Upgrade to Version 3
Orca3D Version 3 is an intuitive yet powerful marine design and analysis suite fully integrated within Rhino. If you’re currently using Orca3D Version 1 or Version 2, upgrading to Orca3D Version 3 is the best way to access the latest tools, improvements, and ongoing support.
From hull design and hydrostatics to CFD workflows and advanced intact and damaged stability analysis, Orca3D Version 3 streamlines the entire design-to-analysis process in a single integrated environment.
Orca3D Version 3 is organized into four modules:
- Design - Hull Design & Fairing, Basic Hydrostatics & Stability
- Analysis - Parametric Speed/Power Prediction, Weight/Cost Tracking, and CFD Pre- and Post-processing
- Advanced Stability - Compartmentation and tank modeling, fluid and fixed loads, load cases, free surface effects, intact and damaged stability, stability criteria evaluation, max VCG analysis, tank tables, and more.
- Orca3D Marine CFD - Run resistance and self-propelled analyses for any type of vessel. Analyze monohulls and multihulls, with or without appendages. Analyze longitudinal dynamic instability (porpoising) for planing hulls. Compute resistance, speed, pitch, heave, and water and air streamlines in calm water or waves.
What’s New in Orca3D Version 3?
Orca3D Version 3 represents the largest advancement in the history of Orca3D, introducing powerful new engineering workflows, expanded automation, enhanced reporting, Rhino 8 compatibility, and entirely new analysis capabilities for naval architects and marine designers.
Rather than simply extending the workflows available in Version 1 and Version 2, Version 3 introduces a modular platform architecture with major new tools for hydrostatics, resistance prediction, advanced stability analysis, and marine CFD simulation all fully integrated inside Rhino.
Explore the major new capabilities available in each Orca3D Version 3 module below.
New features in Version 3
- Rhino 8 & .NET Core compatibility
- Unlimited saved hydrostatic conditions
- Multiple section definition sets
- Expanded hydrostatics workflows
- Product model validation & repair tools
- Improved engineering reporting
- Vessel axes visualization tools
New Features in Version 3
- Additional resistance prediction methods
- Expanded Grasshopper integration
- Improved CFD workflow integration
- Material-based weight reporting
- Expanded reporting export capabilities
- Improved NavCad export workflows
- Enhanced material library management
New Module for Version 3
- Intact & damaged stability analysis
- Compartment & tank modeling
- Fixed & fluid loads with free surface effects
- Multiple load cases
- Floodable Length Analysis
- Conditional flooding workflows
- Stability criteria evaluation
- Tank tables & compartment reports
- Curves of Form analysis
- MaxVCG Analysis
New Features in Version 3
- Propeller Wake Survey analysis
- Expanded wake visualization tools
- Improved CFD reporting workflows
- Enhanced dynamic vessel motion simulation
- Automated marine CFD workflows
- Advanced free-surface flow simulation
- Automated meshing & morphing grids
- Improved wave and pressure visualization
License Options
Upgrade Paths
FAQs
Can I upgrade from Orca3D Version 1 or Version 2 to Version 3?
Yes. Customers with a Version 1 or Version 2 commercial license may upgrade based on their current license level.
What does a Level 1 license upgrade include?
A Level 1 license may be upgraded to the Design Module, which includes Hull Design & Fairing and Basic Hydrostatics & Stability.
What does a Level 2 license upgrade include?
A Level 2 license may be upgraded to the Design + Analysis Modules, which include Hull Design & Fairing, Basic Hydrostatics & Stability, Parametric Speed/Power Prediction, the CFD interface, and Weight/Cost Tracking.
Can educational licenses be upgraded?
Version 1 and Version 2 Individual Educational Licenses are not upgradeable to a Version 3 Educational License. Users who still qualify for educational pricing may purchase a new Annual Educational license for Version 3. Those who no longer qualify for educational pricing may upgrade to an Annual or Perpetual license at the Commercial Upgrade price.
Can University Lab Licenses be upgraded?
No. University Lab Licenses are not upgradeable, so a new Annual or Perpetual University Lab Kit license must be purchased for Version 3.
Can I upgrade to Advanced Stability from Version 1 or Version 2?
Advanced Stability is a new module in Version 3, so it is available as a new purchase rather than as part of the Version 1 or 2 upgrade path.
What’s the difference between an Annual and a Perpetual license?
Annual licenses include minor updates, major upgrades, and technical support for as long as the license remains active. Perpetual licenses include minor updates and technical support, but major future upgrades must be purchased separately.
Do floating network licenses cost more?
Yes. Floating Network Licenses add 25% to the listed prices.
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Requirements & Compliance
Orca3D is subject to the United States Export Regulations, as administered by the Department of Commerce, Bureau of Industry Security. The software may not be used in or exported/re-exported to Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, or any country to which the United States embargoes goods. The same restriction applies to persons, no matter where they are located, who appear on the Table of Denial Orders, the Entity List, or the List of Specially Designated Nationals.
To help us comply with the Regulations, we require you to provide your contact information when purchasing. By purchasing a license, you hereby certify that you are not a national of Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Sudan, Syria, or any country to which the United States embargoes goods, nor do you appear on the Table of Denial Orders, the Entity List, or the List of Specially Designated Nationals.
Upgrade Orca3D
Stand-Alone vs. Network License
A stand-alone license is installed on one computer for use by a single person, while a network license can be installed on multiple computers within the same organization but allows only one user to access the software at a time.
About Student / Educational Licenses
Educational licenses are full versions for students and faculty in naval architecture or related fields (proof required). See full policy here.
Not Sure? Request a Quote
Orca3D software is tailored to meet the specific needs of naval architects, marine engineers, and designers. Because every project is unique — whether you need a perpetual license, an annual subscription, network licensing, educational pricing, or multi-module bundles — we provide personalized quotes to ensure you get the right solution at the best value.
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