SMM Hamburg 2026: PRS at the maritime industry's premier event
From 1 to 4 September 2026, the Polish Register of Shipping took part in the SMM international maritime trade fair in Hamburg. PRS presented its range of services at joint stand B2.EG.402 in Hall B2 alongside the Nauta Shiprepair Yard, the Maritime Advanced Research Centre, DAVID, Techmarine and the Maritime Industry Employers’ Forum.
SMM is one of the world’s most important maritime industry events. According to preliminary figures from the organizer, the 2026 edition attracted over 50,000 participants from 134 countries and around 2,300 exhibitors from 66 countries. The exhibition covered over 90,000 m² across 12 halls, bringing together shipyards, shipowners, equipment manufacturers and technology suppliers.
Key commercial talks and reconnecting with trusted partners
During the fair, PRS representatives from the Ship Division and the Certification Division held commercial and technical discussions with shipowners, shipyards and marine equipment manufacturers. Meetings took place both at the PRS stand and during visits to clients and potential partners. Contacts were also renewed with manufacturers previously under PRS supervision, including Piening Propeller, whilst new prospects were introduced to a range of services extending beyond ship classification.
Ecology and digitalization: new technologies in maritime supervision
During a meeting with Normec Verifavia, the parties reviewed the cooperation initiated at the Posidonia 2024 trade fair, thanks to which PRS verified CO₂ emission data for over 50 ships in 2026. Further development of the collaboration regarding the verification of SEEMP II and III plans was discussed, as well as the possibility of extending it to include research related to ballast water management systems (BWMS).
The meeting with Enamor and its Singaporean partner focused, among other things, on the use of artificial intelligence in shipboard systems, including in situations where satellite communication is lost. An interesting area for further analysis is local databases of ship documentation and manuals, which operate offline and support the crew and technical staff.
Cooperation on innovative shipyard projects
The meeting with Armon Shipyards resulted in a request for quotation regarding the approval of technical documentation and construction supervision for a training and research vessel for the Maritime University of Szczecin.
Expansion into new markets
Participation in the SMM Hamburg trade fair led to the renewal of contacts with a German shipowner based in Cyprus, who is currently carrying out a newbuilding program in China. Additionally, new business relationships were established with shipowners in the German market.
Cooperation with VIMATEC: strengthening PRS position in Southeast Asia
On the final day of the trade fair, the Polish Register of Shipping signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Viet Nam Marine Technology and Engineering Co., LTD (VIMATEC).
The agreement sets out the framework for technical and business cooperation between the two companies in the European and Asian markets. The signed agreement enables PRS to expand the scope of its inspection and certification services in Vietnam and the South-East Asian region.
Flexibility and internationally recognized certificates: PRS answers to industry challenges
Participation in an event of this caliber should be seen as an integral part of PRS’s international activities, necessary for maintaining its profile and developing relationships with clients.
In an era of increasing regulatory requirements and time pressures, shipowners, shipyards and manufacturers of marine products are seeking partners who can provide rapid access to technical decisions, optimal operating costs and globally recognized certification. The SMM 2026 trade fair confirmed that PRS meets these needs. Future efforts should focus on continuing the discussions already initiated and turning the contacts made into technical cooperation and new orders.
We would like to thank all our clients, partners, and visitors for the meetings and discussions in Hamburg.
