Wind Propulsion Events @ SMM 2026
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31 AUGUST - MONDAY
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Event Name: Windship Day 2026
Event Host: Fraunhofer Workgroup Sustainable Maritime Mobility and Deutsches Hafenmuseum, Stiftung Historische Museen Hamburg.
Date and time: 31. August 2026 ▪ 09:30 – 17:00
Location: Deutsches Hafenmuseum ▪ Australiastraße 6 ▪ 20457 Hamburg
On board of tallship „PEKING“ moored on the quay in front of warehouse 50 A.
Wind propulsion speakers: Multiple
The “Windship Day 2026” is a highlevel conference for stakeholders from shipping, technology, research, finance, and policy to discuss the future of wind-powered commercial shipping.
Focus Topics:
▪ Technical innovation and vessel design for modern sail cargo ships
▪ Commercial viability and competitive business models
▪ Cargo market opportunities and logistics integration
▪ Networking aboard the historic PEKING
https://www.hs-emden-leer.de/windship-day-2026#c267650
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01 SEPTEMBER - TUESDAY
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Event name: Wind Propulsion Systems (WPS) - Covering wind propulsion solutions and concepts
Event Host: International Windship Association (IWSA)
Date and time: Tuesday, 1 September. 13:00 - 13:50
Location: Energy Efficiency Stage, Hall A4 - SMM, Hamburg Messe + Congress
Wind propulsion speakers: Multiple.
Introduction: General Overview of WPS, growth and market development
*Gavin Allwright, Secretary General, IWSA
Panel 1: Wind Propulsion Technologies
Moderator: Lise Detrimont, Secretary General, Association Windship
*Amrit Bhullar, CEO, Oceanbird
*Jukka Kuuskoski , CCOO, Norsepower // Li Zhi, CEO, Dealfeng
*Cristina Aleixendri, COO, Bound4Blue
*Martina Vilanova Reche, Technical Manager, North Windships
*Tim van der Steene, Head Marine Technology, Kite Dynamics
Panel 2: Wind Propulsion: Design, Integration and Operation
Moderator: Gavin Allwright, Secretary General, IWSA
*Mikko Vartiainen, Wind Assisted Vessel Optimization Lead, Shipping Solutions, NAPA
*Kenneth Goh, General Manager, Knud E Hansen
*Sylvain Faguet, CSO, D-Ice
*Vincent Seguin, Project Manager, Mauric
*Anders Alterskjær, Research Manager, SINTEF
*Jan A. Opedal, Manager Projects, Ship Management, Technology, Odfjell
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02 SEPTEMBER - WEDNESDAY
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Event name: Retrofitting Wind at Scale: Lessons from the Maria Topic Bulk Carrier
Event Host: Oceanwings
Date and time: Wednesday, 2 September. 11:30 - 14:40
Location: Exhibitor Innovation Stage (hall B5) - SMM, Hamburg Messe + Congress
Wind propulsion speaker: Romain Grandsart, Co-founder & COO, Oceanwings
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Event name: GMEC Conference - Fireside chat: Wind propulsion: from first movers to fast followers
Event Host: SMM
Date and time: Wednesday, 2 September. 14:40 - 14:55
Location: Energy Efficiency Stage, Hall A4 - SMM, Hamburg Messe + Congress
Wind propulsion speakers: Multiple.
The discussion will explore how wind propulsion supports a more just and equitable transition by reducing fuel exposure, broadening decarbonisation options beyond expensive new fuels, and offering a practical pathway for different vessel types and trades. It will also consider the commercial value of wind in a tightening regulatory environment, including its treatment under IMO and EU frameworks, and whether today’s rules properly recognise wind’s contribution.
With system developers scaling production capacity and refining designs, the session will ask what is still holding the market back, and how early adopters have benefited from harnessing the wind.
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Event Name: GMEC Conference - Green Shipping Corridors – Catalysts for Zero-Emission Fuels
Event Host: SMM
Date and Time: Wednesday, 2 September 15:00 - 15:50
Location: Energy Efficiency Stage, Hall A4 - SMM, Hamburg Messe + Congress
Wind Propulsion Speakers: Gavin Allwright, Secretary General at IWSA, Clare Urmston, CEO at Anemoi.
This session will focus on the pivotal role of green shipping corridors as the primary mechanism to accelerate the transition to zero-emission fuels in the maritime industry. Green shipping corridors are defined routes between major ports where stakeholders collaborate to implement decarbonisation strategies, including the adoption of clean fuels, advanced technologies, and supportive infrastructure.
The discussion will explore:
• How green shipping corridors act as testbeds for innovation, enabling the scaling of zero-emission fuels and technologies.
• The importance of linking ports globally to create a seamless network for sustainable shipping.
• The role of partnerships between governments, port authorities, shipping companies, and technology providers in overcoming barriers such as fuel availability, infrastructure gaps, and regulatory challenges.
• Success stories and lessons learned from existing green shipping corridor initiatives, such as the Clydebank Declaration and other international efforts.
This session will provide attendees with actionable insights into how green shipping corridors can serve as a blueprint for broader decarbonisation across the maritime sector, fostering collaboration and driving tangible progress toward net-zero goals.
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03 SEPTEMBER - THURSDAY
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