Bristol renewable energy engineering firm Blackfish Engineering has won acclaim at an international showcase for its device aimed at improving safety and efficiency in the offshore wind industry.
The firm, which was launched eight years ago to specialise in the tidal, wave and offshore wind sectors, demonstrated its C-Dart mooring quick-connector at the inaugural Norwegian Offshore Wind (NOW) Accelerator challenge. 
The accelerator sought new products for the floating offshore wind industry, focusing on flexibility, scalability, low maintenance and longevity.
C-Dart, which harnesses the principles of gravity, buoyancy, and rope tension in its design, was showcased on the main stage at the prestigious Floating Wind Days event, impressing industry leaders, who described it as a ‘standout’ entry.
The product has been designed as a rapid, reliable and low-risk system for connecting together a range of devices such as floating wave energy converters, tidal energy converters, floating solar, offshore wind, aquaculture and other floating marine structures.
By eliminating direct handling of heavy mooring lines, it not only drastically reduces the risk of injuries but also ensures that connections can be made safely whatever the sea conditions.
Blackfish Engineering commercial manager Marcus Gay said: “Our C-Dart system offers a significant advancement in operational efficiency, safety and sustainability, addressing critical challenges in the offshore wind industry. 
“To be recognised by such an esteemed group of judges and to be cited for its innovation is a testament to the work we have put into it.”
NOW Accelerator manager Narve Hansen said Blackfish Engineering’s concept exemplified the kind of forward-thinking and practical solutions the accelerator aimed to foster.
“It was an incredible journey to witness the innovative power of collaboration between our industry partners and start-ups,” he added.
“The NOW Accelerator is about challenging the status quo and creating groundbreaking solutions that can shape the future of the floating wind sector.”
One of the challenge champions, specialist global offshore wind developer Corio Generation’s senior floating wind specialist Robert Petrovics, said: “We received a large number of solution proposals for our challenge and, following a comprehensive evaluation process, we concluded that Blackfish Engineering’s solution meets our challenge requirements exceptionally well.
“The ingenuity and potential for deployment in floating wind, as well as other industries, make it standout.”
The challenge was launched by Norvegen Vind, a consortium formed by Corio Generation and Å Energi, which aims to drive innovation and sustainable solutions in the offshore wind industry.
C-Dart was developed through the Wave Energy Scotland pre-commercial procurement programme. As well as its Bristol head office, Blackfish also has a base in Scotland.
