International decision-makers from the industry, politics, science and numerous international organisations gather at SMM to discuss matters of critical importance for the future, promote technological solutions, and build strategic partnerships – whether at the conferences, the exhibition stands or the curated networking opportunities. The acceptance of the event patronage by Chancellor Friedrich Merz underlines the political, economic and societal relevance of SMM 2026.   Read more: here

Every first weekend of September, you can discover the Port of Rotterdam during the World Port Days. Mark the 49th edition in your calendar: September 4, 5, and 6, 2026.

Europort, organized in the world port city of Rotterdam, serves as the premier international maritime event for cutting-edge technology and complex shipbuilding. In 2025, the event attracted 23,113 professionals from 86 countries and featured 1,100 exhibitors, making it one of the world’s largest maritime B2B platforms for networking and knowledge exchange. Europort covers all aspects of the maritime industry, with a particular emphasis on high-tech vessels. The exhibition promises to be a true display of the latest advancements in maritime technology. Read more: here

Intermodal Europe is Europe's leading annual event for the container shipping, transport, and intermodal logistics industry. Across three days, suppliers and service providers come together to provide thousands of attendees with a diverse and dynamic marketplace in which to do business. Established brands sit alongside forward-thinking start-ups, together showcasing the very best technologies, innovations, products and services. Throughout Intermodal Europe, an abundance of networking opportunities await. From bumping into familiar faces, to building relationships with new names, Intermodal Europe is a hotpot for forging strong connections that stand the test of time. Read more: here.

The next Autonomous Inland & Short Sea Shipping Conference will take place in March 2027 in Düsseldorf in conjunction with XPONENTIAL EUROPE.  The Autonomous Inland and Short Sea Shipping Conference was established in 2019 as an annual conference. The conference promotes technical and scientific exchange among industry, academia and authorities in the fields of autonomous inland and short sea shipping as well as port logistics, smart waterborne logistics and related subjects. Contributions related to ship automation, remote operation and assistance systems, model-building, simulators and digital twins, smart port logistics, traffic planning and simulation, transport chain digitalization, emission reduction by assistance systems and automation, research platforms, test fields and infrastructure etc. are very welcome. Read more: here.

A key pan-European conference which focuses on short sea / feeder shipping & sustainable logistics. View the event website here.  Share your expertise at Coastlink, 14-15 April, Rotterdam and help shape the conversation on the trends, technologies and strategies redefining short sea shipping and multimodal logistics. We’re calling for speakers with practical insights and real-world solutions on topics including smarter freight corridors, digital innovation, sustainable operations, supply chain resilience and evolving regulation. Topics include: Building smarter freight corridors How ports, terminals, shipping lines and inland transport providers are strengthening multimodal connectivity, improving service reliability and creating seamless short sea, rail and hinterland freight networks. Optimising cargo flow for a changing world Strategies to reduce congestion, optimise capacity, improve cargo flows and enhance operational reliability across increasingly complex RoRo, short sea and intermodal supply chains. Implementing the energy transition and sustainable logistics - what is the opportunity cost? Showcasing practical approaches to sustainable logistics including emissions reduction initiatives. How can businesses learn from early adopters about the challenges faced and opportunity cost? Navigating change: The impact of trade disruptions, geopolitics and market shifts How the ports, shipping and logistics sectors are addressing cyber threats, criminal infiltration, operational security and supply chain resilience, alongside collaborative approaches for managing disruption and safeguarding logistics networks. Policy into practice: Regulation shaping the future A look at European port strategy, transport policy, climate legislation, ETS, emissions reporting and regulatory developments influencing ports, shipping and logistics operations. How will the latest developments in regulation affect ongoing trade flows?