Quick Overview
- 1#1: AVEVA Marine - Comprehensive integrated CAD/CAM/CAE suite for full ship design, engineering, production, and lifecycle management.
- 2#2: ShipConstructor - Advanced CAD/CAM software optimizing ship structural design, production planning, and manufacturing automation.
- 3#3: NAPA - Leading naval architecture platform for hull optimization, stability analysis, and structural strength assessment.
- 4#4: FORAN System - Modular 3D CAD/CAM/CAE system supporting all phases of ship design and outfitting from concept to production.
- 5#5: CADMATIC Marine - 3D modeling and digital twin solution for efficient ship design, outfitting, and production information management.
- 6#6: Maxsurf - Integrated suite for ship hull surface modeling, hydrodynamic analysis, stability, and resistance predictions.
- 7#7: Orca3D - Rhino-based naval architecture tools for hull design, fairing, stability, and hydrodynamic computations.
- 8#8: Siemens NX for Marine - High-end CAD/CAM/CAE platform with marine-specific modules for complex vessel design and simulation.
- 9#9: Hexagon SmartMarine 3D - Robust 3D CAD environment for detailed marine engineering, piping, equipment, and structure modeling.
- 10#10: MultiSurf - Precision NURBS modeling software specialized in fairing complex ship hulls and marine surfaces.
Tools were evaluated based on feature breadth (from hull optimization to production automation), performance rigor, user-centric design, and long-term value, ensuring alignment with the complex demands of modern shipbuilding workflows.
Comparison Table
Shipbuilding software is critical for enhancing design precision, engineering efficiency, and collaboration in maritime projects, with tools like AVEVA Marine, ShipConstructor, NAPA, FORAN System, CADMATIC Marine, and more driving innovation in the industry. This comparison table details their core features, performance specifics, and optimal use cases, enabling teams to evaluate and select the best fit for their operational needs.
| # | Tool | Category | Overall | Features | Ease of Use | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | AVEVA Marine Comprehensive integrated CAD/CAM/CAE suite for full ship design, engineering, production, and lifecycle management. | enterprise | 9.4/10 | 9.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.6/10 |
| 2 | ShipConstructor Advanced CAD/CAM software optimizing ship structural design, production planning, and manufacturing automation. | enterprise | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.8/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 3 | NAPA Leading naval architecture platform for hull optimization, stability analysis, and structural strength assessment. | specialized | 9.2/10 | 9.6/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 4 | FORAN System Modular 3D CAD/CAM/CAE system supporting all phases of ship design and outfitting from concept to production. | enterprise | 8.6/10 | 9.3/10 | 7.1/10 | 8.2/10 |
| 5 | CADMATIC Marine 3D modeling and digital twin solution for efficient ship design, outfitting, and production information management. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.6/10 | 8.4/10 |
| 6 | Maxsurf Integrated suite for ship hull surface modeling, hydrodynamic analysis, stability, and resistance predictions. | specialized | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.4/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 7 | Orca3D Rhino-based naval architecture tools for hull design, fairing, stability, and hydrodynamic computations. | specialized | 8.3/10 | 8.7/10 | 7.9/10 | 8.1/10 |
| 8 | Siemens NX for Marine High-end CAD/CAM/CAE platform with marine-specific modules for complex vessel design and simulation. | enterprise | 8.7/10 | 9.2/10 | 7.5/10 | 8.0/10 |
| 9 | Hexagon SmartMarine 3D Robust 3D CAD environment for detailed marine engineering, piping, equipment, and structure modeling. | enterprise | 8.4/10 | 9.1/10 | 7.2/10 | 7.9/10 |
| 10 | MultiSurf Precision NURBS modeling software specialized in fairing complex ship hulls and marine surfaces. | specialized | 7.8/10 | 9.2/10 | 5.8/10 | 7.4/10 |
Comprehensive integrated CAD/CAM/CAE suite for full ship design, engineering, production, and lifecycle management.
Advanced CAD/CAM software optimizing ship structural design, production planning, and manufacturing automation.
Leading naval architecture platform for hull optimization, stability analysis, and structural strength assessment.
Modular 3D CAD/CAM/CAE system supporting all phases of ship design and outfitting from concept to production.
3D modeling and digital twin solution for efficient ship design, outfitting, and production information management.
Integrated suite for ship hull surface modeling, hydrodynamic analysis, stability, and resistance predictions.
Rhino-based naval architecture tools for hull design, fairing, stability, and hydrodynamic computations.
High-end CAD/CAM/CAE platform with marine-specific modules for complex vessel design and simulation.
Robust 3D CAD environment for detailed marine engineering, piping, equipment, and structure modeling.
Precision NURBS modeling software specialized in fairing complex ship hulls and marine surfaces.
AVEVA Marine
enterpriseComprehensive integrated CAD/CAM/CAE suite for full ship design, engineering, production, and lifecycle management.
Unified 3D model integrating hull structure, piping, equipment, and production information for clash-free designs and automated manufacturing data generation
AVEVA Marine is a leading end-to-end shipbuilding software suite designed for the marine industry, offering integrated 3D modeling, structural design, outfitting, and production engineering tools. It supports the full lifecycle of vessel design, from concept to fabrication and commissioning, enabling seamless collaboration across engineering disciplines. Renowned for its class-leading accuracy and compliance with international maritime standards, it helps shipyards reduce lead times, minimize errors, and optimize resource utilization.
Pros
- Comprehensive integration of hull, outfitting, and production modules in a unified 3D environment
- Proven track record in major shipbuilding projects worldwide with strong regulatory compliance
- Advanced automation for design rule checks and manufacturing outputs like nesting and NC files
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring extensive training for full proficiency
- High upfront costs and dependency on powerful hardware/infrastructure
- Limited flexibility for small-scale or custom non-standard vessel types
Best For
Large shipyards, naval architects, and OEMs building complex commercial, offshore, or naval vessels requiring precise 3D engineering and production integration.
Pricing
Enterprise licensing with custom quotes; annual subscriptions typically range from $500K+ depending on modules, users, and project scale.
ShipConstructor
enterpriseAdvanced CAD/CAM software optimizing ship structural design, production planning, and manufacturing automation.
Fully integrated Structure database that links 3D design directly to manufacturing bills of materials and CNC outputs without data loss
ShipConstructor, developed by SSI and now part of Siemens, is a comprehensive 3D CAD/CAM software suite tailored for shipbuilding and marine engineering. It supports full ship modeling from hull structure to outfitting, generates accurate production information, and integrates design with manufacturing processes like nesting and CNC cutting. Widely used by major shipyards worldwide, it ensures compliance with classification societies and streamlines workflows from concept to delivery.
Pros
- Highly specialized features for shipbuilding including 3D modeling, automated nesting, and production outputs
- Seamless integration with Siemens PLM tools and classification society rules
- Proven track record in large-scale projects with excellent accuracy and data management
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complexity and AutoCAD foundation
- High cost suitable only for enterprise-level users
- Resource-intensive requiring powerful hardware for large models
Best For
Large shipyards and marine engineering firms needing end-to-end design-to-production integration for complex vessels.
Pricing
Custom enterprise licensing starting at $50,000+ annually per seat, with modular pricing based on features and user count; contact Siemens for quotes.
NAPA
specializedLeading naval architecture platform for hull optimization, stability analysis, and structural strength assessment.
NAPA Optimizer: AI-driven tool for automated, multi-objective ship design exploration and rapid concept iteration.
NAPA (napa.fi) is a leading software suite for naval architecture and shipbuilding, providing advanced tools for hull design, hydrodynamic analysis, structural optimization, and regulatory compliance. It supports the entire ship design lifecycle, from initial concept and stability calculations to production planning and steel fabrication. Used by major global shipyards, NAPA integrates simulation-driven design with manufacturing processes to enhance efficiency and safety.
Pros
- Comprehensive modules for design, analysis, and production integration
- Industry-leading accuracy in simulations and class rule compliance
- Proven scalability for large-scale shipbuilding projects
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring specialized training
- High implementation and licensing costs
- Less intuitive for small teams or non-expert users
Best For
Large shipyards and naval architecture firms handling complex vessel designs that demand precision and regulatory adherence.
Pricing
Enterprise-level custom pricing; modular subscriptions start at €50,000+ annually, scaling with users and features.
FORAN System
enterpriseModular 3D CAD/CAM/CAE system supporting all phases of ship design and outfitting from concept to production.
Unified database architecture ensuring real-time consistency across hull, structure, outfitting, and production modules
FORAN System is a comprehensive 3D CAD/CAM/CAE software suite developed by Sener for the shipbuilding industry, enabling end-to-end vessel design from hull form definition to production detailing. It supports parametric modeling, structural analysis, outfitting, and manufacturing processes with a unified database architecture. Widely used by major global shipyards, it excels in handling complex naval architecture projects including merchant ships, offshore vessels, and naval ships.
Pros
- Fully integrated platform covering all ship design disciplines
- Robust parametric and associative modeling for large-scale projects
- Proven reliability in high-profile shipbuilding programs worldwide
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complexity
- Limited modern UI/UX compared to newer competitors
- High implementation and customization costs
Best For
Large shipyards and naval architecture firms tackling intricate, multi-disciplinary vessel designs.
Pricing
Enterprise-level custom pricing; modular licensing starts at high six figures annually, plus implementation fees—contact Sener for quotes.
CADMATIC Marine
enterprise3D modeling and digital twin solution for efficient ship design, outfitting, and production information management.
Fully integrated 3D ship information modeling that directly links design data to manufacturing and assembly processes
CADMATIC Marine is a comprehensive 3D CAD/CAE software suite designed specifically for shipbuilding and marine engineering. It supports the full lifecycle of vessel design, from hull modeling and structural engineering to piping, HVAC, electrical systems, and outfitting. The platform emphasizes information modeling, enabling seamless collaboration and automated production outputs for efficient shipyard workflows.
Pros
- Powerful integrated 3D modeling for hull, structure, and outfitting
- Advanced clash detection and automation for production drawings
- Strong collaboration tools supporting large team projects
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complexity
- High implementation costs for smaller shipyards
- Limited native cloud or mobile accessibility
Best For
Large shipyards and marine design firms tackling complex vessel projects requiring end-to-end digital workflows.
Pricing
Enterprise-level custom pricing via quote; annual subscriptions typically range from $50,000+ depending on modules and users.
Maxsurf
specializedIntegrated suite for ship hull surface modeling, hydrodynamic analysis, stability, and resistance predictions.
Advanced parametric NURBS surface modeling for creating mathematically fair and optimized hull forms
Maxsurf, developed by Bentley Systems, is a comprehensive naval architecture software suite tailored for ship hull design, modeling, and analysis in the shipbuilding industry. It offers modules like Modeler for parametric surface creation, Stability for intact and damaged stability calculations, Resistance for hydrodynamic predictions, and Structure for preliminary structural design. This integrated toolset supports the full design workflow from concept to detailed engineering, ensuring compliance with international standards.
Pros
- Exceptional parametric NURBS modeling for fair, precise hull surfaces
- Robust analysis tools for stability, resistance, and hydrodynamics
- Seamless module integration and industry-standard compliance
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to complex interface
- High licensing costs limit accessibility for small firms
- Limited modern automation and cloud collaboration features
Best For
Professional naval architects and ship designers in established yards handling complex commercial or naval vessel projects.
Pricing
Quote-based enterprise licensing; modules start at $5,000–$15,000 annually per seat, with perpetual options and maintenance fees.
Orca3D
specializedRhino-based naval architecture tools for hull design, fairing, stability, and hydrodynamic computations.
Hull Assistant for rapid parametric hull generation, modification, and automated fairing
Orca3D is a specialized plugin for Rhino 3D, tailored for naval architects and marine engineers in ship and yacht design. It offers advanced tools for parametric hull modeling, surface fairing, hydrostatics, stability analysis, resistance predictions, and motions calculations. The software excels in creating precise 3D models and performing integrated analyses within Rhino's flexible NURBS environment, making it ideal for custom vessel design.
Pros
- Seamless integration with Rhino enables powerful parametric 3D hull modeling and fairing
- Comprehensive naval architecture toolkit including stability, hydrodynamics, and speed/power predictions
- Efficient workflows for lines plans, offsets, and technical drawings
Cons
- Requires a separate Rhino license, adding to overall cost
- Steep learning curve for users unfamiliar with Rhino's interface
- Less optimized for large commercial ships compared to enterprise solutions like NAPA
Best For
Naval architects and yacht designers proficient in Rhino who need integrated 3D modeling and analysis for custom vessels.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses from $2,995 (Marine Designer) to $7,995 (full Naval Architect suite), plus Rhino license (~$995) and optional annual maintenance (~20%).
Siemens NX for Marine
enterpriseHigh-end CAD/CAM/CAE platform with marine-specific modules for complex vessel design and simulation.
Class-A NURBS surfacing with automated fairing assistants for creating production-ready hull forms
Siemens NX for Marine is a powerful CAD/CAM/CAE platform specifically designed for shipbuilding and marine engineering, offering tools for hull form development, structural design, piping, and outfitting. It supports Class-A surfacing for precise hydrodynamic hull shapes and ensures compliance with international classification societies like ABS, DNV, and Lloyd's Register. The software integrates seamlessly with Siemens' Teamcenter PLM for collaborative workflows across the vessel lifecycle from concept to production.
Pros
- Advanced Class-A hull surfacing and fairing tools for superior hydrodynamic performance
- Comprehensive integration with simulation, manufacturing, and PLM systems for end-to-end workflows
- Built-in compliance checks for major classification societies, reducing approval times
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to its extensive feature set and complexity
- High licensing costs make it less accessible for small shipyards
- Resource-intensive, requiring powerful hardware for large assemblies
Best For
Large shipyards and marine engineering firms handling complex vessel designs that demand high precision and regulatory compliance.
Pricing
Enterprise subscription model; contact Siemens for custom quotes, typically starting at $50,000+ annually per seat with modular add-ons.
Hexagon SmartMarine 3D
enterpriseRobust 3D CAD environment for detailed marine engineering, piping, equipment, and structure modeling.
Intelligent object-oriented modeling with embedded marine engineering rules for automated compliance and design validation
Hexagon SmartMarine 3D is an advanced 3D CAD/CAM/CAE platform designed specifically for shipbuilding, offshore, and marine engineering projects. It provides end-to-end capabilities for hull structural design, outfitting with piping, HVAC, and cable trays, and generation of production deliverables like NC data and BOMs. The software emphasizes rule-based automation, clash detection, and collaborative workflows to reduce design errors and accelerate project timelines in complex marine environments.
Pros
- Comprehensive 3D modeling for hull, structure, and outfitting with rule-based intelligence
- Strong integration with PLM, ERP, and fabrication systems for seamless workflows
- Advanced clash management and automated production outputs reducing rework
Cons
- Steep learning curve requiring extensive training for full proficiency
- High upfront costs and dependency on professional services for implementation
- Less intuitive interface compared to more modern cloud-native alternatives
Best For
Large shipyards and offshore EPC firms managing complex, high-value vessel and platform projects.
Pricing
Enterprise licensing with custom pricing; typically starts at $500,000+ annually for multi-user deployments, plus implementation fees.
MultiSurf
specializedPrecision NURBS modeling software specialized in fairing complex ship hulls and marine surfaces.
Dynamic Bend/Stretch tools for intuitive, real-time surface curvature adjustment and automatic fairness optimization
MultiSurf, developed by AeroHydro, is a specialized NURBS-based surface modeling software designed for creating precise, fair 3D surfaces in shipbuilding and naval architecture. It excels at modeling complex hull forms, appendages like rudders and keels, and multihull structures, with tools for blending, offsetting, and analyzing surface fairness essential for hydrodynamic performance. The software integrates with analysis programs and supports export to CAD and CAM systems for downstream manufacturing.
Pros
- Exceptional NURBS surface fairing and blending for hydrodynamic shapes
- Precise control over complex marine geometries like hulls and appendages
- Strong integration with naval architecture analysis tools
Cons
- Steep learning curve due to command-line heavy interface
- Dated graphical user interface lacking modern intuitiveness
- Limited scope as a pure surfacing tool, not a full CAD suite
Best For
Experienced naval architects and ship designers needing high-precision surface modeling for hull fairing in specialized marine workflows.
Pricing
Perpetual licenses start around $8,000-$12,000 depending on modules; annual maintenance ~15-20% of license cost; contact vendor for quotes.
Conclusion
The reviewed tools, spanning design, engineering, and production, offer specialized strengths; AVEVA Marine leads as the top choice, with a comprehensive integrated suite covering every lifecycle phase. ShipConstructor excels in structural design and production planning, while NAPA stands out in naval architecture and stability analysis, each a strong alternative based on specific needs. Together, they reflect the diverse capabilities shaping modern shipbuilding, with AVEVA Marine proving the most versatile.
Ready to enhance your shipbuilding process? AVEVA Marine’s integrated approach is a compelling option to explore, whether for full lifecycle management or advanced performance optimization.
Tools Reviewed
All tools were independently evaluated for this comparison