Solent Freeport is looking for small businesses in the maritime technology industry to support in attending the world's leading maritime industry event.

The businesses, which must be in the Solent region and looking to start (or have recently started) exporting, can access professional backing and grants of up to £1,000 to help cover some of the costs associated with attending the event.

Solent Freeport has partnered with Maritime Solent to assist four businesses to attend SMM Hamburg in September.

Held biennially, Shipbuilding, Machinery & Marine Technology (SMM) Hamburg has more than 2,200 exhibitors and around 49,000 total attendees from 100 nations in 90,000 sq m of exhibition space across 12 halls.

SMM provides a dynamic platform for showcasing innovation, driving collaboration, and shaping the future of the sector, covering the full spectrum of the maritime value chain, attracting shipowners, operators, shipyards, technology suppliers, classification societies and ports.

Solent Freeport has secured a shared exhibition pod within the UK Pavilion, delivered through the Society of Maritime Industries (SMI), which will be staffed by Maritime Solent.

Brian Johnson, chair of Solent Freeport, said:

“This event provides direct access for Solent-based maritime technology businesses to international shipyards, suppliers and emerging technologies. It creates opportunities for export growth, collaboration and visibility in key global markets."

“The role of Solent Freeport is very much to facilitate growth and boost regional economic prosperity – hence why we are looking to get some of our maritime businesses in front of worldwide high-level decision-makers."

“This incredible opportunity is aimed at small maritime technology companies that are relatively new to exporting but have a clear export strategy and ambition to grow internationally.”

To be eligible businesses must be based in the Solent region, operate in the maritime technology sector and have fewer than 50 employees, be relatively new to exporting but have a clear export strategy and export readiness and be able to attend SMM Hamburg in person from 1-3 September.

The successful applicants will benefit from access to a shared Solent Freeport and Maritime Solent pod within the UK Pavilion, on-the-ground support from Maritime Solent, pre-mission briefing and coordination and grant support of up to £1000 contributing towards eligible costs.

Applications will be assessed against a robust selection criteria including the mandatory ‘strength and clarity of export strategy’, plus the fit with the maritime tech market, the potential to generate measurable outcomes, readiness to export and commitment to mission activities and post-mission reporting.

The SMI – the trade association for the UK’s maritime engineering, science and technology community – is hosting the SMI Showcase Stand to give budget-constrained companies the opportunity to be part of a smart, visible, and supported presence within the UK Pavilion.

Maritime Solent is the industry-led representative body for the Solent's maritime sector and one of a small number of regional maritime bodies, recognised by Government.

The deadline for applications for the Maritime Trade Mission is Friday 29 May. Please email info@solentfreeport.com for the application form.

Photo: Major event - SMM Hamburg in September is the world's leading maritime industry event with 2,200 exhibitors and around 49,000 total attendees from 100 nations

Picture: @ Hamburg Messe und Congress / Rene Zieger