As we celebrate 35 years of SSI, we take a moment to reflect on our journey — a journey built on innovation, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the shipbuilding industry. From our humble beginnings as Albacore Research Ltd. to becoming a global leader in shipbuilding software, our story is one of transformation, collaboration, and continuous evolution.
A Journey of Transformation
Our journey so far has been nothing short of exciting. SSI has grown organically by focusing not only on advancing our software solutions but also on ensuring our clients achieve success. Many of our clients have evolved into leading shipbuilding organizations, and we are proud to have played a role in that transformation.
In 1990, Rolf Oetter founded Albacore Research Ltd. in Victoria, Canada, with a bold vision: revolutionizing shipbuilding through technology. This vision became a reality with the development of ShipCAM, a groundbreaking solution that addressed shipbuilders’ unique challenges in adopting new technology while balancing cost and functionality.
Lambertus Oosterveen, CAD Management at Royal Huisman, recalls fond memories with SSI:
“I look back on those early years with great appreciation, especially because of the direct contact we had with the developers. In 2007, Rolf Oetter showed us the space in his house where the company was officially founded, together with Darren Larkins and Jason Paterson. Now, many successful years later, we are working with version 2024 R2.1 on AutoCAD 2024.”
From those early days, our capabilities expanded to include plate nesting, evolving into a comprehensive suite that covers the entire design, manufacturing, and lifecycle of shipbuilding. While initially conceived as a shipbuilding CAD solution, we recognized the immense value of the data within our software and its impact on downstream processes — purchasing, planning, procurement, and manufacturing execution.
More than a decade ago, we embraced a new challenge: enabling shipbuilders to manage their data better and seamlessly connect stakeholders across all phases of a ship’s lifecycle. This vision led to the creation of ShipbuildingPLM, reinforcing our commitment to empowering shipbuilders with practical, transformative solutions.
Driving Industry Transformation
As the shipbuilding industry evolved, so did SSI. Our expertise and solutions became an integral part of our client’s digital transformations, helping them navigate the complexities of modernization while maintaining the traditions and craftsmanship that define shipbuilding. Martin McDavid, Team Leader of Process Engineering at Becker Marine Systems remembers his first experience using SSI solutions:
“In 2012, I decided to use ShipConstructor modules (hull, structure and nest) to expand hull shape, extract plate parts and send out in DXF format to our manufacturers including bending information. Our manufacturers around the world (many of them are mechanical companies) are very satisfied with the comprehensive documentation we provide by using ShipConstructor.”
By combining extensive software capabilities with deep industry knowledge, we have positioned SSI at the forefront of shipbuilding innovation. The speed, efficiency, and consistency with which we have helped our clients achieve significant advancements are a testament to our team’s dedication and expertise.
Supporting National Shipbuilding Strategy and the JSS Project
Our commitment to the future of shipbuilding extends beyond our software — it is embedded in national and global initiatives. SSI has played a vital role in Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy (NSS), providing shipbuilders with the tools and expertise to modernize and streamline production.
Our contributions to the Joint Support Ships (JSS) project highlight our ability to facilitate complex naval programs, ensuring Canada’s fleet is built with precision, efficiency, and long-term sustainability in mind. A key milestone in this effort was the launch of the JSS1 ship, HMCS Protecteur, in December 2024 — a testament to the collaborative success of the NSS and the cutting-edge capabilities SSI brings to Canadian shipbuilding.
Through projects like these, SSI supports the transformation of shipbuilding into a digitally driven, highly efficient industry prepared for the demands of today and the future.
Expanding Our Global Presence: Opening of the EMEA Office
This growth of SSI would not have been possible without the valuable partnerships we’ve formed along the way. From trusted clients to industry collaborators, each relationship has contributed to our achievements and helped shape SSI into what it is today. We are truly grateful for the support, innovation, and trust of our partners — our shared success is a testament to what we’ve accomplished together.
In November 2024, SSI further solidified its commitment to the European, Middle Eastern, and African (EMEA) markets by establishing a dedicated subsidiary based in Rotterdam, The Netherlands. This strategic move builds upon our strong presence in European shipbuilding markets and enhances our ability to serve a growing client base in the region. The new office aims to expand coverage for SSI’s ShipConstructor and ShipbuildingPLM solutions, ensuring that our clients in the EMEA region receive tailored support and services.
Partnership and Collaboration
In recent years we have seen many exciting new moments with our global clients who continue to innovate as the shipbuilding industry evolves. From Incat Crowther’s mixed reality approach with the Paramatta River Fleet, to ECS’s implementation of ShipConstructor in an Amazon Web Services (AWS) environment, and Incat’s mid-project switch to ShipConstructor, SSI has been there to help shipyards meet challenges and incorporate new technology into everyday operations.
We are proud to work with organizations like Robert Allan, Austal, Birdon, and HII – Ingalls Shipbuilding, whose commitment to innovation and excellence matches our own. Notably, SSI was selected as the preferred supplier by Vard Marine to support their shipbuilding digital transformation and, similarly, Vuyk Engineering Rotterdam recently embraced ShipConstructor as part of their ongoing commitment to advancing engineering practices and delivering excellence to clients.
From industry collaborations to long-standing client relationships, these partnerships have been instrumental in our growth. While we have faced challenges and learned valuable lessons, every experience has made us stronger and more determined to drive meaningful change in the industry.
Today, over 600 clients worldwide rely on SSI solutions to meet the evolving demands of shipbuilding. Building on the success of early partnerships, more than 700 US Navy and US Coast Guard vessels have been constructed using SSI solutions across 15 different programs — representing over 75% of the entire US Navy’s non-nuclear fleet.
Our history includes many milestone achievements: in 2000, we signed our first Japanese client; in 2012, ShipConstructor was used in the first vessel launched under Canada’s National Shipbuilding Strategy; and ShipConstructor was selected by HII – Ingalls Shipbuilding for the U.S. Navy’s DDG 51 Flight III destroyer, and Ingalls has consistently been an early adopter of the latest SSI advancements and a leader in defense shipbuilding.
Through each collaboration and achievement, we’ve helped shipbuilders embrace innovation, overcome complexity, and deliver world-class vessels that stand the test of time.
“My initial experience with ShipConstructor dates back to 2005, when I utilized the software to convert an Auxiliary Oiler (AO) vessel into a Replenishment At Sea (RAS) ship for the Royal Australian Navy (RAN). This project involved the modeling of significant structural components, including the flight deck, cargo deck, and RAS deckhouse, all within the ShipConstructor environment.”
Simon Crook, Senior Solutions Specialist, SSI
Our Team: The Heart of SSI
Behind every milestone, there is a dedicated team that makes it all possible. Our people are the driving force behind SSI’s success, fostering an environment of collaboration, problem-solving, and innovation. We have built a culture where talent thrives, ideas flourish, and our collective expertise continues to grow.
In recognition of his leadership and contributions to the shipbuilding industry, SSI CEO Denis Morais was recently named a Fellow of the Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers (SNAME), a prestigious honor that reflects both his and SSI’s commitment to driving innovation and excellence in shipbuilding.
This culture of excellence is reflected in our clients’ achievements. SSI has played a role in the construction of thousands of ships worldwide, supporting shipbuilders as they transform into industry leaders. Our success is measured not just by our software, but by the success of those who trust us to help them build the future of shipbuilding.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Shipbuilding
As we look ahead, we are honoured to lead SSI into its next chapter. We remain committed to exceeding expectations, driving meaningful change in the industry, and helping our clients thrive in a rapidly evolving world. Reflecting on this milestone, we are not just looking back — we are looking forward. With a world-class team, cutting-edge technology, and a dedicated commitment to our clients, the next chapter of SSI promises to be even more exciting.
Our goal remains the same: to provide shipbuilders with the tools they need to succeed, to continue innovating, and to shape the future of shipbuilding in a digital era.
Thank you to our clients, partners, and team members who have been part of this incredible journey. Your trust, collaboration, and commitment have made SSI what it is today. Here’s to the next 35 years of innovation, growth, and excellence.