The AWESOME Project was strongly represented at SMM Hamburg 2026, where several project partners participated in presentations, panel discussions, technical talks and networking activities focused on the future of sustainable shipping.
As one of the maritime industry’s leading international meeting places, SMM brought together stakeholders from across the shipping value chain to explore technologies and strategies that can support the transition towards a low-carbon maritime sector. Energy efficiency, digitalisation, operational optimisation and Wind-Assisted Propulsion Systems (WAPS) were among the central topics discussed throughout the exhibition and conference programme.
Throughout the week, AWESOME partners contributed to a wide range of discussions covering vessel design, wind propulsion technologies, performance monitoring, voyage optimisation and operational experiences from the deployment of wind-assisted propulsion solutions. Industry representatives shared valuable insights on the practical implementation of WAPS and the role these technologies can play in reducing fuel consumption and greenhouse gas emissions.
Several project partners also highlighted recent developments and commercial progress within the wind propulsion sector, underlining the growing market interest in scalable and operationally proven solutions. Discussions at SMM demonstrated how collaboration between shipowners, technology developers, researchers, classification societies and ship designers is helping accelerate the adoption of innovative decarbonisation technologies.
The strong engagement from both exhibitors and visitors confirmed that wind-assisted propulsion remains an important part of the maritime industry’s pathway towards climate neutrality. Combining wind propulsion with digital tools, voyage optimisation and energy-efficiency measures is increasingly recognised as a practical approach to reducing emissions while improving operational performance.
For the AWESOME Project, the discussions at SMM reinforced the relevance of the consortium’s work in advancing knowledge, methodologies and technologies that support the broader uptake of wind-assisted propulsion systems in commercial shipping.
We thank all AWESOME partners who contributed to presentations, technical discussions and stakeholder engagement activities during SMM Hamburg 2026 and look forward to continuing the collaboration as the project progresses.
Interested in learning more?
Get in touch with the AWESOME Project and the role of wind-assisted propulsion in maritime decarbonisation to learn more!
