SMM Hamburg 2018

Enterprise Greece, HEMEXPO and WIMA, over the last two years, have joined forces under the slogan "Smart Ship Solutions – Greek Marine Equipment” to promote Greek shipping equipment and attract investment funds to dynamic Greek companies in the sector. As part of this initiative, Greece participated for the second time running in SMM Hamburg, the most important international exhibition for industrial maritime equipment.

The delegation included 26 leading Greek companies representing the maritime equipment sector, with the national Greek stand clustered with the stands of Norway, the Netherlands, the USA and other major global shipping forces at the center of the exhibition space. Enterprise Greece, in cooperation with HEMEXPO (Hellenic Shipbuilding Manufacturers), WIMA (International Maritime and Industrial Association), and with the support of the Hellenic-German Chamber of Commerce and Industry, organized the Greek stand.

Greek shipping equipment companies are investing in research, innovation and development and are offering Smart Ship Solutions to their customers. The quality of products and services for seafarers and industrial companies is constantly improving and the drive for development is continuous. The Greek stand drew visitors from leading shipyards and suppliers of the international market and hosted B2B meetings that resulted in several new contracts as well as raising the visibility of the Greek exhibitors.

SMM Hamburg is one of the most important exhibitions in the field of maritime industry and marine industrial equipment in Europe and attracts thousands of visitors from all over the world. The exhibition is organized every two years and draws global leaders in the maritime sector. This year nearly 2,300 exhibitors from around the world participated in SMM, more than 50,000 trade visitors attended, and billions of euros of commercial contracts were signed.

The Chairman of Enterprise Greece, Grigoris Stergioulis, attended the exhibition. The Greek stand was also visited by the Consul General of Greece in Hamburg, Georgios Arnaoutis, and the Naval Attaché at the Hamburg Consulate, Coast Guard Commander Ioannis Orfanos, who spoke to Greek exhibitors about their innovative products, their services, as well as their promotion in international markets.

Vice President of HEMEXPO, Mr. Panagiotis Mallios, commented on the successful presence of the Greek mission in the exhibition, saying: "SMM is the largest European sectoral exhibition in the field of marine technology. Visitors from all over the world, who represent every type of ship, visit it to be informed about the latest developments in the industry. HEMEXPO participated once again in the Greek stand, on the basis of its strategic planning to strengthen the exports of its members. According to our members it was a very successful presence, visitors from all over the world saw our products and understood that they are comparable and perhaps superior to our European competitors. As HEMEXPO, we will continue to be present at this exhibition as well as in the other international exhibitions of our industry so that ‘made in Greece’ becomes synonymous with quality and excellent service."

The President of WIMA, Mr. Elias Hatziefraimidis, stated that: "WIMA, once again, was pleased to take part, together with its members and partners, in one of the most important shipping exhibitions. As ever, the active participation of WIMA members, who flanked the national stand, contributed to another successful team presence and helped create new catalytic contacts and potential new collaborations. SMM Hamburg 2018 has enabled us to develop new relationships with potential customers and, in addition, enhance existing collaborations worldwide."

Grigoris Stergioulis, Chairman of Enterprise Greece, said: “The national participation in SMM Hamburg 2018 is part of Enterprise Greece's integrated strategic plan, which has been developed over the past two years, in collaboration with HEMEXPO and WIMA, to promote exports from Greek companies in the industry. This sector is developing a strong dynamic and claims a market share of industrial marine equipment with the slogan ‘Smart Ship Solutions – Greek Marine Equipment’. The presence of Greek companies was comparable to that of other countries with a large production of marine equipment. The Agency will continue to cooperate with the industry to attract investment and further promote innovative products and services in the industrial marine equipment industry.”