FORAN
FORAN is a fully integrated CAD/CAE/CAM ship design software system acquired by Siemens in 2021 and now integrated into the Siemens Xcelerator Marine Engineering solutions. FORAN's wide-ranging functionality encompasses every aspect of shipbuilding in a fully integrated manner, covering all stages of vessel design and production from concept design through production to operations and optimized service lifecycle management. The software features 3D ship design capabilities based on advanced information technology including data management, interactive 3D visualization, surface and solid modeling, and specific shipbuilding technology. FORAN provides a multi-disciplinary design environment for steel structure, machinery, piping, HVAC, secondary steel, and electrical cabling, enabling concurrent collaborative design with multiple configurations viewed simultaneously. The robust drafting kernel allows integration of 2D plans with 3D models and is fully compatible with current industry standards.
Full Pricing Breakdown
Key Capabilities
Ship Design
Engineering Disciplines
Integration
Collaboration
Technical Audit
Compatibility & Interoperability
Trust & Support
The Pros
- Comprehensive ship design coverage
- Siemens Xcelerator integration
- Multi-disciplinary design environment
- Concurrent design capabilities
- Industry-standard compatibility
- Robust data management
- Strong Siemens ecosystem
The Cons
- Windows only, no macOS or Linux support
- High cost for small shipyards
- Steep learning curve for shipbuilding workflows
- Specialized for marine industry only
- Pricing not publicly available
- Requires significant training
CADGuide Verdict
Final Professional Conclusion
"SENER's premier integrated CAD/CAM marine suite, managing complete ship design cycles from concept to detailing."
Expert Q&A
?What is FORAN used for?
FORAN is a CAD/CAE/CAM ship design software used for designing ships and marine vessels. It covers all aspects of shipbuilding from concept design through production to operations, including steel structure, machinery, piping, HVAC, and electrical cabling.
?How much does FORAN cost?
FORAN is offered on a perpetual model. The vendor does not publish a fixed list price; pricing scales with module bundles and seat counts.
?Is there a free version of FORAN?
FORAN is a commercial product without a free permanent tier. Most vendors offer a 15-30 day evaluation on request; verified educational seats are typically free for students.
?What operating systems does FORAN support?
FORAN runs on Windows.
?Which file formats does FORAN support?
FORAN works with standard 2D CAD interchange formats including DWG, DXF, and PDF. Check the vendor's official documentation for the complete list of supported import and export options.
?What are the best alternatives to FORAN?
The closest alternatives within the 2D CAD space are 3DEXPERIENCE, MEDUSA4, pCon.planner. The right fit depends on whether you prioritise file-format compatibility, geometry kernel, ecosystem of plugins, or pricing model — compare them side-by-side using the CADGuide comparison tool.
