Trade Mission SMM Hamburg 2026
Connect your maritime innovation to the Port Cities of the Future
31 August - 2 September 2026 | Hamburg, Germany
Ports and maritime value chains are entering a new phase. Geopolitical developments, emerging technologies, energy transition, digitalisation and new security challenges are changing how ports operate, compete and collaborate.
For startups and scale-ups, this creates major opportunities. But international growth requires more than visibility. It requires access to the right markets, customers, partners, investors and operational environments.
That is why InnovationQuarter, Rotterdam Partners, the City of Rotterdam and DronePort Rotterdam are jointly organising this trade mission to Hamburg during SMM 2026.
The mission connects companies from the Rotterdam region and Province of Zuid-Holland to Hamburg’s maritime ecosystem and one of the world’s leading maritime industry events. It is designed for companies working on maritime technology, smart logistics, autonomous and uncrewed systems, safety and security, energy transition, data, AI, sensors, connectivity and other enabling technologies for the Port Cities of the Future.
The goal is clear: helping companies turn promising solutions into international partnerships, market access and scalable maritime applications.
Why this mission matters?
Europe’s largest port regions are becoming strategic nodes in a changing world. They are not only gateways for trade, but also places where economic resilience, energy systems, digital infrastructure, security, industrial innovation and international cooperation come together.
That is why ports, cities and regions need to collaborate more actively across borders. No single port ecosystem can develop the Port Cities of the Future alone. The transition requires stronger links between companies, governments, investors, knowledge institutions and operational partners.
This mission strengthens the connection between Rotterdam, Province of Zuid-Holland and Hamburg. It helps innovative companies access international markets while positioning the Rotterdam region as a leading European hub for port and maritime innovation.
Why join?
Explore a leading maritime market
Gain insight into Hamburg’s maritime ecosystem and discover where your solution fits within the German and international maritime market.
Connect with relevant decision-makers
Meet potential customers, corporates, investors, public organisations and innovation partners active in ports, shipping and maritime technology.
Strengthen your international proposition
Position your company around the strategic priorities shaping the maritime sector: digitalisation, sustainability, resilience, safety, security and operational efficiency.
Move from visibility to opportunity
Use SMM Hamburg 2026 and the Hamburg ecosystem to move beyond networking and identify concrete routes towards pilots, partnerships, customers and growth.
What to expect?
- Participation in Mare Forum Germany
- Innovation Day focused on the Port Cities of the Future including companies visit.
- Visit to SMM Hamburg, world's leading trade fair for the maritime industry
- Networking with German and international maritime partners
- Market insights and business development opportunities
- Exchange with startups, scale-ups and ecosystem partners from Rotterdam and Province of Zuid-Holland
Draft Program*
Monday 31 August - Mare Forum Germany
International maritime dialogue, market insights and networking with relevant industry, finance and policy stakeholders.
Tuesday 1 September - Innovation Day: Port Cities of the Future
Meet Hamburg-based partners and explore how port innovation, digitalisation, autonomous systems and sustainable maritime solutions move from pilots to scalable application.
Wednesday 2 September - SMM Hamburg & closing dinner
Visit SMM Hamburg for business development, networking and market orientation, followed by a closing dinner to exchange insights and define follow-up opportunities.
Programme subject to change.
Practical Information
General
Dates: 31 August - 2 September 2026
Location: Hamburg, Germany
Organization: InnovationQuarter, Rotterdam Partners, City of Rotterdam & DronePort Rotterdam
Registration Deadline: 26 May 2026
Participation Costs
Participation fee: €650 excluding VAT per organisation, for a maximum of two company representatives.
* The participation fee does not include travel, accommodation or the entry ticket to SMM Hamburg.
Call to Action
Are you developing solutions for the future of ports, shipping, logistics or maritime technology?
Join the trade mission to Hamburg during SMM 2026 and connect your company to one of Europe’s strongest maritime ecosystems.
Questions?
If you have any questions, please contact Meemee Ploem
Organised by
Why these partners organise this mission?
This trade mission is co-organised by InnovationQuarter, Rotterdam Partners, the City of Rotterdam, Rotterdam Maritime Capital of Europe, and DronePort Rotterdam.
Together, these partners combine regional economic development, international business positioning, public-sector commitment and domain-specific innovation expertise. The shared ambition is to help startups and scale-ups access international maritime markets, while strengthening the position of Rotterdam and Province of Zuid-Holland as a leading European hub for port and maritime innovation.
The mission also reflects a broader strategic need: Europe’s major ports, related cities and regions need to collaborate more closely to accelerate innovation, strengthen economic resilience and scale the technologies that will shape the Port Cities of the Future.