Stefanos Papandreou & Theano Kalapotharakou co-publishers of ELNAVI report from SMM Hamburg
From windjammers to steamships, and then to diesel engines: the maritime industry has had to re-invent itself at several instances in its history. But never has it seen change as radical as today. “Decarbonisation offers the industry the historic opportunity to take a leading role in the global efforts to combat climate change. It is an unbelievable innovation driver,” says Claus Ulrich Selbach, Business Unit Director Maritime and Technology Fairs at Hamburg Messe und Congress. At SMM, from 3 to 6 September in Hamburg, exhibiting companies demonstrate in a compelling way how innovative solutions can increase efficiency, cut emissions and improve safety and security at sea. “Through new formats and exhibition sections, such as the Future Fuels Area, we want to give a boost to the innovative capabilities of our industry while establishing SMM as the key platform for sustainable maritime technologies,” says SMM Director Christoph Lücke. It is important to mention the following innovative maritime sectors that are presented at SMM 2024:
Future fuels: not an option but a must
In the new Future Fuels Area a number of modular drop-in solutions were presented offering high scalability and redundancy, whilst operating with no vibration, reducing maintenance requirements and conforming to zero emission regulations.
New engine generations are ready-to-sell offering of a 25% hydrogen blend engine and providing cleaner and more efficient energy solutions. Roughly 20 companies are participating in the Future Fuels Area.
Refitting: upgrading the fleet in service
Demand for eco-friendly and energy-efficient ships is increasing steadily, and refitting the fleet in service is a major topic for shipowners. It also harbours substantial business opportunities for shipyards and component manufacturers. There are intriguing retrofitting options, including inventions that reduce their environmental footprint while cutting fuel costs. For example wind-assisted propulsion solution can reduce fuel consumption by up to ten per cent.
Another option the rotor sails, thanks to high-tech materials and sophisticated automation can reduce fuel consumption by 8.2 per cent.
Digitalisation: heading for autonomous shipping
Integrating digital technologies is the second big item on the maritime industry’s agenda. Innovation is advancing at breathtaking speed.
Autonomous shipping is on the menu to representing a new turning point in the sustainable development of the shipping industry.
Artificial Intelligence: Solutions supporting sustainable success
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is definitely a game changer for the industry. This is why SMM is putting this technology front and centre this year. The new AI CENTER is an all-embracing showcase of advanced AI technologies and their potential for maritime applications. Numerous established and start-up companies present their AI solutions addressing a variety of challenges, from optimising fuel consumption to improving operational efficiency. AI aims not only at the ease industry's transition towards green shipping but also enable to make confident decisions that support commercial and sustainability goals.
In SMM we had a very interesting program as we started from Tuesday 3rd of September 8 am attending a press conference from Alfa Laval about the biofuels and future fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen, improving the energy efficiency of the ship, managing ballast water and propulsion using the wind.
Afterwards, the opening event was held with the presence of the IMO Secretary General Arsenio Dominguez, the director of DG Move EU Commission Magda Kopczynska and the president of German shipowners Association Dr Gaby Blenheim who in their messages pointed out the strategic and decisive role of shipping for prosperity and survival of the world's population as well as the need to protect seafarers from malicious/terrorist acts and attract young people to the maritime profession.
Class society DNV presented its Maritime Forecast 2024 main study with keynote speaker Remi Eriksen Group CEO, official guest IMO general secretary Arsenio Dominguez who discussed the organization's policy with DNV Maritime CEO Knut Orbeck-Nilsson.
As mentioned during the event, IMO aims at 20% less air emissions towards 2030, energy efficiency could lead to 16% fuel savings by 2030, Digitalization enables optimization, Green shore power can reduce emissions by 7%, Carbon capture could be most effective, Pooling of compliance could save 6% of the cost of decarbonization.
We had also the chance to visit the following stands: Paramina air compressors, SQlearn, Elvik s.a, D. Koronakis, Psyctotherm, Uteco, WIMA, Hemexpo, Carell, Farad, Navarino, Katradis, Marichem- Marigasse, Skaramanga shipyards and discussed with the managers the prospects and possibilities of their activities in shipping.
ELNAVI Newsletter
More Information: ELNAVI,
19, Aristidou str., Piraeus 185 31,
Tel.: +30 210 45.22.100, e-mail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.