SMM 2018 is gearing up to host around 2,200 exhibitors for this year’s event in September. To help visitors find exactly what they are looking for, there will be five “theme routes” covering key areas of the maritime industry. One of these is the Cruise & Ferry Route, where ship technology providers will showcase products and solutions that cover everything from the engine room to the bridge.
Passenger ships cleaning up the industry
The shift towards more environmentally friendly technology has been a key focus in shipping for years now. One of the key drivers in this transformation is the passenger shipping industry. With a growing environmental awareness among the general public, cruise lines and ferry operators are starting to clean up their act. This has given rise to green innovations, such as sulfur scrubbers that reduce harmful emissions.
But the biggest trend in the cruise and ferry sector is LNG propulsion. AIDAnova, the world’s first LNG-powered cruise ship, is scheduled to set sail in December 2018. And there are an additional 25 LNG-powered cruise ships and 22 LNG-powered ferries on order, demonstrating the industry-wide intent to reduce environmental impact. At SMM 2018, there will be a panel discussion on the topic of passenger shipping as an environmental pioneer, as part of the Global Maritime Environmental Congress (gmec).
On course for a cleaner industry
With a record high of around 27.2 million passengers expected to take a cruise before the end of 2018, the outlook is very positive for passenger shipping. Combined with cutting-edge environmental technology, the cruise and ferry sector is one of the most exciting areas of the maritime industry at present. Don’t miss your chance to see these innovations in person at SMM, September 4–7, 2018 in Hamburg.
SKF is exhibiting at SMM 2018, showcasing a selection of products and solutions for cruise liners and ferries. These include the SKF Dynamic Stabilizer Cover and SKF EcoMode stabilizer software—two solutions that help operators of passenger vessels to reduce environmental impact and increase efficiency. Visit stand 210 in Hall A1 to learn more.
If you would like to find out more about the key topics at SMM 2018, read our articles on digitization and green technology.