SMM 2024: Digital Transformation and Artificial Intelligence Revolution in Maritime
Digitalisation is making transport processes more flexible, efficient and environmentally friendly. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role in this transformation. At the leading international maritime trade fair in Hamburg, this topic will be discussed in depth at the AI CENTRE, where innovative start-ups will showcase their solutions.
SMM 2024: Enabling Maritime Transformation
SMM 2024 will focus on maritime energy and digital transformation under the title ‘Enabling Maritime Transformation’. With alternative fuels for carbon-neutral ship operation in short supply and expensive, it is important to optimise the energy efficiency of ships. Dominik Schneiter, CEO of Swiss ship engine manufacturer WinGD and Chairman of CIMAC’s Digitalisation Strategy Group, states that the renewal of existing ships is one of the most important challenges in the industry. Digital tools, Big Data and IoT technology offer various solutions to improve the operational efficiency of vessels and meet regulatory requirements. For example, Acceleron offers a comprehensive solution called Tekomar XPERT.
Digital Route & Future of Shipping Summit
The SMM in Hamburg will showcase a wide range of innovative digital products, from cloud-based condition monitoring devices and autonomous navigation systems to real-time cargo tracking and anti-cybercrime solutions. ‘Our Digital Route will enable visitors to easily find exhibitors of relevant products,’ said SMM Director Christoph Lücke. On 4 September, experts will discuss smart technologies and use cases of artificial intelligence at the Future of Shipping Summit, which will be free of charge.
Artificial Intelligence in Focus
Artificial intelligence stands out as the main driver of digitalisation in the maritime industry. ‘AI will play a more important role in the industry over the next decade; it may even help us solve the shortage of skilled labour,’ says Rolf Stiefel, Regional Chief Executive Officer for Central Europe at Bureau Veritas. A typical application is drone-based inspection services to detect corrosion, cracks and deformation inside cargo tanks. Florian Heinemann, Hapag-Lloyd’s Senior Director of Data Insights and AI, believes that by 2030 all business processes will be AI-based.
AI CENTRE Stage for Start-ups
SMM 2024 will put the topic of artificial intelligence at the centre, dedicating the AI CENTRE in Hall B6 entirely to advanced AI technologies and potential applications in the maritime industry. ‘Early adopters of AI will benefit from competitive advantages,’ says Ragnar Kruse, co-founder and CEO of AI.HAMBURG. ‘AI plays an optimising role in all business processes, from sales and marketing to customer support,’ says Kruse. The Swedish company Cetasol will showcase its iHelm software application that produces digital twins.
SMM 2024 will offer visitors the opportunity to learn about current developments and join the AI community. ‘Our AI CENTRE at SMM 2020 sets a new standard,’ says Claus Ulrich Selbach, Director of Maritime & Technology Fairs at Hamburg Messe und Congress. ‘In cooperation with Deutsche Meeresstiftung, Forum Oceano and AI.HAMBURG, SMM will honour start-ups using artificial intelligence to protect the oceans,’ says Selbach. The jury of the competition will include Charles Goddard, Editorial Director of the Economist, and Fabian Cousteau, grandson of oceanographer Jacques Cousteau. Start-ups can apply until 1 July 2020, and winners will receive a €10,000 prize, a campaign on LinkedIn and the opportunity to present to an expert audience.
About HCP
SMM, the leading international maritime trade fair, will be held in Hamburg from 3-6 September 2024. Around 2,000 exhibitors from more than 100 countries and more than 40,000 visitors are expected to attend the fair. SMM will cover the entire value chain of the maritime industry in eleven exhibition halls. The 31st SMM will focus on maritime energy transformation, digital transformation and climate change, and will be supported by conferences with high-level experts.
SMM 2024 is organised with the contributions of the following reputable organisations:
Main Sponsor: DNV
Sponsors: Reintjes, MAN Energy Solutions, NVL, China Classification Society, Inmarsat
Supporters VDR, VSM, VDMA, GMT, VDS, CLIA, VSIH, VDI
Conference Partners: Schiffahrts-Verlag Hansa (Maritime Future Summit), Seatrade Maritime (gmec), DMI and Tamm Media (MS&D), GMT and DVV (Offshore Dialogue), TradeWinds (TradeWinds Shipowners Forum)
Global Media Supporters: Digital Press, Boats Group, Yachts Group, Sail Boats Group, Motor Yachts Group
