Designing the world’s best superyachts with Siemens software tools

Princess Yachts, Sunseeker International, and Oyster Yachts are three of the world’s leading superyacht manufacturers. Their shipyards produce vessels of the highest quality, with exquisite attention to detail and manufactured with the most advanced technology. To compete in an increasingly globalized world, reduce delivery times, innovate, and maintain the highest quality standards, these manufacturers have turned to NX and Teamcenter software tools, part of the Siemens Xcelerator portfolio, to design and build their vessels. These are their experiences.

Princess Yachts manages detailed workflows with design and PLM software

Princess Yachts stands out for its combination of technical innovation and detailed craftsmanship. After more than five decades designing and manufacturing superyachts, the company is a benchmark for its elegant and efficient exterior designs, and for its smart, high-quality interiors. With over 2,300 employees spread across its five plants in Plymouth, the company is a major employer in southwest England, embodying the area’s maritime heritage while also reflecting the standards of excellence of LVMH (Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy), the family of companies to which it belongs.

Princess Yachts’ management and engineering are involved from the outset of each project, collaborating with the naval architecture studio Bernard Olesinski Limited. Together, they design the hull, structure, and unique features of each yacht, paying attention to every detail, from the performance of the forms to the layout of every interior element.

Princess launches between three and six new designs each year, using advanced technology to maintain quality and production pace. The company works with Siemens Digital Industries Software, using NX as a design tool and Teamcenter for product lifecycle management (PLM), where information is stored and workflows are managed. The result is a meticulous 3D model that shows how all ship components work together: those manufactured by Princess and those from external suppliers. The 3D model allows designers to review and refine every detail before production.

Princess uses computer numerical control (CNC) machines and NX’s computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) capabilities to create precise, high-quality molds. In addition to CNC programs, NX CAM allows Princess engineers to generate complete work packages, including setup instructions and tool lists. Teamcenter manages part information, providing visibility and traceability throughout the company. The reuse of components and the management of a standard parts library facilitate the development of unique designs.

For Princess, passion for the product and customer focus are the keys to the company’s success. Most Princess yacht owners are repeat customers, reflecting the quality and satisfaction of their clientele.

Software allows Sunseeker International to design more complex vessels

Sunseeker distinguishes itself with its yachts featuring sleek lines, spacious decks, and sporty performance. Their yachts are recognizable in any marina worldwide, and their curvilinear interiors offer a home-like feel. The company optimizes propulsion below deck to maintain a low overall height without compromising headroom, achieving larger and quieter interiors with less vibration.

Sunseeker builds boats between 12 and 50 meters in length, continuously improving its product line through attention to detail, the use of advanced composite materials, and the application of technology. The use of Siemens’ NX and Teamcenter allows Sunseeker to support a complex development process, seamlessly transferring concepts from the design office to manufacturing in the shipyard and finally to the water. The British manufacturer’s design and naval architecture team highlights the ease of use of NX, which allows new users to work at full speed in just three months. NX is ideal for initial visualizations and double-curvature surfaces, eliminating the need to transfer information to other software.

NX is used not only for exterior design but also for interiors, mechanical engineering, and laminates. During weekly design review meetings, NX facilitates checking dimensions, identifying interferences, and making modifications on the spot. Early design visualization through screenshots and simple renderings is useful in customer conversations.

The implementation of NX and Teamcenter has enabled Sunseeker to standardize components and share assemblies and sub-assemblies, making it easier to locate and reuse parts. Teamcenter stores all data for each component, including weight information and accurate records during the construction of each boat. In addition, it manages all workflows and approval processes.

NX facilitates Sunseeker in the overall design and small details of each part within a single software, allowing for a precise transition from concept to engineering. The manufacturing of a new yacht begins with cutting a model to create a mold, followed by the installation of mechanical and electrical systems, and the construction of interiors.

Sunseeker’s 86 yacht was designed entirely with NX and launched in a record 18 months.

The use of NX and Teamcenter has accelerated the new product development process, allowing Sunseeker to introduce between three and five new models each year. The 86 yacht is an example of this acceleration, designed entirely with NX and launched in a record 18 months. Thanks to its digitalization process, Sunseeker has managed to attract the best talent and develop its internal tools, materials, and processes, positioning itself at the level of leading companies in other sectors such as automotive or aerospace.

Oyster Yachts leverages software to improve data integrity

With 47 years of experience and over 20 million miles sailed, Oyster Yachts builds luxury sailing yachts, renowned for their comfort and safety. Their 15- to 35-meter yachts are hand-built in three UK plants. The company organizes regattas and the Oyster World Rally circumnavigation of the planet, fostering a sense of community among its customers.

Oyster offers a complete service to its customers, from initial consultation to delivery. Each boat requires an individual approach and close collaboration during the 12 to 18-month development process. Until 2020, they used different software tools and storage methods, which caused assembly problems and data reliability issues.

To improve data integrity, Oyster implemented Siemens’ NX and Teamcenter. Oyster’s design department highlights the benefits of these tools. Now, each boat has a model in NX, facilitating interaction between sales, design, and production. Electrical engineers also use the 3D model for electrical routing.

The NX interface saves time and allows for sketch reuse and easy part finding. NX’s synchronous modeling and multi-body modeling features eliminate the need to remodel details, saving design time. Teamcenter makes it easy to add parts to assemblies and link all geometry, reducing linking time from hours to minutes.

Teamcenter makes it easy to add parts to assemblies and link all geometry, reducing linking time from hours to minutes.

The high speed of loading complete models allows for almost immediate responses to production queries. Engineers rely on the integrity of their data, as files are continuously updated, and all assemblies are linked. Teamcenter standardizes file and drawing names and contains a library of reusable parts.

The preparation, review, and publication of drawings have been optimized with Teamcenter, reducing the possibility of human error. Shipyard operators can compare published drawings with the 3D model on large screens, eliminating errors and reducing rework and additional costs.

Exporting files for CNC manufacturing is a single-step process, and Teamcenter automatically produces bills of materials (BOMs), minimizing waste. The first boat designed entirely in NX was completed in the summer of 2021, and Oyster continues to use these tools for modeling, mechanical routing, surfacing, and large assembly handling.

Despite the challenges of customization, Oyster Yachts has earned a reputation for responding to its customers, keeping its order book full. With NX and Teamcenter, Oyster can deliver exactly what its customers want more efficiently.

Siemens helps leading superyacht manufacturers manage complex processes with precision

The implementation of Siemens’ NX and Teamcenter has been fundamental for Princess Yachts, Sunseeker International, and Oyster Yachts to maintain their position as leaders in superyacht manufacturing. These tools enable manufacturers to manage complex design and production processes with precision, efficiency, and quality. NX facilitates the creation of detailed 3D models and system integration, while Teamcenter ensures data management and traceability of each component. Thanks to these solutions, manufacturers can innovate, reduce delivery times, and maintain the highest quality standards, offering their customers luxury yachts that combine advanced technology and exceptional craftsmanship.