Software Solutions

Autohydro: An Exciting Future

The early 1980s witnessed the birth of the first generation Autohydro by Coastdesign Inc. (now called Autoship Systems Corporation (ASC)). Autohydro was one of a very few PC-based first principles stability and longitudinal strength programs available on the market of the day. Running in DOS, Autohydro quickly became world-renowned as a robust, dependable design and analysis tool for the creation of trim and stability books. Even today, some users of these early versions of Autohydro call ASC asking for advice. Since those early times, ASC has continued to improve Autohydro. The most recent release, Autohydro 6.0, includes many new features that hundreds of naval architects around the world rely on for their hydrostatic and strength calculations.

Tideworks Technology Acquires Sonu Software

Tideworks Netherlands BV, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tideworks Technology, has acquired Netherlands-based Sonu Software Solutions. The acquisition of Sonu's products for managing transport logistics will strengthen the introduction of Tideworks products and services in Europe. Tideworks plans to support the expansion of existing Sonu products in Europe and will also offer the Sonu products in the United Statues and Latin America. Sonu offers two fully-integrated WISE product lines. One product line includes solutions for managing bulk, break-bulk and RoRo cargo terminals; warehousing with complete inventory control and tracing functions; container freight station (CFS) operations; and forwarding. The other offers container terminal and depot functions for moderately-sized operators and container trading and leasing. Sonu products offer integrated information services to logistics service providers for financial and operational management of their business.

Hydrocomp: Evolving with the Times

Late, expensive, and frequently, wrong. Hardly a testament to good engineering, but it was definitely the stimulus that launched one of the industry's most recognizable names in vessel performance. In the early 1980s, shipyards and designers were commonly using computer service companies for many of their naval architectural calculations, such as hydrostatics and stability. The more "exotic" calculations - particularly in the area of hydrodynamics, including propellers and powering - were either left in the hands of a few specialists or were simply ignored.

Two people, Jill Aaron [Managing Director] and Donald MacPherson [Technical Director] saw an opportunity, and formed HydroComp in 1984. This partnership continues to direct HydroComp's evolution and growth to this day, resulting in a consultancy known for its software and services. During their first years in business, HydroComp provided a broad range of contract computer services to designers and shipbuilders. However, given MacPherson's education at the Webb Institute of Naval Architecture (including his thesis on marine power plants) and his subsequent professional experience in resistance and propulsion, the company began to move away from general computer services and focus on providing hydrodynamic calculations. HydroComp filled this niche as a propeller and powering specialist. Responding to the growth in desktop computing during the mid-1980s, HydroComp introduced the first version of the NavCad performance prediction software in 1987. NavCad is still HydroComp's flagship product, with users in all corners of the world from design to construction to academia. In addition to NavCad, HydroComp's software products grew to include PropExpert, PropCad, SwiftCraft, and SwiftTrial - programs for propeller sizing & analysis, propeller CAD, resistance and powering, and sea-trial documentation & analysis.

Rolls-Royce Advances Shiplift Control

New software that claims to advance shiplift control and operation technology was launched by Syncrolift, Inc., a Rolls-Royce company. ATLAS DockMaster is the new flagship control software. ATLAS DockMaster allows operators to 'tailor' docking load profiles automatically and intelligently; enhanced docking capability for vessels requiring an interrupted blocking system; and new asset protection systems to monitor the status of loads transmitted to and from the vessel being docked.

SeaWave Releases NavSeries

SeaWave launched the SeaWave NavSeries, designed as a cost-effective voice and data communications system with built in satellite, cellular and GPS modems that ensure reliable and economical voice and data communications. The NavSeries harnesses SeaWave's Throughput Technology Software (TTS) to enhance transmission speeds and make communications a more land-like experience. The NavSeries uses global satellite service and combines it with the coastal coverage of cellular (GSM). As a vessel moves out of cellular range the NavSeries will seamlessly continue transmission over satellite.

Joint Service Agreement Signed

AP&M Field Service and Rolls-Royce Naval Marine entered into a Teaming Agreement to focus efforts on supporting Ship Transfer programs for the U.S. Navy. The program will combine the experience of Rolls-Royce Naval Marine in servicing of shipboard Allison 501 generator sets and propeller propulsion systems with AP&M Field Services LM2500 shipboard service capabilities.