Every two years Hamburg assumes the role of world capital of the maritime business for the duration of SMM, the leading international maritime trade fair Hamburg and a major meeting place of the decision makers of the maritime industry. Over 2,000 exhibitors and roughly 50,000 industry visitors from all continents are expected to attend the 2014 leading international maritime trade fair with its program of superlatives. "Next year's SMM will once again cover the full range of maritime topics, setting new trends in the industry," says Bernd Aufderheide, Chairman of the Board of Hamburg Messe und Congress GmbH. There will be five featured topics, including financing, protection of the maritime environment, recruiting, safety and security and offshore.