For rapid modelling of ship structure and sharing of product data for a computer-integrated manufacturing system in shipbuilding, this research proposes a data exchange method between two-dimensional drawings and three-dimensional finite element models. The report of the research is followed by appropriately planning the structure of the extracted data based on the Standard for the Exchange of Product Model Data. A set of rules for two-dimensional feature recognition is established, and then the method for the extraction of graphic and non-graphic design information from two-dimensional drawings of transverse sections is presented. An algorithm for rapid modelling of the longitudinal hull structure is proposed, based on data extracted from the transverse sections. This algorithm bypasses the geometric modelling stage required in traditional manual modelling, exclusively making use of the extracted information. The proposal also enriches data exchange, greatly reduces human error in modelling and consequently improves the accuracy of the finite element modelling for the shipbuilding industry.