A nice little challenge. How can I split up a 3D surface with set size 2D panels?

I have a 3D hull from a ship. For manufacturing the ship's hull is split up into panels which are cut from flat standard sized metal sheets. I want to make a definition that makes a cutting list with minimal wastage.

I plan to use the Squish command to flatten the double curved surfaces. But I am uncertain how to approach this problem, should I start on the 3D hull surface and "Squish" the whole thing and then look to cut it up or..... well haven't got another idea at the moment.

Any ideas would be much appreciated.

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