35-tonne propeller in front of the Hamburg exhibition halls heralds the start of SMM 2026 – and demonstrates how modern ship technology can boost energy efficiency

When the giant ship propeller takes its place in front of the Hamburg exhibition halls, there is no mistaking it: Here we go – it’s SMM time again. For many years, the propeller supplied by Mecklenburger Metallguss (MMG) has been a familiar sight at the world’s leading maritime industry event and has long since become one of its landmarks. On Thursday, 27 August, the maritime heavyweight will return to the exhibition grounds, providing a highly visible signal that SMM 2026 is about to begin. Just a few days later, from 1 to 4 September, the international maritime industry will gather in Hamburg.

Once again, its dimensions are impressive: around 35.5 tonnes in weight, 7.8 metres in diameter and five blades. Made of propeller bronze, the propeller will be erected in front of the Central Entrance, providing a striking preview of what SMM stands for: maritime engineering excellence and technologies for more efficient shipping.

“When the propeller is in place on the exhibition grounds, we know: Here we go. For us, its installation is the visible starting signal for SMM every time. The propeller has long since become a landmark of our event and, like few other images, represents the maritime industry and its innovative strength. What makes it particularly special is that it is not merely a showpiece: after SMM, it will actually be installed on a container ship, where it will help improve efficiency,” says Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President Exhibitions Maritime & Technology at Hamburg Messe und Congress.

From SMM landmark back to sea

The propeller was not manufactured specifically as an exhibition piece. MMG designed and manufactured it in Waren (Müritz) for the 4,300-TEU container ship KMTC Nhava Sheva, operated by the Korean shipping company Korea Marine Transport Co. Ltd. Following its appearance at SMM, it will replace the original propeller of the vessel, which was built in 2008.

Using modern computational fluid dynamics, the new re-design propeller has been specifically optimised for the vessel and its current operating and sailing profile. Depending on the vessel’s speed, it is expected to propel the ship five to seven per cent more efficiently than the original propeller. In addition, MMG’s ESCAP® fin capis expected to deliver further fuel savings of around two per cent, according to the company.

The propeller was designed, optimised and manufactured entirely by MMG in Waren (Müritz). It is part of a series of re-design propellers for this type of vessel.

An SMM tradition spanning more than 20 years

The propeller will travel to Hamburg by heavy-load transport. It is securely mounted on a special tilting device that will be used to move it into its display position on the exhibition grounds. Before it is tilted upright, the fin cap will be fitted using a loader crane.

“The installation of the propeller in front of the Hamburg exhibition halls for SMM is a very special moment for us every time – but also a logistical challenge. We are delighted to once again make a highly visible statement for the maritime industry in Hamburg in 2026. For us, it is also a clear symbol of the capabilities of German shipbuilding and, in particular, the maritime supply industry,” says Dr Lars Greitsch, CEO of Mecklenburger Metallguss (MMG).

The connection between MMG and SMM has a long tradition: MMG has been bringing large-scale propellers to SMM in Hamburg since at least 2004. For more than two decades, the installation of the propeller on the exhibition grounds has therefore been one of the most visible signs that SMM is just around the corner – and in 2026 it once again means: Hamburg is becoming the meeting place of the maritime world.

SMM 2026 will take place in Hamburg from 1 to 4 September 2026. Around 2,300 exhibitors from 70 countries will present technologies and solutions for the future of the maritime industry at the world’s leading maritime industry event.