The EU-project NAVAIS concerns platform-based modular design of ships. This approach allows the transfer from engineer-to-order to assemble-to-order. The aim is to increase competitiveness of the European shipbuilding industry, especially regarding complex and highly specialised vessels. There is a strong focus on minimizing the environmental impact of these vessels. This not only concerns emissions from the exhaust such as CO2 and NOX but also underwater radiated noise.