The Society of Naval Architects & Marine Engineers (SNAME) is preparing for its 132nd annual SNAME Maritime Convention (SMC 2025), scheduled for October 29-31, 2025. This event will take place at the Hilton Norfolk The Main in Norfolk, Virginia, and promises an extensive lineup of activities aimed at uniting professionals from the maritime industry, academia, and government.
With the theme “Technology Transfer – Bringing Global Best Practices to the Maritime Industry,” SMC 2025 will feature a variety of sessions including technical panels, keynote addresses, and student competitions. Attendees can expect to engage in discussions that cover critical topics affecting the maritime sector.
Pre-Convention Highlights
The convention will kick off with pre-convention activities on October 29, which include specialized short courses and workshops offering Professional Development Hour (PDH) certification credits. One of the key events will be the FAST Conference (FAST 2025), focusing on “Connecting the Dots in High-Speed Craft Digital Design.” Topics will range from novel hull forms to propulsion systems utilizing electric and alternative fuels.
Additionally, students will have the opportunity to tour Colonna’s Shipyard, providing valuable insights into real-world shipbuilding and operational practices.
Key Features of the Convention
The main convention days, October 30-31, will feature a keynote session titled “Rebuilding America’s Shipbuilding Power – A Call to Action,” addressing vital issues currently facing U.S. shipbuilding. Panel sessions will explore a variety of subjects, including icebreaker design, integrated digital environments, energy transitions, and the role of nuclear power in commercial vessels.
Technical sessions will delve into ship production and repair, environmental challenges, and regulations affecting the industry. The convention will also recognize outstanding student work through a design competition, with winners announced during the President’s Reception.
Richard Mueller, President of SNAME, stated, “SMC is where the maritime engineering community converges to share breakthroughs, collaborate across disciplines, and chart a collective course for the future.” He expressed excitement about returning to Norfolk for the 2025 Convention and anticipates high participation and fresh insights that will have a lasting impact on the industry.
The convention will also feature an awards gala dinner to celebrate accomplishments in the maritime field, including the presentation of medals and awards. A Members Lounge will provide an informal space for networking, while a silent art auction will showcase works by commissioned maritime artists, highlighting maritime heritage and culture.
The SNAME Maritime Convention is supported by a range of sponsors, including Chevron, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, and Kongsberg, among others. SNAME collaborates with various media partners, including Marine Log and Maritime Executive, to promote the event.
For those interested in attending, pre-convention activities begin on October 29, with the full schedule of technical sessions and panels taking place on the following two days. Registration is available online through the SNAME website.
Founded in 1893, SNAME is a nonprofit professional society dedicated to advancing naval architecture, marine engineering, and related fields. With over 4,000 members across 95 countries, SNAME connects maritime professionals globally, fostering collaboration and innovation in the industry. For additional information, visit www.sname.org.