Blackfish Engineering sign strategic MoU to accelerate C-Dart Mooring System
Blackfish Engineering announce the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AJT Engineering.
Apollo, a leading engineering and energy advisory consultancy, is thrilled to report the successful trial of the PALM Quick Connection System (QCS) for floating offshore renewables. The trials, which took place from the end of March to the end of May this year in Orkney, demonstrated the robust capabilities of the system in real-sea conditions.
Developed through the WES Quick Connection Systems programme and with support from the Offshore Wind Growth Partnership, the PALM QCS is designed to streamline the efficient hook-up and disconnection of cables and/or moorings for floating offshore renewable devices. This system reduces operational costs significantly by enabling quick connections via the winching action of a conventional tow tug, thereby avoiding the need to tow devices to port for maintenance—a process that can be costly in terms of marine spread and lost generation time. The system allows connection and disconnection in higher sea states and removes the need for connections to be carried out on deck.
The PALM QCS is a mechanical system that can also incorporate electrical wet mate connectors bringing both together using the winching action alone. During the recent trials in Orkney, the system withstood severe weather conditions, including Storm Kathleen, and demonstrated its robustness through multiple connect and disconnect operations.
Apollo's Offshore Renewables Director Nigel Robinson stated, "The successful trial of the PALM QCS in Orkney is not just a milestone for Apollo, but a testament to the powerful collaborations that drive our industry forward. We are grateful to Wave Energy Scotland, through which the PALM QCS™ was conceived and developed. Their ongoing support is vital to our success. Equally, our thanks go to Leask Marine, who were essential as our marine contractor, and to the numerous local supply chain companies whose contributions were crucial. This trial showcases what we can achieve together to advance the future of offshore renewable energy, and we look forward to continuing these collaborative efforts in the future."
Managing Director of Wave Energy Scotland, Tim Hurst added, “It is reassuring to see the PALM perform exactly as Apollo hoped, including its capabilities in challenging weather conditions. Quick connection technologies are an exciting enabling development for offshore marine renewables and WES looks forward to seeing Apollo continue to develop their technology and collaborate further within the marine renewables sector.”
The successful trial of the PALM QCS demonstrates Apollo's continued leadership in developing innovative solutions for the offshore renewables sector. With this technology, Apollo is set to support the industry's growth, particularly in the Floating Offshore Wind sector, as it scales up with ScotWind and the Celtic Sea developments.
Blackfish Engineering announce the signing of a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with AJT Engineering.
In the second round of the Direct Generation Concept Design Competition, we have awarded a total of £400,000 to be shared between two projects.
Wave Energy Scotland's Research and Engineering Manager, Elva Bannon, has been selected as one of the Top 50 Women in Engineering (WE50).
Lloyd’s Register awards Quoceant an IECRE Feasibility Statement for the Q-Connect system.
Blackfish Engineering Wins prestigious NOW Accelerator Challenge with Innovative Mooring Quick-Connector Concept
Round one of Direct Generation Concept Design Competition draws to a close.
This report provides a concise summary of the UK’s evolving national strategy.
Five projects awarded funding to design new class of wave energy converters.
Wave Energy Scotland (WES) has begun a series of tank tests at the University of Edinburgh’s FloWave facility.
Three cutting-edge wave energy projects have been selected to fabricate, deploy and demonstrate their prototype designs in the third and final phase of the EuropeWave PCP programme.
This new study has forecasted the potential deployment of wave and tidal stream energy devices in UK waters by 2050.
Wave Energy Scotland is looking for continuous cost reduction opportunities to follow in the footsteps of the current cohort of wave energy technologies on their path towards commercial projects.