ABOUT INFO
THE CLIENT: Sonardyne International Ltd is a globally recognised innovator in subsea acoustic positioning, navigation, and communication technologies. The company serves the offshore energy, maritime defence, and ocean science sectors, delivering mission-critical solutions that enable precise subsea survey, long-range data transmission, and advanced underwater monitoring.
THE PROJECT: To re-engineer and manufacture advanced side scan Tow-fish mouldings, replacing an ageing operational fleet with modernised, high-performance units with improved durability and performance.
SCOPE OF WORKS: To Redevelop, manufacture, and fitout four newly engineered side scan Tow-fish to exacting technical specifications.
INTRODUCTION IN BRIEF
The client, Sonardyne International, sought a GRP engineering partner with proven expertise in precision composite manufacture and marine structural design. The brief was to re-engineer their existing Tow-fish.
A critical innovation in the redesign was the development of a removable towing interface within the upper shell, historically an integrated part of the GRP structure that was subject to accelerated wear. The detachable replacement enables rapid in-field replacement, resulting in reduced downtime.
To facilitate the redevelopment, Sonardyne supplied a set of legacy GRP mouldings for analysis and adaptation, providing a baseline from which to assess design limitations and optimise structural integrity.
OUR SOLUTION AND OBJECTIVES
After being entrusted with the project, Hayward GRP met with the Sonardyne engineers to review the existing design. This collaborative review informed a refined engineering proposal incorporating CAD-based design and finite element analysis (FEA) to validate and guarantee operational endurance under the demanding subsea towing conditions.
Following design approval, the legacy GRP shells were modified to incorporate a removable towing interface. These prototypes formed the basis for the new production moulds, ensuring repeatable manufacturing accuracy and consistent performance across the build cycle.
From this tooling, four complete sets of Tow-fish mouldings were manufactured and fitted out, ready for First Article Inspection (FAI) prior to final client validation.
THE RESULT IN CONCLUSION
This project progressed with precision and efficiency. Following the approved design refinements, Hayward GRP successfully produced new tooling and four fully assembled Tow-fish units, each completed to exacting marine engineering standards.
All units underwent rigorous sea trials under operational load conditions, achieving exemplary performance metrics for stability, towing efficiency, and structural durability. The client’s feedback confirmed that the redesigned Tow-fish not only met but exceeded operational expectations, providing a future-ready solution for extended service deployment.
This collaboration with Sonardyne demonstrates Hayward GRP’s capability to convert complex client requirements into robust, precision-engineered composite solutions.
WHY CHOOSE HAYWARD GRP KNOWLEDGE. EXPERTISE. COMMITMENT.
Hayward GRP is recognised as a complete solution provider with decades of experience delivering complex, bespoke GRP moulding solutions. Our comprehensive approach encompasses every aspect of your project, from initial consultation and design assistance to tooling, precision manufacturing, flawless finishing, and seamless installation, providing clients with an exceptional service that consistently exceeds expectation.
We forge enduring partnerships through clear communication, technical precision, and consistent reliability. Our industry-leading reputation for quality and compliance is built upon strict adherence to internationally accredited standards, ensuring every project meets the highest benchmarks.
READY TO START YOUR PROJECT LET’S MAKE IT HAPPEN
Are you ready to turn your project vision into reality? Our extensive portfolio reflects our expertise and capabilities in delivering world-class GRP solutions. We’re here to bring your ideas to life, reach out to us today, and let’s collaborate to transform your concepts into tangible, stunning realities.
Whether you’re in the UK or anywhere else around the globe, we are eager to discuss how our tailored GRP solutions can elevate your project to new heights, let’s explore the feasibility together.
Contact our team today to start the conversation.
Call us on 01323 679555 or Email: info@haywardgrp.co.uk
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