Shipbuilding 3D CAD Tools as an Integrated Solution from Concept to Product

In the naval design process, there is still no consensus on the use of 3D CAD (Computer Aided Design) systems in the early stages of design. However, the integration capability of different modules is currently making their incorporation in the initial stages more appealing. The objective of this paper is to study the early stages of design as part of the whole process and to demonstrate the convenience of using a single 3D tool during the whole project.  Therefore, its impact on the whole design process will be analysed by considering the basic and early design capabilities of current CAD systems, reviewing how the main naval architecture and marine engineering demands match the features and what is the solution provided by the CAD for each case. The methodology presented offers advantages from a technical, economic and time point of view.