Top 12 Software Used in Naval Architecture

Discover the top 12 software tools revolutionizing naval architecture. Explore how these platforms help design safer, greener, and more efficient ships in this expert guide for maritime professionals and students.

Naval architecture is where art meets engineering—where lines drawn on a screen turn into steel giants that sail oceans. But in today’s maritime world, the power of design doesn’t lie in paper sketches. It lies in sophisticated software capable of simulating resistance, analyzing hull strength, optimizing propulsion, and ensuring compliance with international regulations. Whether you’re a naval architect working at a shipyard in South Korea or a student learning ship design in Greece, the tools you use matter.

 

Why Naval Architecture Software Matters in Modern Ship Design

The maritime industry is becoming more complex, digital, and data-driven. With growing pressure to reduce emissions (as per IMO’s GHG strategy), improve fuel efficiency, and design vessels that can handle extreme sea conditions, naval architects must work smarter. Software enables:

  • Precision in hydrodynamic modeling and structural analysis
  • Compliance with standards by class societies like DNV, ABS, or Lloyd’s Register
  • Speed in design iterations, saving time and cost
  • Safety through real-world scenario testing, such as flooding or damage simulations

According to a 2024 report by The Royal Institution of Naval Architects (RINA), over 85% of ship design firms use at least three specialized software packages to manage multi-disciplinary workflows.

Key Technologies Powering Naval Architecture Software

These software tools are built on several core technologies:

  • CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics): Simulates fluid flow around the hull for resistance and propulsion studies
  • FEA (Finite Element Analysis): Used for structural strength and fatigue testing
  • Parametric Modeling: Enables rapid design iterations with consistent rule-based geometry
  • Integration with Class Rules: Direct validation against IACS standards or ABS/DNV compliance
  • 3D Visualization: Helps communicate complex ideas to non-engineers and stakeholders

As digital twins and AI-driven optimizations become more prominent, naval architecture software is increasingly adopting cloud-based analytics and automated simulation workflows.

The Top 12 Software Tools Used in Naval Architecture

1. Rhino + Orca3D

Best for: Concept design, hull modeling, hydrostatics

Rhino (Rhinoceros 3D) is a powerful CAD tool known for its flexibility. Paired with Orca3D, it becomes a naval architecture powerhouse, offering hydrostatic analysis, stability modules, and resistance estimation.

  • Used in small craft and early-stage ship design
  • Supports plugin extensions for CFD and structural checks
  • Compatible with ShipConstructor and AutoCAD

👉 Rhino3D + Orca

2. Maxsurf (by Bentley Systems)

Best for: Integrated hull design, structural modeling, stability

Maxsurf is widely used in academic and professional circles. It features modules for resistance prediction, seakeeping, load analysis, and structure.

  • Supports FEA with integration to Multiframe
  • Interfaces with class rule checks
  • Used by major shipyards in Asia and Europe

👉 Maxsurf

3. ShipConstructor

Best for: Production detailing, 3D ship structure, outfitting

Developed by SSI, ShipConstructor is a shipbuilding software based on AutoCAD. It links design to manufacturing.

  • Modular architecture (structure, HVAC, piping)
  • Supports ISO, NSRP, and IACS standards
  • Widely used in North American and European shipyards

👉 ShipConstructor

4. AutoShip Suite

Best for: Hull modeling, hydrostatics, stability

AutoShip offers tools for hull design, load analysis, and tank layout. It’s valued for simplicity and speed in generating hydrostatic curves.

  • Used in small to mid-size shipyards
  • Interface supports export to production platforms
  • Integrates well with AutoCAD

👉 AutoShip Systems

5. NAPA

Best for: Ship performance, stability, and class approval

NAPA is a class-grade software used by large shipyards and classification societies. It enables integrated hull modeling, performance prediction, damage stability, and environmental compliance.

  • Used by DNV, ABS, BV, and ClassNK
  • AI-powered route optimization tools
  • Supports IMO EEXI and CII assessments

👉 NAPA

6. AVEVA Marine (now part of Hexagon PPM)

Best for: Ship lifecycle management, outfitting, production

Previously owned by AVEVA, this suite supports end-to-end ship design. It includes hull structure modeling, piping, HVAC, and electrical system integration.

  • Modular and collaborative environment
  • Used by Korean mega-yards (e.g., Samsung Heavy Industries)

👉 Hexagon Shipbuilding Software

7. GHS (General HydroStatics)

Best for: Stability analysis, damage and intact

GHS is specialized software for hydrostatic and stability analysis. It’s a staple in safety assessments and is often used in regulatory documentation.

  • Used by U.S. Coast Guard and marine surveyors
  • Ideal for barge, Ro-Ro, and offshore support vessel design

👉 GHS Software

8. CADMATIC

Best for: 3D design, electrical, and information management

CADMATIC supports hull and outfitting design and offers eShare integration for digital twins. It’s used in both newbuild and retrofit projects.

  • Strong in modular shipbuilding
  • Integrated P&ID and 3D walkthroughs

👉 CADMATIC

9. Ansys Fluent + Aqwa

Best for: Advanced CFD and seakeeping

ANSYS offers high-fidelity simulations for fluid flow, slamming, and structural loads. Used for validation of model tests.

  • Often integrated with class rule compliance
  • Validated by IMO and IACS standards

👉 Ansys Marine Solutions

10. MARIN Software Suite

Best for: Hydrodynamic testing, simulation

Developed by the Maritime Research Institute Netherlands (MARIN), these tools simulate complex vessel behavior in waves and offshore environments.

  • Used in EU-funded R&D projects and classification society validation
  • Includes simulation of DP (Dynamic Positioning), sloshing, and maneuvering

👉 MARIN

11. DELFTship

Best for: Beginners and educational institutions

A user-friendly hull modeling tool that is often used in naval architecture degree programs. The free version supports basic hydrostatics and hull fairing.

  • Affordable, easy-to-learn
  • Export to CFD and FEA platforms

👉 DELFTship

12. Veristar Hull (by Bureau Veritas)

Best for: Direct compliance with class rules

Veristar Hull is used for structural assessment of vessels based on Bureau Veritas’ rules. It automates rule-checking for newbuilds and conversions.

  • Streamlines class approval process
  • Integrates with CAD and FEA tools

👉 Veristar Hull

Case Studies and Real-World Applications

Kongsberg Maritime (Norway): Uses Maxsurf and NAPA for hull form optimization and fuel-saving design for hybrid ferries.

Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders (India): Uses AutoShip and Rhino-Orca combo to teach students naval architecture at undergraduate level.

DNV R&D: Relies on MARIN tools and Ansys to validate probabilistic damage stability models for cruise ships under IMO regulations.

STX Offshore & Shipbuilding (Korea): Implements AVEVA Marine across design and production stages, linking P&ID, steel structure, and HVAC modules.

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions About Naval Architecture Software

Is there one software that does everything?
No single software covers concept design, CFD, FEA, class rules, and production. Most shipyards use a combination depending on project stage.

Which software is best for students?
DELFTship, Rhino + Orca, and Maxsurf are often used in academic environments.

Can these tools simulate SOLAS damage stability?
Yes. GHS, NAPA, and Maxsurf Stability are compliant with IMO SOLAS regulations.

Do classification societies accept these tools?
Yes. Most class societies (DNV, ABS, BV, etc.) collaborate with software developers and accept results generated by tools like NAPA and Veristar.

Are there open-source naval architecture tools?
Not many. Most are commercial due to the specialized nature of the field. However, academic licenses or student versions are often available.

Is CFD really necessary?
For advanced hull optimization or offshore vessel design, yes. But for basic resistance estimation, simpler tools may suffice.

Conclusion: Designing the Future with the Right Digital Tools

The era of naval architecture ruled by drafting boards is long gone. Today, the marine world relies on software that integrates hydrodynamics, structure, stability, and systems into one seamless workflow. Whether you’re designing a catamaran, a bulk carrier, or an offshore platform, the right tools can save time, enhance safety, and ensure compliance.

Understanding and mastering these platforms is no longer optional—it’s essential. As IMO pushes for greener ships and class societies tighten digital approval standards, staying updated with these tools gives naval architects a competitive edge.

References

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