Greece’s Largest-Ever National Pavilion at SMM 2026 34 Greek companies showcase the country’s maritime expertise
Greece’s Largest-Ever National Pavilion at SMM 2026
34 Greek companies showcase the country’s maritime expertise
Athens, 14 September 2026 | Greece made a strong showing at SMM 2026, the international maritime industry exhibition held from 1 to 4 September 2026 at the Hamburg Messe exhibition centre. With 34 Greek companies taking part, this year’s presence was the largest to date, both in terms of the number of participants and the total exhibition space.
The national pavilion was organised for the fifth time by Enterprise Greece, as part of its strategy to strengthen outward-looking growth and promote the export of Greek products, services and technological solutions. The enhanced Greek presence confirmed the dynamism, high level of expertise and international competitiveness of the Greek maritime, shipbuilding and industrial ecosystem.
This year, SMM 2026 once again confirmed its role as one of the leading international events for the maritime industry, marine equipment and marine technology, attracting more than 2,200 exhibitors and 50,000 visitors across 87,000 sqm of exhibition space. The event brought together leading shipyards, shipowners, equipment suppliers, classification societies, technology companies and research organisations from around the world.
Greek companies presented a wide range of products, services and technological solutions, covering a significant part of the international maritime supply chain. Greece’s production base was represented in areas such as engines and propulsion systems, marine and industrial equipment, automation and electrical systems, cooling and air-conditioning systems, heat exchangers, spare parts, repairs and technical works, deck and mooring equipment, safety and life-saving equipment, shipbuilding and marine services, digital vessel monitoring and management applications, as well as energy efficiency and decarbonisation solutions. Emphasis was placed on technologies that support the digital transformation, green transition, and sustainable development of global shipping.
The Greek delegation included major industry associations and institutional bodies, including HEMEXPO (Hellenic Marine Equipment Manufacturers & Exporters), WIMA (Worldwide Industrial & Marine Association), and the Piraeus Chamber of Commerce and Industry (EBEP), thereby strengthening the collective representation and visibility of the Greek maritime and shipbuilding ecosystem. The EBEP stand showcased member companies of the Chamber, as well as the Association of Greek Shipyards, presenting the production capabilities, expertise and integrated services of the Greek shipbuilding and ship-repair industry.
Business meetings and international partnerships
Throughout the exhibition, many targeted business meetings took place between Greek companies and representatives of shipyards, shipping companies, buyers, suppliers and potential partners from the international market. These meetings created substantial prospects for new commercial agreements, the expansion of Greek exports, the development of international partnerships and the exchange of expertise.
European Commission officials visited the Greek pavilion, and they were briefed on the capabilities of the Greek maritime and shipbuilding industry, the innovative solutions offered by Greek companies, and their contribution to the green and digital transition of European shipping. Ms Gioulli Boyatzopoulou, Senior Economic and Commercial Counsellor and Head of the Economic and Commercial Affairs Office of the Greek Embassy in Berlin, also visited the pavilion, spoke with representatives of the Greek companies and was briefed on their participation, activities and prospects in the German and international markets.
As part of the national participation, a dedicated networking event was held, bringing together representatives of companies, institutional and industry bodies, and the international maritime community. The event was attended by Mr Christoph Ploß, Federal Government Coordinator for Maritime Economy and Tourism of Germany, and Mr Klaus Maak, Director of the Hamburg Branch of the Maritime Cluster Norddeutschland, as well as representatives of the Hellenic Shipping Association of Hamburg and the National Pavilion of Cyprus.
During the meeting with Mr Christoph Ploß, discussions focused on the prospects for further strengthening Greek German cooperation in the maritime economy, with particular emphasis on developing new investment and business partnerships, enhancing the competitiveness of the European shipbuilding and maritime industry, the participation of Greek companies in international value chains, and the opportunities created by the green and digital transition. Discussions also explored the possibility of establishing a stable channel of communication and cooperation between Greece and Germany, aimed at promoting joint initiatives in the maritime and shipbuilding sectors.
The SMM 2026 conference programme featured 240 speakers and focused on current trends and challenges facing global shipping, with thematic sessions including the Maritime Security & Defence Conference and the Offshore Dialogues. Greece’s successful participation in SMM 2026 further enhanced the country’s international profile as a reliable supplier of high-quality, innovative and competitive maritime products and services of high added value.
Commenting on Greece’s successful participation in the international exhibition, the CEO of Enterprise Greece, Dr Marinos Giannopoulos, stated: “The largest national participation at SMM to date sends a strong message: Greece is not only a leading global maritime power, but also has a dynamic, innovative and internationally competitive business ecosystem that produces and exports high added-value technology, equipment and services. In Hamburg, Greek expertise put forward credible proposals for the green transition, digital transformation and the future of the shipbuilding industry. In this context, Enterprise Greece will continue to build bridges between Greek companies and international markets, turning outward-looking growth into new partnerships, increased exports and sustainable development. Our goal is for the strong footprint of the Greek maritime sector to be matched by an equally strong footprint of Greek production and innovation around the world.”