Objectives  Chinese ship design and approval institutions usually use different 3D design platforms, which can cause the problems of unsmooth model transfer and ineffective data conversion. This paper addresses the data conversion techniques of 3D ship structure models to ascertain whether a converted model can be directly used by classification societies for approval.

  Methods  By analyzing the model data of the CAD and CAE systems, the required data for generating an approval-oriented 3D hull structure model is summarized. The storage format of the required data and the interface between the stored data and common 3D software platforms are introduced. Taking a cargo tank section of a ship as an example, the required data of the 3D model of the target section is stored in an XML data file. Based on this data file, the design model and FE analysis model of the target section are reconstructed through CATIA and Patran software, and equipped with a secondary developed interface.

  Results  The reconstructed model has been submitted to Bureau Veritas (BV) for direct approval of the structural design.

  Conclusions  The data conversion method proposed in this paper simplifies model transfer among different platforms, and can provide valuable references for realizing the paper-free approval of 3D ship models.