Adastra trimaran designed with Siemens NX

Orion Shuttleworth, one of the firm's designers, says that the software is being used throughout the yacht design process, from conceptual design to hull fairing and detailing, structural design, interior design and superstructure and deck gear design and detailing. He says that the ability of NX to integrate the various phases of design and also to model the free-form surface deck superstructure shapes as well as the prismatic engineering forms, such as structural components and deck gear, were among key reasons for the software's selection. "I knew that Majenta PLM had implemented well integrated design solutions elsewhere, and this was something I was keen to replicate at Shuttleworth Designs, to keep us at the cutting edge of what we do," states Shuttleworth. With its new solution, he explains that the final 3D models of a complete yacht, including the hull form originally created in MacSurfPro (a popular hull-shape design tool) now form an integral part of the design package for issue to ship yards. Along with a set of 2D detail drawings, these models enable the yard to quickly take measurements and sections required for the construction process and to generate CNC tool paths for cutting patterns for mould tools. The NX model is also being used to generate photorealistic visualisations of the yacht's exterior and interior for client presentation and design review purposes during the design process. One of the first projects to harness NX software was the design of the new power super-yacht Adastra – a striking 42.5m trimaran that has a maximum speed of 22.5 knots and a range of 4,000 miles. "The use of NX has enabled us to increase the quality and detail of the design package that we offer our clients," comments Shuttleworth. "It also enables us to adapt quickly and to modify the design to accommodate the inevitable changes in direction that occur during the yacht design process. It certainly helped us during the design of Adastra," he adds.