Germany. International Shipbuilding Fair SMM 2008

Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH (HMC) is stepping up its global involvement in the shipbuilding sector with its organisation of the German joint stands at the leading Asian shipbuilding fairs Kormarine 2007 and Marintec China 2007, thereby generating synergy effects for HMC’s flagship event SMM and boosting its status as the top shipbuilding fair. The shipbuilding boom is also benefiting SMM 2008, 23rd shipbuilding, machinery & marine technology, international trade fair hamburg. SMM 2008 will make the maritime metropolis on the Elbe the hub of the world shipbuilding market for four days, from September 23rd-26th, next year. Numerous shipyards and marine equipment suppliers will be exhibiting at the SMM for the first time to make the most of its potential as a platform for presenting their innovations.

Like the SMM, the two most important Asian shipbuilding fairs are held every two years, but in the years when there is no SMM. Kormarine 2007, taking place from October 24th-27th 2007 in Busan (South Korea), is being attended by 44 German companies, including 39 in the German Pavilion, which HMC is organising on behalf of the Federal Ministry of Economics and Technology (BMWi). A total of 1,050 exhibitors, including 476 local firms, mainly marine equipment suppliers, are participating in Kormarine, which is being staged for the 15th time. This event in the leading shipbuilding country is a vital showcase for European marine component makers. As Dr. Jörg Mutschler, Managing Director of Marine and Offshore Equipment Industries in the German Engineering Federation (VDMA), notes: "Kormarine is one of the key foreign fairs for German marine and offshore equipment suppliers.”

HMC is also demonstrating its expertise in the global shipbuilding sector with its organisation of the German Pavilion at Marintec China 2007 from November 27th-30th 2007. As many as 1,032 exhibitors from 28 countries, including 757 from outside China, are attending this fair for the international shipbuilding and marine equipment sector being held in Shanghai for the 14th time. Germany is providing the largest contingent, comprising over 100 companies, after China (275). German firms’ great interest in fostering close business ties with the country with the fastest-growing shipbuilding industry is also underlined by the holding of German Day at Marintec China 2007. This is being staged under the motto “German Marine Know-how – Innovative Partnership with the Chinese Shipbuilding Industry”. Under the direction of Dr. Alexander Nürnberger, President of the German Engineering Federation (VDMA) – Marine and Offshore Equipment Industries, top lecturers will be presenting at this German Day the entire range of services provided by German maritime suppliers, encompassing innovative solutions for marine electrical systems, new engine technologies, propulsion and control technology and engineering expertise. HMC is also organising for the first time an SMM reception in Shanghai.

Although these activities in Asia will not be necessary to ensure the success of SMM 2008 – which is expected to be an even more impressive event than its predecessors with over 1,600 exhibitors and 46,000 visitors – many Asian companies have registered for the first time for the next SMM, including the shipyard association of the leading shipbuilding country, The Korea Shipbuilders´ Association (KOSHIPA). Six of the nine KOSHIPA members are among the seven largest shipyards worldwide. This certainly confirms the outstanding reputation of the top trade fair for shipbuilders and marine equipment suppliers, which is also emphasised by Jang-Sop Han, Executive Vice Chairman of KOSHIPA, in an interview with SMM NEWS: “Korean shipbuilders believe participation in the SMM will give them a good opportunity to solidify the network with their clients. And we also hope to enhance cooperation with shipowners around the world.” The participation in the SMM is also to be seen in connection with the fierce global and inner Asian competition in the shipbuilding sector, even if Han expects no downturn at all in demand for new vessels in the near future.

The overall economic environment could indeed scarcely be better for the forthcoming SMM. Contracts for new ships are filling yards’ orderbooks, and the mood among marine component suppliers is nothing short of euphoric. The world market for state-of-the-art equipment is growing by leaps and bounds. European suppliers are convinced that the shipbuilding boom will continue “at least” until 2010. Quite a few engine makers have booked orders for main engines up to 2012.

It is thus not surprising that there has been such an impressive run on SMM 2008 already weeks before the registration deadline on November 15th 2007. In addition to four existing halls, six new halls with a total of 75,000 sq.m. of space will be available to exhibitors.


Source:BYM Marine & Maritime News