SMM 2026

Hamburg / September 01, 2026 - September 04, 2026

SMM 2026

Trade Fair for Shipbuilding, Machinery and Marine Technology

SMM 2026

(Hall B6, Booth 230, Fraunhofer-Waterborne joint booth)

SMM (Shipbuilding, Machinery and Marine Technology) 2026 is the world's leading trade fair for the maritime industry. The event provides a platform for companies, research institutions and experts from all over the world to present and discuss the latest innovations and technologies in the maritime sector.

Fraunhofer research is shaping maritime transformation. At SMM 2026, the »Waterborne« research group showcases solutions for a digital, sustainable and competitive shipping industry. At SMM 2026, the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft presents a wide range of such solutions. Five institutes will demonstrate how application-oriented research is helping to make maritime systems more efficient, sustainable and future-proof. The exhibits range from intelligent vessel control and AI-supported assistance systems, through simulations and testing technologies, to robotics for shipbuilding and innovative laser and joining processes.

Our Contributions:

Thursday, September 3, 2026, 11:30 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.

Our expert, Dr. Isabel Michel, holds a presentation on the Exhibitor Innovation Stage (Hall B5) on the topic »MESHFREE Simulations for Maritime Applications – Efficient Virtual Prototyping and Digital Twins without Computational Grids«.

Experts from our department »Grid-Free Methods« are presenting our MESHFREE simulation software at the Fraunhofer-Waterborne joint booth.

Simulations and Digital Twins are indispensable for many companies. This is because conventional software often fails to map highly dynamic processes satisfactorily. With the MESHFREE tool, we have developed a solution that works without a rigid calculation grid. MESHFREE simulations cover a wide range of processes and save time and costs – from water management to avalanches and foam formation. With a focus on maritime applications, MESHFREE is particularly suitable for the simulation of moving ships and their interaction with waves, tank sloshing, spray cleaning, flooding or floating bridges for disaster control.

Our specialists from the department »Material Characterization and Testing« are at the fair with presentations on »Terahertz Measurement Technology for Non-Destructive Testing of Composites and Coating Thickness Measurement«.

Terahertz measurement technology offers advanced solutions for the non-destructive testing of composites and precise coating thickness measurement. This technology enables in-depth analysis of material structures and properties, allowing the quality and integrity of components to be efficiently monitored. By using terahertz radiation, fast and reliable inspection is realized in various industrial applications.

Handgehaltene Terahertz-Messtechnik — © Fraunhofer ITWM
Hand-held terahertz measurement technology

Fields of Activity

Our Software »MESHFREE«

Computer simulations are an indispensable tool in the development and optimization of products and production processes. Virtual models replace real models. Mathematics is a key technology in the creation of this virtual world. At Fraunhofer, we combine mathematical modeling with HPC expertise to create powerful simulation tools.

Layer Thickness Measurement

In the case of multi-layer coatings on metal and plastic or multi-layer components (such as hoses), precise compliance with the individual layer thicknesses is an important quality parameter. In order to conserve resources, this quality control should be carried out as early as possible in the process.

Non-Destructive Testing

Non-destructive testing (NDT) is an essential part of the production process. It ensures that only flawless goods are put into circulation. The earlier this testing takes place in the production process, the greater the benefits - avoiding unnecessary material, energy and time expenditure by preventing the further processing of defective goods. Depending on the requirements, the inspection systems are designed for inline or offline operation.

Flooding Scenarios

More and more 3D geometry data of cities is available – including houses and terrain. Our MESHFREE software supports the common data formats and the tool can simulate a flooding scenario in just a few simple steps. This makes it possible to identify areas with high flooding risk and analyze the forces acting on the structures.

Fair

Hamburg / September 01, 2026 - September 04, 2026

SMM 2026

Our Contributions:

Thursday, September 3, 2026, 11:30 a.m. – 11:40 a.m.

Fields of Activity

Our Software »MESHFREE«

Layer Thickness Measurement

Non-Destructive Testing

Flooding Scenarios

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Contact Press / Media

Dr. Maris Bauer

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Dr. Erik Waller

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Dr. Joachim Jonuscheit

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Dr. Isabel Michel

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Dr. Jörg Kuhnert