
Bristol-based firm Blackfish Engineering have announced a strategic partnership with Aberdeen-based manufacturer AJT Engineering to fast track the commercialisation of their C-Dart Technology.
Designed for renewable energy applications, the system offers a new approach to safely, efficiently and quickly connect a variety of floating infrastructure and assets like wave energy converters, tidal energy converters, floating solar, offshore wind, aquaculture and other floating marine structures.
The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two companies was announced at the Floating Offshore Wind 2024 Conference in Aberdeen in October.
The MoU establishes a framework in which Blackfish Engineering will work alongside AJT Engineering to bring the C-Dart system to market. The partnership is seen as a significant milestone in offshore mooring technology in both the Scottish and international offshore renewable energy markets.
By combining Blackfish’s cutting-edge engineering capabilities with AJT’s world-class manufacturing expertise, we are confident in delivering a solution that meets the rigorous demands of the offshore sector.
As part of this partnership, Blackfish will lead application engineering, while AJT will handle the production and assembly, leveraging their extensive local supply chain and manufacturing capabilities in Aberdeen.
Jon Powell, Managing Director of Blackfish Engineering
We are thrilled to collaborate with Blackfish Engineering to deliver the C-Dart system. Our extensive manufacturing expertise in Aberdeen positions us perfectly to support the commercial rollout of C-Dart and contribute to the success of Scotland’s renewable energy sector.
David Scalley, Managing Director of AJT Engineering
The partnership is further supported by key players in Scotland’s renewable energy ecosystem.
Wave Energy Scotland provided essential R&D funding through its pre-commercial procurement process, enabling the development of the C-Dart system.
Additionally, Scottish Enterprise and the Energy Transition Zone (ETZ) have been instrumental in fostering the collaboration and ensuring that Scottish innovations like C-Dart thrive on a global scale.
The MoU will initially cover an exploratory period during which both companies will engage in joint marketing, manufacturing planning, and customer engagement activities, culminating in a formal commercialisation agreement for the C-Dart system.