Why 3D Modeling Matters Offshore
3D plant modeling sits at the core of modern offshore and marine engineering. It enables clash detection, automated isometric extraction, material take-offs, and laser-scan integration — all essential for complex topsides, process skids, and marine systems. Two platforms dominate the market: Hexagon's SmartPlant 3D (SP3D) and AVEVA's Everything3D (E3D), formerly known as PDMS. Choosing between them affects deliverable quality, team ramp-up time, and long-term asset data management.
Hexagon SmartPlant 3D (SP3D) — Key Features
SP3D is a rule-based, database-driven modeler built around a centralised SmartPlant Foundation (SPF) data backbone. Its key strengths include tight integration with Hexagon's wider suite (SPI for instrumentation, SPE for electrical, SmartMarine for hull modeling), powerful rule-checking that flags code violations in real time, and a robust reference data environment. SP3D excels on large onshore LNG and refinery projects and is widely specified by Middle-Eastern NOCs and Korean EPC yards.
AVEVA E3D — Key Features
AVEVA E3D (successor to PDMS) is the dominant choice in the offshore and marine sector. Its catalogue-driven approach, familiar command structure for existing PDMS users, and deep integration with AVEVA's Marine and Outfitting modules make it the default on FPSO conversions, semi-submersibles, and drillships. E3D's cloud-ready deployment model and compatibility with AVEVA Connect facilitate remote collaboration — increasingly important for multi-site offshore projects. Class societies and offshore EPC contractors across Europe, India, and Brazil tend to mandate E3D competency.
Direct Comparison: Workflow & Usability
SP3D offers a Windows-ribbon-style interface with strong right-click context menus; E3D retains a command-line heritage that experienced PDMS users navigate quickly but newcomers find steeper. For piping design, both tools are mature — SP3D's rule engine catches spec breaks automatically, while E3D relies on discipline review. Structural modeling favours E3D in the offshore context: its hull-integration and structural outfitting workflows are more refined than SP3D's for equipment layout and bulk material.
Integration & Data Management
SP3D feeds into Hexagon's integrated information management ecosystem — ideal where the operator plans to run a unified digital plant across the asset's life. E3D integrates with AVEVA's asset performance management (APM) and connects to Laser Model Import for brownfield surveys. Both platforms export to standard formats (PDS, PDMS, ISO, STEP) and support 3D PDF and point-cloud overlay. For projects with a laser-scan component or brownfield tie-in, E3D's scan-to-model workflow is more mature.
Licensing & Cost Considerations
Both platforms carry significant licensing costs that scale with concurrent user seats and module count. SP3D tends to be costlier for initial deployment but delivers ROI on large, long-duration projects through its integrated database. E3D's per-module pricing can be more flexible for smaller offshore consultancies. Cloud and subscription models are increasingly available for both, reducing upfront CapEx but introducing ongoing OpEx. An experienced PDMS/E3D team will be productive in E3D in days; migration from E3D to SP3D typically requires 6–8 weeks of structured training.
Which Platform Should You Choose?
For offshore and marine projects — FPSOs, vessel conversions, semi-submersibles, offshore platforms — AVEVA E3D is the industry standard and the pragmatic choice. Its structural outfitting integration, marine-familiar workflows, and broader adoption across offshore EPC and classification societies make it the lower-risk option. SP3D is the right choice when the project sits within a larger onshore-plant ecosystem using Hexagon's integrated suite. At Kannamwar Engineering, we model in both platforms and can support your project in whichever environment your execution team demands.