The HARPOONERS project successfully participated in SMM Hamburg 2026, one of the world’s leading international trade fairs for the maritime industry, providing an important platform to present the project’s latest developments, objectives and achievements to a global audience of maritime professionals.
Representing the Basque Maritime Cluster (Foro Marítimo Vasco), the HARPOONERS team shared the project’s vision and ongoing activities, highlighting its contribution to the technological transformation and sustainability of the maritime sector through the development and validation of innovative solutions. The event offered a valuable opportunity to engage with industry stakeholders and discuss the challenges and opportunities associated with the transition towards a more sustainable maritime ecosystem.
HARPOONERS was also prominently featured by Lloyd’s Register during the exhibition. Giovanni Tenderini and Dr D N Reddy presented the project both at the Lloyd’s Register stand and during a dedicated session focused on some of the organisation’s most significant technology and innovation initiatives. These presentations helped increase awareness of HARPOONERS and facilitated knowledge exchange with maritime experts from across Europe and beyond.
Participation in SMM Hamburg reinforces HARPOONERS’ commitment to international collaboration and stakeholder engagement. By bringing together industry leaders, technology providers, shipowners, classification societies, research organisations and public authorities, the event created an ideal environment to share project outcomes, identify synergies and explore future opportunities for cooperation.
A particularly valuable moment during the exhibition was the visit of Moisés Blanco Ríos and Gabriel Mialocq from the European Commission. Their visit took place in the context of a session organised by Foro Marítimo Vasco on the European Maritime Strategy and available innovation funding programmes. During the session, both speakers provided insightful perspectives on European priorities and support mechanisms aimed at accelerating innovation, competitiveness and sustainability within the maritime sector.
The strong interest generated throughout the event confirms the relevance of HARPOONERS’ objectives and the growing need for innovative solutions that support the maritime industry’s green and digital transition.
The HARPOONERS consortium would like to thank all participants who attended the presentations and discussions, as well as all project partners for their continued commitment, expertise and contribution to the project’s success.
Together, we continue working towards a smarter, more sustainable and more resilient maritime future.
