The World's Leading Dynamic Analysis Software for Offshore Marine Systems
When it comes to dynamic analysis software for floating and offshore system design, no other package comes close to the power, performance and capability of OrcaFlex. Developed by Orcina (United Kingdom) since 1986, OrcaFlex has been proven across thousands of projects worldwide in riser systems, transport and installation, moorings, pipelay, renewables, towed systems, aquaculture and floating bridges.
Outstanding Technical Features of OrcaFlex
Explore the core technologies that make OrcaFlex the most powerful and flexible dynamic analysis software in the offshore industry.
3D Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis and Finite Element Method (FEM)
OrcaFlex employs advanced finite element algorithms with 6 degrees of freedom (DoF) at each node, enabling accurate simulation of complex systems in both time and frequency domains.
- 3D, nonlinear, large displacement analysis with proven accuracy
- Fully coupled tension, bending and torsion within a single model
- Accurate, efficient and proven FE formulation validated over decades
- Nonlinear time domain methods: implicit and explicit
- Linear frequency domain methods: 1st and 2nd order
- Quasi-dynamic analysis for high-speed assessments
- Restart analysis to resume simulations from previous states
- 6 DoF at each node with optional 3 DoF element for optimal performance
- Extremely robust line compression and snatch load modelling
- Quick and stable static analysis with ramped-up dynamics to eliminate starting transients
Diverse Modelling Objects Library
OrcaFlex provides a rich library of modelling objects, from pipelines, wind turbines, vessels to buoys and auxiliary components, enabling construction of any offshore system.
- Lines: fully coupled bending, torsional and axial stiffness; Bend Stiffener and Tapered Stress Joint generation; pre-bend modelling (e.g. spool pieces); centrifugal and Coriolis internal flow effects; slug flow and free flooding options; multiple coatings and linings; nonlinear stiffness and 3D hysteresis model; non-isotropic Coulomb friction with seabed; line clashing and contact modelling; line feeding for pay out and haul in
- Turbines: dedicated horizontal-axis turbine object; aerodynamic loading via Blade Element Momentum (BEM); unsteady aerodynamics (González, Minnema Pierce); flexible blades capturing aeroelastic coupling; collective or individual blade pitch control; API interface for Bladed-style DLL controllers; spatially varying wind models including full field turbulent wind
- Vessels: first order displacement RAOs, harmonic motion, time history files; first order load RAOs, 2nd order QTFs (sum and difference); multi-body hydrodynamic coupling; sea state RAOs for wave shielding; air gap reporting
- Buoys: full 3D and 6D modelling; SPAR option for co-axial cylinders; fluid loads on instantaneous wetted surface; water entry/exit slam loads per DNV H103, RP-C205
- hapes, Winches, Links, Constraints: boundary surfaces with friction; plane, cuboid, cylinder, bellmouth options; moonpool trapped water modelling; winches with length or tension control; linear and nonlinear springs; individual DoF constraints
Fatigue and Vortex-Induced Vibration (VIV) Analysis
OrcaFlex integrates industry-leading multi-threaded fatigue analysis and VIV tools to assess structural lifespan and safety of offshore assets.
- Multi-threaded fatigue calculations with regular, rainflow and spectral analysis options
- 5 fatigue damage calculation methods: homogeneous pipe (S-N), cross-section stress factors (S-N), mooring (T-N), SHEAR7, and user-defined external stress
- S-N and T-N curves in tabulated or parametric form with 4 mean stress models
- Analysis at multiple circumference points on ID and OD, multiple line positions with different SCF and thickness factors
- Damage results as tables, graphs and histogram collation
- VIV analysis using leading coupled methods applying VIV loads directly to the line
- Generalized to 3D behaviour, highly efficient (all VIV models share the same FE model)
- Tested and fully documented SHEAR7 and VIVA interfaces
- Wake oscillator models (Milan or Iwan and Blevins); VIV suppression modelling; in-line drag enhancement
- Vortex tracking models: boundary layer theory, inviscid Navier-Stokes equation
OrcaWave Diffraction Analysis
OrcaWave is a stand-alone diffraction program included free with OrcaFlex, calculating loading and response for wet bodies under surface water waves using potential flow theory.
- Outputs: load RAOs, displacement RAOs, added mass and damping matrices
- Newman QTFs, full QTFs, sea state RAOs
- Dipole panels for thin-walled structural elements and Morison elements
- Single or multibody analysis, rigid or non-rigid connections
- Multiple mesh file formats: WAMIT.gdf, Nemoh.dat, Aqwa.dat, Sesam.fem, Hydrostar.hst, Gmsh.msh, Wavefront.obj
- Mesh view and validation tool with seamless data transfer to OrcaFlex
- Batch processing and automation via OrcFxAPI
- Version 11.6 enhancements: time domain panel pressure results, spring/dampers, improved mesh validation performance
Automation and Productivity Tools
OrcaFlex provides a comprehensive automation toolkit from Python and Matlab interfaces to multi-threaded batch processing, helping engineers accelerate analysis workflows without purchasing additional modules.
- 32-bit and 64-bit executables with integral parallel processing for multi-core hardware, at no extra cost
- OrcaFlex Excel spreadsheets for pre and post-processing
- Fully multi-threaded, unattended batch processing: data files, batch scripts, fatigue analysis, Python/command script post-processing
- Low-level programmatic interface (C, C++, Delphi) and high-level (Matlab, Python)
- Automated execution of SHEAR7 and VIVA from OrcaFlex
- Model building automation: wave search, Line Type Wizard, Plasticity Wizard, Setup Wizard
- Distributed OrcaFlex optimizes spare processor time in multi-licence environments
- OrcaFlex Licence Monitor for centralized licence management
- Unique library capability in its class for integration into 3rd party software
Comprehensive Environmental Description
OrcaFlex allows full description of marine environmental conditions including waves, wind, current and seabed with multiple flexible mathematical models.
- Sea: user-defined water density, kinematic viscosity, temperature with horizontal and vertical variation
- Seabed: horizontal, sloping, 2D or 3D surface; soil models: linear elastic, nonlinear hysteretic, P-y; non-isotropic Coulomb friction; buried line support for upheaval buckling
- Wind: user-defined air density; constant or spectral velocity (NPD, API, ESDU); full field wind; vertical variation factor
- Waves: regular (Airy, Stokes' 5th, Dean Stream Function, Cnoidal) and irregular (ISSC, JONSWAP, Ochi-Hubble, Torsethaugen, Gaussian swell, user-defined, Time History); multiple wave trains; fluid stretching; directional spreading
- Current: 3D, nonlinear, magnitude and direction time-varying
Intuitive User Interface
OrcaFlex features a fully interactive graphical user interface with advanced wireframe and shaded graphics capabilities, enabling engineers to build models and inspect results intuitively.
- Fully interactive native user interface
- Wireframe and shaded graphics with PBR (Physically Based Rendering), perspective, lighting and shadows
- Moving camera option
- Multiple simultaneous 3D views with per-view customizable view filters (new in v11.6)
- Powerful dockable Model Browser
- File comparison tools
- Drag-and-drop import, auto import for OrcaWave, AQWA, WAMIT
- Graphical RAO realism checks
- Built-in properties wizards, external functions, time history data import
- SI, US and user-defined unit support
- Multiple simultaneous 3D result views, graphs and tables
- Workspace facility, replay wizard, AVI file export
- Optional embedded Python for post-processing
Business Value Delivered by OrcaFlex
Beyond technical capability, OrcaFlex delivers measurable business benefits: time savings, risk reduction and optimized investment costs.
Unique All-in-One, Non-Modular Package
OrcaFlex is the only software in its class with a non-modular structure: every feature is included in a single package with no additional module purchases required.
- All analysis tools (riser, mooring, pipelay, turbine, fatigue, VIV, OrcaWave) included out of the box
- Multi-threading at no extra cost
- Distributed OrcaFlex optimizes throughput in multi-licence environments
- No hidden costs when expanding analysis scope
- Significantly lower total cost of ownership (TCO) compared to modular competitors
Quality Assurance and Risk Management
OrcaFlex is developed through a rigorous quality assurance, testing and validation process, giving customers confidence to manage risk and validate designs.
- Robust QA, testing and validation development process
- Cross-validated with OFFPIPE for pipelay: near-perfect agreement
- Wind turbine validation against OpenFAST and HAWC2: very close agreement
- Enables customers to manage risk, reduce inefficiencies, validate and improve designs
- Comprehensive technical documentation and context-sensitive help files
World-Class Technical Support
Orcina is globally renowned for dedicated technical support, and TrueTech provides an additional layer of in-depth Vietnamese-language support locally.
- Orcina support team of experienced mechanical engineers, mathematicians, naval architects and software engineers
- Fast, detailed and dedicated response praised by global customers
- Standard or customized training courses available
- Comprehensive MUS (Maintenance, Upgrades and Support) contract: 12 months free with every purchase, included for lease duration
Flexible Licensing and Competitive Pricing
OrcaFlex offers multiple licensing options suitable for every business scale, from individual engineers to multinational corporations, with competitive pricing and multi-copy discounts.
- Purchase, month-by-month lease, or lease-to-purchase options
- Attractive multi-copy discounts
- World-wide licensing with no location restrictions
- Tailored licensing arrangements for large corporates and individual users
- Free demo with example model set for evaluation before purchase
- Free demo and example models from TrueTech for Vietnamese customers
OrcaFlex Applications by Industry
OrcaFlex covers virtually every subsea and offshore engineering requirement, from traditional oil and gas to renewable energy and defence.
Riser Systems and Pipelines
OrcaFlex accurately simulates all riser and subsea pipeline types with fully coupled tension, bending, torsion and seabed interaction.
- Tensioned marine risers, Steel Catenary Risers (SCRs)
- Hybrid riser systems, flexible risers, umbilicals
- Pipelay analysis with dedicated supports UI for stinger rollers
- Built-in code checks: API RP 1111, DNV OS F101, DNV OS F201, PD 8010
- Pipe-in-pipe, piggyback, J-tube pull-in contact modelling
- Lay table automation via Python or Excel
- Cross-validated with OFFPIPE: near-perfect agreement
Moorings and Global Performance
OrcaFlex provides comprehensive analysis of all mooring configurations from spread mooring to turret and single point mooring, with fully coupled vessel and mooring system capability.
- Spread mooring systems, jetty mooring systems
- Turret (external and internal) moored systems, Single Point Moorings
- Oceanographic mooring systems
- Aquaculture mooring
- Frequency domain, quasi-dynamic and nonlinear FE time domain methods for floating mooring analysis
- Fully coupled vessel-line analysis
Offshore Wind Energy
OrcaFlex integrates a dedicated wind turbine object with BEM aerodynamic model, enabling fully coupled analysis for both fixed-bottom and floating platforms.
- Dedicated horizontal-axis turbine object, clockwise or anticlockwise rotor
- Aerodynamic loading via Blade Element Momentum (BEM)
- Unsteady aerodynamics: González and Minnema Pierce
- Flexible blades capturing aeroelastic coupling effects
- Collective or individual blade pitch control, API interface for Bladed-style DLL controllers
- Spatially varying wind models: full field turbulent wind, vertical shear, horizontal shear, gust
- Floating platform mooring system analysis
- Export power cable and cable protection system (CPS) analysis
- Cross-validated with OpenFAST and HAWC2: very close agreement
Transport, Installation and Decommissioning
OrcaFlex simulates every stage of the offshore project lifecycle from launch and subsea installation to decommissioning and heavy lift operations.
- Pipelay analysis, anchor and mooring deployment
- Riser installation, cable lay dynamics
- Through-splash zone deployment
- Deep water installation of subsea hardware
- Seabed plough deployment and operation
- Offshore lift dynamics
- Deflect-to-connect and cross-seabed pull-in
- J-Tube pull-in, stab and hinge simulation
- Decommissioning and heavy lift, floatover and mating
Buoy and Hose Systems
OrcaFlex fully models CALM buoys, SPAR buoys, mid-water arches and various under-buoy, offloading and floating hose configurations.
- CALM buoys (Catenary Anchor Leg Mooring)
- SPAR buoys
- Mid-water arches
- Metocean buoys
- Under-buoy hoses, offloading hoses, floating hoses
Towed Systems, Defence and Miscellaneous Applications
OrcaFlex serves specialized applications from seismic towed arrays and defence simulation to seabed stability analysis and marine security nets.
- Towed bundle dynamics, seismic arrays, towed bodies
- Defence: minesweeping studies, ship-to-ship replenishment, dunking sonar modelling, helicopter landing systems, floating protection booms and nets
- Seabed stability analysis, ROV footprint analysis
- Sea fastening design
- Aquaculture and marine security nets
- Carousel and reel loading, earthquake loading analysis
- Floating bridges, cable-stayed structures, factory cable routing
Frequently Asked Questions About OrcaFlex
OrcaFlex is the world’s leading dynamic analysis software developed by Orcina (United Kingdom) since 1986, specifically designed for simulating and analyzing offshore marine systems.
- 3D nonlinear dynamic analysis for risers, moorings, subsea pipelines, floating wind turbines and hundreds of other applications
- Finite element method (FEM) with 6 degrees of freedom at each node
- Nonlinear time domain, linear frequency domain and quasi-dynamic analysis methods
- Widely used in oil and gas, offshore wind, oceanography, defence and aquaculture
Yes. OrcaFlex integrates a dedicated horizontal-axis turbine object with BEM aerodynamic model, supporting both fixed-bottom and floating platforms.
- BEM model, unsteady aerodynamics (González, Minnema Pierce)
- Flexible blades, pitch control, API interface for Bladed-style DLL controllers
- Floating platform mooring analysis, export power cable and CPS analysis
- Cross-validated with OpenFAST and HAWC2
OrcaFlex has a unique non-modular structure in its class: all features are integrated in a single package with no additional module purchases required.
- Free multi-threading at no extra cost
- Full Python, Matlab, C, C++, DLL interfaces
- OrcaWave (diffraction analysis) included free
- Unique library capability for 3rd party software integration
- Continuously developed since 1986 with regular updates based on client feedback
OrcaFlex provides 3 flexible options suitable for every business scale.
- Purchase: permanent ownership with 12 months free MUS
- Lease: month-by-month flexibility, MUS included for lease duration
- Lease-to-purchase: lease payments credited toward purchase price
- Multi-copy discounts, world-wide licensing with no location restrictions
OrcaFlex integrates code check tools for multiple international standards commonly used in the offshore industry.
- API RP 2RD (riser design)
- API RP 1111 (subsea pipelines)
- DNV OS F101 (subsea pipeline systems)
- DNV OS F201 (risers)
- PD 8010 (pipelines)
- DNV H103, RP-C205 (water entry/exit slam loads)
Contact TrueTech for Free OrcaFlex Consultation and Demo
TrueTech's engineering team with 30 years of experience is ready to help you select, deploy and optimize OrcaFlex for your offshore projects.
In-depth Vietnamese-language technical support with fast response
Free demo and example models before purchase
World-wide licensing with no location restrictions
