Orca3D – Marine Design Tools

Orca3D Version 3 is the definitive professional naval architecture solution for Rhinoceros 3D, providing a unified environment for hull design, hydrostatics, stability analysis, and marine engineering. Developed by naval architects for naval architects, Orca3D streamlines the entire design process, allowing you to move from conceptual sketches to high-fidelity technical analysis within a single, powerful CAD platform.

In the high-stakes world of yacht design and commercial ship building, geometric precision and regulatory compliance are non-negotiable. Orca3D V3 leverages the unparalleled NURBS modelling power of Rhino 8 to deliver accurate, manufacture-ready results, while its new modular architecture ensures that your studio has access to exactly the tools it needs—whether you are focused on preliminary hull fairing or advanced computational fluid dynamics (CFD).

Modular Architecture for Modern Naval Design

Orca3D Version 3 introduces a flexible, modular system that allows you to customize your toolkit based on your project requirements. The Design Module provides the foundation with professional hull assistants and fairing tools, while the Analysis Module adds speed and power prediction using industry-standard methods such as Holtrop, Savitsky, and Van Oortmerssen. For complex projects, the Advanced Stability Module offers full compartmentation, tank modelling, and Damaged Stability analysis—critical for meeting international maritime safety standards.

Advanced Hull Fairing & Hydrostatics

One of the hallmark features of Orca3D is its ability to provide real-time hydrostatic feedback as you modify your hull surface. As you move control points on your NURBS model, Orca3D instantly updates displacement, centers of buoyancy, and righting arm (GZ) curves. This responsive workflow allows for rapid iteration, ensuring that your hull form is optimized for performance and stability from the earliest stages of the design cycle. The plugin’s hull assistants further accelerate this process by generating fair, 3D vessel geometry based on your specific primary dimensions.

High-Fidelity Marine CFD Integration

For designers seeking peak performance, the Marine CFD Module (powered by SimericsMP) provides professional-grade computational fluid dynamics directly within the Rhino interface. This enables naval architects to perform wake surveys, propeller analysis, and resistance optimization without the need for specialized CFD expertise. By identifying and resolving hydrodynamic issues early in the digital design phase, Orca3D significantly reduces the risk of costly performance failures during physical trials, ensuring your vessel meets its design speed and efficiency targets.