Hydrodynamic and propulsion system design tools for naval architecture and the propeller trades – from concept to 3D CAD



Hydrodynamic Challenges Solved
Our core mission is providing engineering tools to develop ships, boats, and other marine vehicles – and their propellers – more efficiently and responsibly. Leading the industry in applied hydrodynamics and propeller design for more than 30 years, HydroComp’s software and training accelerate time-to-market with superior outcomes for your products and designs.
Speed. Power. HydroComp.
We’re the longtime experts for performance analysis and design tools that guide your design toward responsible, efficient vessel operation. The Vessel-Propulsor-Drive system model is the foundation of optimized performance via the industry’s gold-standard tool for Speed/Power Prediction, Operational Energy Analysis, and Propulsion System Sizing.
Propeller Trades Lean on HydroComp
Propeller designers, builders, and sales staff all rely on HydroComp tools for competitive advantage, superior products, and satisfied customers. Considered an industry advisor, our staff bring a unique expertise to help companies that are looking for new production efficiencies and better performing products.
Improving Maritime Sustainability
As our maritime industry addresses responsible environmental sustainability, and HydroComp is helping companies navigate a challenging regulatory landscape. HydroComp software provides ship operators and their designers with tools to determine their carbon footprint, identify fuel-efficient systems, and even taking an international lead in the mitigation of underwater radiated noise.
Hydrodynamic and Propulsion System Design Tools
NavCad®
The flagship framework for entire resistance, propulsion, mission profile, and optimized performance design tasks
PropElements®
HydroComp’s “design for performance” propeller tool to customize and optimize a propeller for a specific ship or vessel type
News and Events
Article: Propeller Considerations for Inland-River Pushboats
Inland river pushboats operate in a harsh environment. Transiting our rivers, bays, lakes, and inland waterways, these vessels push barges between hubs of commerce. Swift currents, trash and debris, heavy traffic, and narrow waterways are day-to-day realities for...
Article: Trim Optimization – Using NavCad for Prediction Confidence
There are cheaper, less time consuming alternatives to CFD surrogate models, writes HydroComp's Don MacPherson. This article has been reprinted with permission from the October 2020 issue of The Naval Architect. One tool in an operator’s hunt for fuel reduction is...
Article: UV Tail Shape and Vehicle-Propulsor Performance
Successful underwater vehicle (UV) performance is all about a properly functioning system. The components of a UV’s Vehicle-Propulsor-Drive system are not individual performers. They must be in harmony. Often overlooked during system design is the relationship...