Click on "Deploy Server".
Wait a few minutes for the server to deploy. Once ready, it will show a "Started" state.
In the chat, type @ followed by the MCP server name and your instructions, e.g., "@Maxsurf MCP Check the current hull model in Maxsurf Modeler and list its surfaces."
That's it! The server will respond to your query, and you can continue using it as needed.
Here is a step-by-step guide with screenshots.
Connect Codex or Claude Desktop to locally installed Maxsurf Modeler, Stability, Resistance, Motions and Multiframe through the Model Context Protocol.
The MCP lets an assistant inspect models, set supported analysis inputs and request operations from Bentley's native applications. It runs on your Windows computer and uses your installed Maxsurf software.
Current build: 0.2.0-rc.5 · 90 default tools · technical preview. This is preparation for the project's first public release. Supported operations and outstanding validation work are documented in Capabilities and Release status.
Installation guide · Tool reference · Verification
You need:
Windows x64 and CPython 3.12, 64-bit.
The Bentley applications you intend to use, installed separately with the appropriate COM automation entitlement.
Codex on Windows or Claude Desktop with local extensions enabled.
A dedicated folder for your designs and exports, such as C:\MaxsurfDesigns.
Open only the Bentley application required for the task. For a first hull-model check, open Maxsurf Modeler. The default MCP connection policy requires the application to be running.
Maxsurf, Python and client subscriptions/licenses are separate from this package. Review the project license and third-party notices.
Related MCP server: revit-mcp
You want to use | Download | Setup |
Claude Desktop extension |
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Codex plugin |
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Source code through PowerShell |
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The Claude and Codex bundles include the server's Python dependencies. They still require Python itself. The source installation creates a virtual environment and downloads dependencies.
These are the asset names to use when the first GitHub release is published. Uploading source to GitHub does not automatically list an extension in a client's public catalog.
In Claude Desktop, open Settings → Extensions → Advanced settings → Install extension.
Select the downloaded .mcpb file.
In Configure Maxsurf MCP, choose the Python executable and design workspace:
Configuration field | What to select |
Python 3.12 x64 executable | The actual |
Design workspace | Your design/export folder, for example |
To find the correct Python file, run this in PowerShell:
py -3.12 -c "import sys,struct; print(sys.executable); print(sys.version); print(struct.calcsize('P')*8)"Use the executable path printed on the first line. The output must show Python 3.12.x and 64. The .mcpb belongs in the installation picker; python.exe belongs in the configuration field.
Click Save, enable the extension and start a new conversation. Detailed Claude instructions.
Extract the Codex ZIP to a permanent folder, for example C:\MaxsurfBridge. Keep all files, including the .agents folder. Then run:
codex plugin marketplace add "C:/MaxsurfBridge"
codex plugin add maxsurf-mcp@maxsurf-localRestart Codex, confirm Maxsurf MCP is enabled, and start a new conversation. The bundled plugin requires py -3.12 to resolve to 64-bit Python 3.12.
The default design workspace is %LOCALAPPDATA%\MaxsurfMCP\runtime. Codex setup and workspace selection explains how to use another folder.
Extract the source ZIP to C:\MaxsurfSource. In PowerShell:
Set-Location 'C:\MaxsurfSource'
$maxsurfPython = (py -3.12 -c "import sys; print(sys.executable)").Trim()
.\scripts\install.ps1 -Python $maxsurfPythonThe installer creates .venv and installs locked dependencies. It does not register the server in a client. Next, follow Codex source configuration or Claude source configuration.
Open Maxsurf Modeler manually, then send this in a new Codex or Claude conversation:
Use Maxsurf MCP to report session status and the configured workspace.
Connect only to the already-running Maxsurf Modeler.
Read its current design identity and surface list.
Do not edit, save, run analysis, or use desktop/display-control tools.A populated tool list confirms the MCP connection. A successful Modeler connection confirms that application's automation access. Neither result certifies an engineering calculation.
MIT. Copyright (c) 2026 Ismail Hakki Celik.
The MIT license covers original project code, documentation and assets. Dependency licenses and Bentley product entitlements remain separate; see Third-party notices.
The current build has incomplete native-analysis, persistence and clean-machine installation acceptance. It is not a class-compliance authority or a completed ship-design system. Bentley software, manuals, samples, private training material and vessel-design recipes are excluded from the distribution.
This server cannot be deployed
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