The digital and intelligent technology is continuously developing for ships. An innovative three-dimensional (3D) modeling method based on the 3DExperience (3DE) platform driven by two-dimensional (2D) layout of AutoCAD is explored by combing the advantages of AutoCAD and the advantages of 3DE in digital design. The secondary development of the 3DE platform based on the Component Application Architecture (CAA) implements abilities of the batch creation and attribute extension of the equipment nodes and the automatic call of equipment modeling. The 3D layout modeling of the machinery space in a cargo vessel is generated through reading the data table that is generated from 2D layout by using the secondary development tool, in order to verify the feasibility of this method. The full-scale trial results show that the efficiency of the 3D modeling of the 3DE platform can be greatly improved by using this method. It can provide the specific development methods and the technical routes for the efficient 3D modeling of ships.