One of Europe’s most important conferences on maritime security and defence – the Maritime Security & Defence Conference (MS&D) – is making an early return. For the first time, it will take place at the International Maritime Museum Hamburg (IMMH).
The Maritime Security & Defence Conference (MS&D), a long-standing part of the leading international trade fair SMM, will be held in 2025 as a standalone event for the first time. On 25 November 2025, Hamburg Messe und Congress will host a special edition of MS&D at the International Maritime Museum Hamburg.
This gives Germany’s only international conference on maritime security and defence its own platform – to address security policy challenges and technological innovations with even greater precision.
“With this independent MS&D event, we are creating a new, exclusive forum for the maritime security and defence sector. The need for exchange, strategic direction and partnerships is greater than ever – especially in view of NATO’s five percent target and the importance of credible deterrence,” says Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President Exhibitions at Hamburg Messe und Congress.
Procurement and unmanned systems in focus
Under the motto “Zeitenwende? It’s all about Procurement!”, MS&D 2025 will place naval procurement at the centre of attention. The focus will be on new opportunities for European industry in a dynamic defence market. Unmanned systems serve as a prime example – showcasing how innovation, industrial development and security policy relevance can be effectively combined.
The conference is aimed at companies with little or no previous experience in naval procurement – from tech-driven start-ups to established SMEs – as well as seasoned players in the defence and dual-use industries. It also offers a high-level platform for innovation leaders from science and business, as well as procurement experts from the German armed forces, the EU and NATO.
“In times of accelerated procurement processes and growing security demands, it is crucial to share knowledge and strengthen interfaces between industry, armed forces and politics,” emphasises retired Admiral Karsten Schneider, President of the German Maritime Institute (DMI), which is responsible for the programme and speaker selection.
High-calibre programme and expert exchange
The afternoon programme offers a compact, high-level format of keynotes, panel discussions and expert talks. Speakers from NATO, the EU, the German armed forces and industry will highlight current European cooperation formats and upcoming German procurement initiatives.
The conference language is English. Participation is limited to ensure a high-quality exchange of expertise and targeted networking. The regular participation fee is currently €250. Representatives of the navy, the Ministry of Defence, advisory committees and procurement authorities are invited free of charge.
MS&D 2025 is organised by Hamburg Messe und Congress, with content curated and co-developed by the German Maritime Institute (DMI). Editorial support and media coverage will be provided by TAMM Media.
“The threat to Germany and Europe is greater than ever. Protecting critical maritime infrastructure is therefore of utmost importance. At TAMM Media, we are pleased to join forces with Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH. Our media group is firmly rooted in the maritime and defence industries. Serving as media partner for MS&D 2025 is therefore a logical and strategically important step. We are particularly pleased that the MS&D Conference will take place for the first time at the International Maritime Museum. The museum is a key meeting place for the maritime sector. For years, representatives from the shipping industry and the navy have gathered here for various events. It provides the ideal setting for confidential discussions on security-related topics,” says Peter Tamm, owner of the TAMM Media Group and board member of the International Maritime Museum Hamburg.
About TAMM Media
The TAMM Media Group, which includes Mittler Report Verlag, is actively supporting MS&D as a media partner, providing in-depth coverage and publications.
The Hamburg-based media house reports regularly on MS&D-related topics at www.msd-magazine.com. In addition, a monthly MS&D Update newsletter is published.
In 2024, the publishing house already provided editorial coverage of MS&D. On the occasion of the last edition of the security conference, the MS&D Magazine was published by TAMM Media. Download available here.
