AVEVA Tribon M3: Shipbuilding CAD/CAM System

AVEVA Tribon M3 is a computer‑aided design, manufacturing, and information system (CAD/CAM/MIS) for the shipbuilding industry, originally developed by the Swedish company Kockums ComputerSystem AB (KCS) . The system evolved from the STEELBEAR system (first developed in 1958), later merging AUTOKON and SCHIFFKO technologies, with the M1 version launching in 1992. The M3 version represented the final major release before AVEVA’s acquisition.

In 2006, Tribon was acquired by the British software company AVEVA, and in 2007 AVEVA integrated Tribon’s hull design capabilities with its PDMS (Plant Design Management System) outfitting technology to create AVEVA Marine . AVEVA subsequently ceased selling and maintaining Tribon as a standalone product, focusing on the unified AVEVA Marine platform.

???? Primary Users

This professional shipbuilding software was designed for:

  • Naval Architects & Ship Designers performing hull form design, structural detailing, and production information generation

  • Shipyards & Marine Construction Firms managing complex newbuilding projects across multiple disciplines

  • Outfitting & Piping Engineers designing piping systems, cable trays, and ventilation ducts

  • Production Planners & NC Programmers generating cutting data and workshop drawings

  • Marine Engineering Firms involved in ship design and construction

⚡ Key Features & Capabilities

 

????️ Hull Structure Design

Tribon M3 integrates a Product Information Model (PIM) database that handles all structural and outfitting objects throughout the design and production process . The hull design workflow progresses through three key modules :

Module Function
Form Module Generates initial hull forms from basic parameters
Lines Module Fairing of hull lines and 3D geometry creation
Surface & Compartments Module Defines decks, bulkheads, compartments, and appendages for hydrostatic calculations

???? Hydrostatics & Stability (Calc & Hydro)

Tribon M3 includes a comprehensive Calc & Hydro module for naval architecture assessments :

  • Hydrostatic calculations (displacement, center of buoyancy, waterplane area)

  • Intact and damage stability analysis

  • Tank calibration

  • Form coefficients and curves

  • Loading condition evaluation

???? Multi‑Discipline Outfitting

The system supports multiple engineering disciplines within a unified database :

  • Piping Design – 3D pipe routing and spool generation

  • Cable Tray & Electrical Design – Cable routing and electrical system layout

  • Ventilation (HVAC) – Ducting design

  • Steel Outfitting – Railings, ladders, and equipment supports

???? Production Information & NC Output

Tribon M3 generates comprehensive production data directly from the 3D model:

  • Nesting and cutting plans for steel plates

  • NC (Numerical Control) cutting files for workshop machinery

  • Workshop drawings and assembly instructions

  • Material take‑offs and bills of materials