The Global Security and Innovation Summit (GSIS) and the German Maritime Centre (Deutsches Maritimes Zentrum e.V., DMZ) have entered a strategic partnership to strengthen maritime perspectives within the summit’s broader security, technology and innovation agenda. The collaboration brings expertise from shipping, ports and critical infrastructure into GSIS and reinforces Hamburg’s position as an international hub for future-oriented maritime and security discussions. GSIS will take place on 9–10 December 2026 at the CCH – Congress Center Hamburg and is jointly organised by Hamburg Messe und Congress and the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS).
Through the partnership, GSIS expands its thematic scope to include maritime security, resilience and infrastructure within a broader geopolitical and innovation policy framework. Hamburg Messe und Congress already hosts leading maritime formats such as SMM – the world’s leading maritime industry event, MS&D – International Conference & Expo for Maritime Security and Defence, and a new international conference focused on ports. While these platforms address sector-specific themes, GSIS integrates related issues into a wider strategic context.
The cooperation with DMZ introduces a dedicated maritime side event at GSIS 2026, curated by the German Maritime Centre, focusing on resilience, critical infrastructure and technological development. The partnership will also include additional formats such as roundtables and briefings designed to extend dialogue beyond the Summit itself.
“Maritime issues are becoming increasingly important in the context of global resilience and technological development,” said Dimitrios Argirakos, Executive Chair of GSIS. “With the German Maritime Centre, we are gaining a partner that brings deep expertise to the strategic dialogue of GSIS and further strengthens the connection between technology, industry and security.”
“GSIS offers a unique international platform to place questions relating to the maritime industry, security and infrastructure into a broader strategic security and technology policy context,” stated Dr Matthias Catón, Managing Director of the German Maritime Centre. “Together, we are increasing the visibility of maritime innovation and connecting relevant stakeholders from government, industry and academia.”
“The cooperation with the German Maritime Centre is also a starting point for the stronger integration of maritime topics within GSIS,” remarked Claus Ulrich Selbach, Vice President Exhibitions at Hamburg Messe und Congress. “From 2027 onwards, the MS&D Conference & Expo will further strengthen GSIS in the years when SMM does not take place, expanding the Summit’s security and defence profile.
