operational and sailing profile.
SMM 2026: four days looking to the future of the maritime industry
The propeller thus symbolises the central theme of SMM 2026: “Driving the Maritime Transition”. Around 2,300 exhibiting companies from 70 countries will be presenting technologies in Hamburg aimed at making shipping more efficient, more digital and more climate-friendly. Around 50,000 visitors from 120 nations are expected to attend.
Spanning more than 90,000 square metres across twelve halls, the trade fair covers the entire maritime value chain. Visitors include shipping companies, shipyards, suppliers, classification societies, start-ups, research institutions, politicians and international organisations.
Focus on energy efficiency
Energy efficiency is one of the key themes at this year’s SMM. With the Energy Efficiency Hub, the topic is being given its own exhibition area for the first time. There, 24 companies are showcasing market-ready solutions for more energy-efficient ship operations.
Alongside efficiency, the programme covers decarbonisation, artificial intelligence, digital technologies, and maritime security and defence. The conference programme ranges from the TradeWinds Shipowners’ Forum, through the Maritime Future Summit and the Global Maritime Environmental Congress, to the MS&D Conference on Maritime Security and Defence. At the same time, the All About Ports and LogiNext Germany events will be making their debut at the CCH.
The striking propeller in front of the central entrance brings these themes to life with a tangible example: MMG expects that, when eventually fitted to the container ship, it will deliver five to seven per cent greater efficiency than the previous propeller, depending on the speed. According to the company, the additionally fitted MMG Escap fin cap is expected to deliver a further fuel saving of around two per cent.
The same principle applies to recreational boaters, albeit on a smaller scale. The propeller, the condition of the hull and the propulsion setup all play a part in determining how effectively the engine’s power is transferred to the water. BOOTE explains how fouling can affect efficiency in its article on Antifouling for the propeller.
Information about SMM 2026 in Hamburg
- Date: 1 to 4 September
- Location: Hamburg Exhibition and Congress Centre
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Thursday 10 am–6 pm; Friday 10 am–4 pm
- Further information You can find this on the Website.
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Leonie Meyer
Editor News & Panorama
