VICTORIA, British Columbia, March 15, 2005 /PRNewswire-FirstCall via COMTEX/ -- Albacore Research Ltd. (ARL), today announced ShipConstructor's support for AutoCAD(R) 2006 next generation design software from Autodesk, Inc. (Nasdaq: ADSK), the world's leading software and services company for the building, manufacturing, infrastructure, digital media and wireless data services fields. AutoCAD 2006 software allows users to create, manage and share design information faster, to compete and win.

ShipConstructor2005 is fully compatible with AutoCAD 2006. The new features offered by the latest release of AutoCAD will significantly improve the productivity of ShipConstructor users.

ShipConstructor is the 3D product modeling and Product Data Management (PDM) system for the design and fabrication of ships and offshore structures, enabling shipyards and designers to realize new levels of efficiency. ShipConstructor runs within AutoCAD, the world's leading customizable and extendable CAD software for 2D drafting. AutoCAD 2006, with its focus on productivity improvements, further extends the time-savings made possible with ShipConstructor.

ShipConstructor2005 users can make immediate use of several new features in AutoCAD 2006. Dynamic Input settings allow users to launch commands, read prompts, and enter values right at the pointer, without diverting attention from the drawing editor. Enhanced zooming and panning makes it easier to change views and maintain visual orientation. AutoCAD 2006 also includes an improved annotation process and more streamlined drawing and editing tasks.

"By integrating with the latest features in AutoCAD 2006, ShipConstructor enables our joint customers to maximize their productivity and reduce ship design and construction times," said John Sanders, vice president of Autodesk's Platform technology Division. "We are pleased to have the strong support of ShipConstructor for AutoCAD 2006."

"The combination of ShipConstructor and AutoCAD is key to the success of the shipbuilding industry," said Rolf G. Oetter, founder and president of ARL. "The combination is successful because it allows small and large shipyards and designers to access the same powerful tools, all within a familiar, easy-to- use environment."

About Autodesk

Autodesk, Inc. is wholly focused on ensuring that great ideas are turned into reality. With six million users, Autodesk is the world's leading software and services company for the building, manufacturing, infrastructure, digital media and wireless data services fields. Autodesk's solutions help customers create, manage and share their digital assets more effectively. As a result, customers turn ideas into competitive advantage by becoming more productive, streamlining project efficiency, and maximizing profits.

Founded in 1982, Autodesk is headquartered in San Rafael, California. For additional information about Autodesk, please visit www.autodesk.com.

The Autodesk Developer Network (ADN) is comprised of more than 2500 technology partners around the world, that extend Autodesk solutions to meet the industry-specific needs of customers. New 2006-compatible applications from ADN partners are launched every day at: www.autodesk.com/partnerproducts.

About ShipConstructor

For shipyards and designers who want to achieve new levels of efficiency, ShipConstructor is the 3D product modeling and Product Data Management (PDM) system that easily scales from a one-man shop to the largest operation. Unlike traditional systems, ShipConstructor is easy to use and maintains the high level of flexibility AutoCAD users are accustomed to.

ShipConstructor is proving its capabilities on a wide range of new construction, conversion and repair projects, including the US Navy's Littoral Combat Ship, the US Coast Guard's Deepwater Project and the Devils Tower Spar. More than 150 yards and designers worldwide, among which you find well-known names such as Northrop Grumman Ship Systems, Gibbs & Cox, and Dubai Drydocks, trust ShipConstructor with their projects.

ShipConstructor provides functions for curved plates, structure, pipe, HVAC, equipment, and NC-processing and also generates sophisticated production documentation, including assembly drawings, pipe spools, and production reports.

ShipConstructor is developed by Albacore Research Ltd. (ARL), Canada. (www.ShipConstructor.com).

NOTE: Autodesk reserves the right to alter product offerings and specifications at any time without notice, and is not responsible for typographical or graphical errors that may appear in this document.

Autodesk and AutoCAD are registered trademarks or trademarks of Autodesk, Inc., in the USA and/or other countries. All other brand names, product names, or trademarks belong to their respective holders.

Contact: Silke Sommerfeld, Marketing Manager of Albacore Research Ltd., +1-250-479-3638, ext. 110, or Marketing@ShipConstructor.com.

SOURCE Autodesk, Inc.

Silke Sommerfeld, Marketing Manager of Albacore Research Ltd., +1-250-479-3638, ext. 110, or Marketing@ShipConstructor.com