NavCad 2026 introduces significant improvements to its Analytical Distributed Volume Method (ADVM), providing naval architects and marine engineers with more accurate resistance predictions for displacement and semi-displacement vessels.
Available in the Premium Edition, the enhanced ADVM now incorporates advanced speed-dependent sinkage and trim corrections through a fully refined hydrostatic dataset.

The latest update improves the representation of wetted hull geometry as vessels move through the water, capturing critical effects such as transom immersion and newly wetted stern areas. These refinements result in more reliable resistance and performance predictions across a wide range of operating conditions.

NavCad 2026 also introduces new speed-range validation checks to help users identify calculations outside the method’s proven applicability limits, increasing confidence in design evaluations. Additionally, viscous drag prediction has been further optimized to enhance overall accuracy.

The upgraded ADVM methodology has been validated against model test data for multiple vessel types, including wide-beam offshore supply vessels and high-speed NPL-series hulls, demonstrating its effectiveness across diverse marine applications.

With NavCad 2026, naval architects gain greater precision, improved design confidence, and enhanced performance analysis capabilities for modern vessel development.

A look at how specialist simulation tools support naval architects in evaluating design and propulsion options.

In naval architecture, the ability to explore technical options early in the design process is essential. From hydrodynamic performance to propulsion requirements, reliable simulation tools help professionals assess different approaches and make informed decisions.

HydroComp recently shared the experience of Andrew Alexander, founder of Alexander Marine Design, who has relied on NavCad since 2010. His testimony offers an insight into the role that specialist software can play in supporting engineering expertise, particularly during the early stages ofvessel design.

One of the capabilities he highlights is Aligned Prediction, which enables existing vessel performance data to be used as a reference for new predictions. This illustrates how NavCad can help designers build confidence in their analyses while retaining control over the assumptions and methods behind their work.

For naval architects and marine engineers, the story is a reminder that effective software is not simply about producing results, but about understanding them and using them to guide sound technical decisions.

Discover Andrew Alexander’s full interview and learn more about his experience with NavCad on HydroComp’s website.