MAXSURF naval architecture software
Hull modelling, intact and damage stability, resistance, seakeeping and structure for every type of marine vessel, all from one parametric 3D model. Buy it, and train your team, through an authorized Bentley channel partner.
- 1parametric 3D model shared by every analysis
- 6modules, from Modeler to the sailing VPP
- 16stability analyses, intact to probabilistic damage
- 350+engineers trained in MAXSURF by Aryatech
From hull form to structure, without re-modelling
Every MAXSURF analysis reads the same geometry file. Change the hull, and compartments, resistance and motion meshes, and structural parts update with it.
- 1
Model the hull
Build the parametric 3D hull and superstructure from NURBS surfaces, meshes or imported data, and fair it.
- 2
Check stability
Hydrostatics, intact and damage stability, tanks and loadcases, against the criteria that apply.
- 3
Predict performance
Calm-water resistance, wake and, for sailing yachts, a velocity prediction.
- 4
Assess motions
Seakeeping in waves, response spectra, and crew and passenger comfort.
- 5
Define the structure
Plates, frames, bulkheads, decks and stiffeners, analysed for strength and buckling.
Fewer transfer errors. One model means a design change can be checked against stability, performance and structure together, instead of rebuilding it for each tool.
Ask us about your workflowThe six parts of MAXSURF
Each module works on the shared hull model, with the same interface across all of them.
MAXSURF Modeler
Hull formThe parametric 3D hull model that every other module uses.
- Trimmed NURBS surfaces and curves
- Structured and triangular meshes, and point data import
- Fairing, curvature analysis and parametric transformation
- Automatic curve and surface fitting
- Hull plates, frames, bulkheads, decks and longitudinal stiffeners
- Curved plate expansion and nesting, shell expansion diagrams
MAXSURF Stability
ComplianceHydrostatics, intact and damage stability, and criteria checks.
- Hydrostatics, GZ and KN curves, equilibrium
- KG limit and floodable length
- Longitudinal strength
- Tank calibration, loadcase and compartment editors
- Partial flooding, spilling tanks and water on deck
- Criteria checks, including your own criteria, with Word reports
MAXSURF Resistance
Calm waterCalm-water resistance for monohulls and other hull types.
- Regression methods for planing, displacement and other hulls
- Slender-body potential flow method
- Far-field wave pattern estimate
- Wake prediction
MAXSURF Motions
SeakeepingVessel motions in waves, and their effect on the people on board.
- Strip theory with forward speed, plus roll estimate
- Radiation-diffraction panel method
- Headings, speeds, wave spectra and sea states
- Response spectra and animated motions
- MSI, MII and SM comfort criteria
MAXSURF Structure
StrengthBeam and plate structural modelling and analysis, with Multiframe.
- Graphical beam and plate modelling
- Linear analysis of 3D frames and stiffened plates
- Nonlinear and buckling analysis of frames
- Beam cross-section modeller and properties calculator
- Self-weight, buoyancy, inertial and current loads
MAXSURF VPP
SailingVelocity performance prediction for sailing monohull yachts.
- Predicted speed across wind conditions
- Polar curves of yacht speed for each wind speed
- Hull measured from the MAXSURF model
- Or key values from an IMS certificate
16 stability analyses, from hydrostatics to probabilistic damage
Evaluate stability and hydrostatics across loading and operating conditions, and check the result against the regulations that apply.
Analyses
Available in MAXSURF Stability.
| Analysis | Reference |
|---|---|
| Probabilistic damage stability | MSC.421(98), MSC.216(82), MSC.19(58) |
| Cross-flooding | MSC.362(92) |
| Oil outflow | MARPOL outflow calculations |
| Your own rules | User-customisable stability criteria |
Regulation references as named by Bentley for MAXSURF.
The right resistance method for each hull type
MAXSURF offers 7 regression methods and a slender-body method, so you can estimate resistance across operating speeds for the vessel in front of you.
| Method | Typically used for |
|---|---|
| Savitsky | Planing hulls |
| Holtrop | Displacement ships |
| Compton | Semi-displacement and transom-stern hulls |
| Fung | Transom-stern displacement hulls |
| Series 60 | Single-screw displacement ships |
| van Oortmerssen | Small displacement craft such as tugs and trawlers |
| Delft systematic yacht series | Sailing yachts |
| Slender-body method | Potential flow, with far-field wave pattern |
Typical uses are general guidance. Each method has its own range of validity.
Also in performance prediction
Beyond calm-water resistance.
Hull materials
MAXSURF supports vessels built in:
Seakeeping, structural strength, and a model that travels
Motions and comfort
Vessel response in waves, by heading, speed and sea state
Structure
Beam and plate structures with marine loads
Data exchange and automation
Into CAD, analysis and production
MOSES handles hydrodynamic analysis of floating systems and marine operations such as loadout, transport and float-over. We supply both.
About MOSESFor all types of marine vessels
Power and sail, commercial and naval, monohull and multihull.
- Commercial ships and workboatsDesign and refinement of cargo, service and work vessels
- Yachts and sailing vesselsPower and sail, with sailing performance prediction
- Multihulls and high-speed craftCatamarans, planing and fast vessels
- Naval and specialised craftNaval and other special-purpose vessels
From your first licence to a trained design team
- 1
Tell us about your vessels
The vessel types you design, the analyses you need, and how many engineers will use MAXSURF.
- 2
We recommend the licensing
A single subscription, several, or an enterprise option, for what your team needs.
- 3
Quote or buy online
We send a quote, or you order through our store and we call to confirm.
- 4
Licence delivered
Your MAXSURF licence is delivered and your team can start.
- 5
Train your team
Our 3-day MAXSURF course, from the team that has trained 350+ engineers.
Licensing
- SubscriptionMAXSURF is sold by Bentley as a 12-month subscription, with one licence.
- Larger teamsEnterprise and other licensing options are available for organisations.
- Students and educatorsFree academic access is available through Bentley Education.
Training from Aryatech
Our 3-day MAXSURF course covers Modeler, Stability and Resistance, including deterministic and probabilistic damage stability, with hands-on sessions throughout.
We sell MAXSURF, teach it and use it
Most resellers only sell the licence. We also train engineers in MAXSURF and use it on our own marine engineering work.
- AuthorizedBentley channel partner for MAXSURF in India and the Middle East
- We train it350+ engineers trained in MAXSURF over the last 7 years
- We use itMAXSURF for hull modelling, hydrostatics and stability on our own marine work
- Wider toolkitwe also supply MOSES for floating systems and SACS for offshore structures
What naval architects ask us about MAXSURF
What is MAXSURF?
MAXSURF is Bentley's naval architecture software for designing and analysing marine vessels. It covers hull modelling, stability, resistance, motions and structure, all from a single parametric 3D model.
Which modules does MAXSURF include?
Modeler for the hull, Stability for hydrostatics and intact and damage stability, Resistance, Motions for seakeeping, Structure for beam and plate analysis, and a VPP for sailing yachts.
Does MAXSURF handle probabilistic damage stability?
Yes. MAXSURF Stability includes probabilistic damage stability, with Bentley naming MSC.421(98), MSC.216(82) and MSC.19(58), as well as cross-flooding to MSC.362(92) and MARPOL outflow.
Which resistance prediction methods are available?
Methods including Savitsky, Holtrop, Compton, Fung, Series 60, van Oortmerssen and the Delft systematic yacht series, plus a slender-body potential flow method.
How does MAXSURF calculate ship motions?
With strip theory or a radiation-diffraction panel method, across wave headings, speeds, spectra and sea states, including comfort criteria such as MSI, MII and SM.
Can MAXSURF design sailing yachts?
Yes. The Delft systematic yacht series predicts resistance, and the VPP predicts sailing speed across wind conditions as polar curves.
Which file formats can MAXSURF exchange?
Formats including MicroStation DGN, IGES, Rhino 3DM, DXF, STL and WAMIT GDF, so it fits into wider CAD, analysis and production workflows.
Which vessel materials does MAXSURF support?
Steel, aluminium, wood and composite vessels.
How is MAXSURF licensed?
Bentley sells MAXSURF as a 12-month subscription with one licence. Enterprise and other licensing options are available, and students and educators can get free access through Bentley Education.
Can you train our team in MAXSURF?
Yes. We run a 3-day MAXSURF course in Modeler, Stability and Resistance, and have trained over 350 engineers in MAXSURF in the last 7 years.
Can MAXSURF be automated?
Yes. Modelling, stability, motions, resistance and structural analysis can be automated through COM.
Do you also supply MOSES?
Yes. MOSES covers hydrodynamic analysis of floating systems and marine operations, and we supply and train it alongside MAXSURF.
Need MAXSURF for your design team?
Tell us the vessels you design and how many engineers will use it. We will come back with the right licensing and a quote.