A next-generation of 3D CAD tool for basic ship design - Paper Summary

Oct 29, 2026

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A next-generation 3D CAD approach targets the early ship design stages where decisions strongly affect cost, quality, and later rework. The work proposes using an advanced Computer Aided Design tool from initial modeling, replacing the common 2D-based basic design workflow. It details expected advantages such as improved data integrity, reduced error-driven re-work, avoidance of long design periods, and fewer inconsistencies. Key challenges include seamless integration across disciplines and stages, from rapid 3D definition to transfer to analysis and calculation tools, demonstrated with a shipbuilding-oriented CAD system.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages11

Reading Time28 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

The challenge of early 3D design

CAD system philosophy

Basic design process

Surface definition and naval architecture calculations

Volume definition

Hull structure basic design

Shell and decks definition

Internal structure definition

Main equipment positioning

Generation of outputs from the 3D model

Classification drawings for approval

Other outputs

Link with finite element tools

Transition to detail design

Benefits in area of improvements

Conclusions

References

A next-generation of 3D CAD tool for basic ship design Rodrigo Pérez Fernández and Verónica Alonso de los Ríos, SENER, Ingeniería y Sistemas Summary Early ship design stages are where most of the decisions and costs are compromised, and where 2D drawings are still widely used. The idea of using a single tool for the whole process, starting with the creation of a 3D model at early design stages, has been profusely required in naval shipbuilding. It is not easy to convince the agents involved about the advantage of having increased work at early phases, although the effort will be rewarded downstream. This paper describes, in detail, the benefit of changing the process of ship design by using an advanced Computer Aided Design (CAD) tool from the early stages, describing how it will be an advantage in terms of quality and costs. The most remarkable benefits are the data integrity, the avoidance of long design periods and cost increases due to errors, re-work and inconsistencies. The main challenges refer to integration at all stages and disciplines by the use of a single CAD tool. It must be effective at all stages, from the quick definition of the 3D model to the transfer of modelling information to the analysis and calculation tools. This paper describes our findings in ship design, as an example of engineering work, using a shipbuilding oriented CAD System. Keywords: Computer Aided Design; Basic Design; Shipbuilding; Finite Element Analysis; Ship Design. Contents 1. Introduction ............................................................................................................................................... 1 2. The challenge of early 3D design............................................................................................................... 2 3. CAD system philosophy ............................................................................................................................ 3 4. Basic design process ................................................................................................................................ 4 4.1 Surface definition and naval architecture calculations ........................................................................... 4 4.2 Volume definition ................................................................................................................................. 5 4.3 Hull structure basic design ................................................................................................................... 5 4.3.1 Shell and decks definition .............................................................................................................. 5 4.3.2 Internal structure definition............................................................................................................. 6 4.4 Main equipment positioning.................................................................................................................. 7 4.5 Generation of outputs from the 3D Model ............................................................................................. 7 4.5.1 Classification drawings for approval............................................................................................... 7 4.5.2 Other outputs ................................................................................................................................ 8 5. Link with finite element tools ...................................................................................................................... 8 6. Transition to detail design .......................................................................................................................... 9 7. Benefits in area of improvements............................................................................................................. 10 8. Conclusions ..........................................................

FAQs

Why focus on early ship design stages?

Early stages are where most decisions and costs are compromised. Basic design often still relies on 2D drawings, leading to long periods, repetitions, and potential inconsistencies later.

What main benefits does the proposed 3D CAD workflow provide?

It improves data integrity and helps avoid long design periods and cost increases caused by errors, re-work, and inconsistencies, while supporting quality improvements.

What are the key challenges of using a single CAD tool across the process?

The paper highlights integration across all stages and disciplines, requiring effectiveness from quick 3D model definition to transferring modeling information to analysis and calculation tools.

Oct 29, 2026

Upload by OmBimo