Italy is committed to innovation and sustainability in the maritime industry

Twenty-two companies will showcase forward-looking solutions for the international shipbuilding industry at the Italian Trade Agency’s joint stand at SMM.

At the Italian Trade Agency’s (ITA/ICE) joint stand at SMM (Shipbuilding, Machinery & Maritime Technology), 22 selected exhibitors will showcase innovative solutions for the maritime industry from 1 to 4 September – ranging from sustainable propulsion technologies to high-tech components for shipbuilding.

For Ferdinando Fiore, Director of the Italian Trade Agency in Berlin, SMM provides the ideal platform for showcasing the innovative strength of Italy’s shipbuilding, marine technology and supply industries to an international audience of industry professionals and, in particular, for further strengthening economic cooperation with Italy’s most important trading partner, Germany.

The participating exhibitors cover the entire value chain, ranging from long-established companies to newcomers on the international stage, and from small family-run businesses to up-and-coming medium-sized enterprises. Their portfolios include sustainable environmental and energy systems, components for navigation, communication and maritime safety, as well as innovative materials, propulsion solutions and technical equipment for modern shipbuilding.

Italy maintains its leading position in European shipbuilding
Italy’s maritime sector has recorded continuous growth since 2014 and has remained stable despite the pandemic. Total turnover, which stood at 2.48 billion euros in 2014, rose to around 8.6 billion euros in 2025 for the boating industry. The majority of total turnover comes from domestic production, with around 78 per cent of production destined for export in 2025. With more than 1.13 million employees, the maritime sector is one of Italy’s key industries. The shipbuilding and maritime mechatronics sector alone employs around 180,000 people and is characterised by a large number of small and medium-sized enterprises.

Italy is Europe’s leading shipbuilding centre in terms of turnover
With a net turnover of €13.6 billion, the Italian shipbuilding sector once again recorded the highest turnover among European countries in 2024. According to Eurostat, this meant that Italy remained in first place among all EU Member States, ahead of France with 11.6 billion euros. The Italian shipbuilding industry is also among the most productive in Europe in terms of labour productivity: net turnover per employee remained above the German industry average in 2024.

The growing importance of sustainable solutions
Not least due to stricter EU regulations, companies are focusing on the ‘green transition’. Through the Transizione 5.0 programme, the Italian government is providing targeted support to Italian manufacturers in the areas of energy efficiency and digitalisation. At the same time, the EU is promoting the development of sustainable hydrogen and fuel cell powertrains and hybrid technologies through the Hy2Tech programme. This trend towards lower-emission shipping is also in line with the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) goal of achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions from international shipping by or around 2050. Some of the companies represented at the joint stand are developing solutions specifically for this transformation.

Italian Trade Agency joint stand at SMM 2026
Messe Hamburg, Hall B3, Upper Floor (Stand 302 and others)