Wind propulsion will have its largest-ever presence at the Shipbuilding, Machinery and Marine Technology trade fair in September, underlining the rapid commercial expansion of one of shipping’s fastest-growing decarbonisation technology sectors.

As shipowners seek practical solutions to reduce fuel consumption and comply with tightening emissions regulations, wind-assisted and primary wind propulsion technologies will be showcased across the exhibition halls in greater numbers than at any previous edition of the Hamburg-based maritime trade fair.

Held from 1–4 September 2026, SMM will bring together an anticipated 45,000-strong group of shipowners, operators, shipbuilders, technology developers, equipment manufacturers and maritime decision-makers from around the world. Reflecting the accelerating commercial uptake of wind propulsion, 40 members of the International Windship Association (IWSA) will exhibit or host wind propulsion-related activities throughout the event.

The strong presence of wind propulsion at the trade fair follows another year of rapid market growth for the sector. More than 100 commercial vessels now operate with wind propulsion technology installed, representing over six million DWT of cargo capacity. At the same time, fleet-wide investment strategies and repeat orders increasingly replace single demonstration projects.

Welcoming the continued expansion of wind propulsion reflected in the high number of wind propulsion technology companies exhibiting alongside associated service providers, IWSA Secretary General Gavin Allwright says:

“The pace of commercial adoption continues to accelerate. We are seeing new installations, repeat orders and larger deployment programmes becoming the norm rather than the exception. Wind propulsion has firmly established itself as a practical, commercially viable technology that is delivering measurable fuel savings and emissions reductions today, and this is reflected in the heightened presence of wind propulsion at the industry’s largest trade fair.”

To help visitors navigate the extensive wind propulsion presence across the exhibition halls and associated events programme, IWSA has once again developed an unofficial Wind Propulsion Route for SMM 2026. The route guides attendees to all IWSA member companies exhibiting at the trade fair and provides details for key wind propulsion-related events taking place throughout the week.

In addition to the technologies on display across the exhibition spaces, visitors can attend a wide range of presentations, technical discussions, networking receptions, and industry events hosted by IWSA members, providing multiple opportunities to meet the companies driving innovation in wind-assisted and primary wind propulsion.

Allwright continues:

“SMM remains one of the most important meeting places for the global maritime industry, making it the ideal venue to experience first-hand how far wind propulsion has progressed. The combination of technology suppliers, shipowners, classification societies, designers and researchers creates an unrivalled opportunity to understand where the market is today, and where it is heading.”

Concluding, Allwright says:

“The growing presence of wind propulsion at SMM mirrors the wider transformation taking place across commercial shipping. What was once regarded as a niche, “blue skies” technology has rapidly become an increasingly mainstream element of vessel decarbonisation strategies, offering shipowners immediate reductions in fuel consumption while complementing alternative fuels and energy efficiency measures. The growth in use of this energy source reflects increasing confidence from shipowners and reinforces the important role wind will play in shipping’s energy transition.”

View a digital version of the IWSA SMM Wind Route here: https://www.wind-ship.org/smm-2026-wind-route/