Engineering Design

Turning engineering concepts into proven hardware.

Most engineering projects begin with an idea, an inspiration, or an early concept that requires further development before it can be manufactured.

We help clients transform that starting point into a practical, fully defined design. Requirements are captured early, concepts are assessed against the constraints that matter, and the selected direction is carried through into detailed CAD, manufacturing information and systems integration.

The aim is not simply to produce a design that works on the screen. It is to create hardware that can be manufactured, assembled, operated, tested and maintained successfully in the real world.

How We Support Your Project

We can join at the earliest concept stage, provide additional engineering resource to an existing team, or take responsibility for a defined design work package. Where required, the same team can continue with analysis, manufacture, testing and deployment.

Core Services

Requirements capture and concept development workshops
FEED studies
Detailed CAD design for mechanisms, structures and complex assemblies, using Autodesk Inventor supported by hand calculations from first principles
Design for manufacture, assembly, operation, testing and cost
Manufacturing drawings and bills of materials
Systems integration, including electrical controls, sensors, access and maintenance requirements

Who We Work With

Clients with an idea, a rough sketch, or an early concept that needs to become buildable hardware, as well as clients with an existing design that requires refinement before manufacture.

Typical challenges we solve

A concept that works in principle but hasn't been proven out in detail
A design that looks finished on screen but hasn't been checked against how it will actually be made
Limited in-house engineering capacity to deliver design and drawings on time
Uncertainty around what level of prototyping and testing is required before deployment.

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Book a Consultation With Our Engineering Design Lead

Tim Warren

Operations Director

Chartered engineer with 25 years' experience of product development in aerospace and offshore renewables. Tim has led numerous projects through the full engineering lifecycle, from concept to build, test and operation.

His experience of aerothermal, mechanical system design, procurement, manufacture and operation means he brings a balanced and thorough perspective to any project. Tim also leads our concepting workshops, Verification and Validation process and cost reduction workshops.

Case Studies

View a selection of case studies where we outline the challenges, approach and outcome.

Offshore Vessel Charging Systems for Charge Offshore

Blackfish worked with Charge Offshore and MJR Power & Automation to develop a multiple offshore vessel charging systems, including a 250kW prototype and a 1MW commercial demonstrator system. Blackfish design scope included the on turbine cable reeler with hydraulic compensation mechanism, the connector bodies and umbilical integration, and the vessel side catcher assembly with load latch and connector stab mechanism. The Blackfish team also managed procurement, manufacture management, supported the assembly and verification testing, delivering a fully tested system supporting the electrification of vessels around offshore infrastructure.

Add a Title

The system needed to transfer high electrical power safely in a demanding marine environment while accommodating engagement, sealing, cooling and vessel movement.

Challenge

Blackfish developed the connector layout, engagement method, sealing and cooling arrangements, and redesigned the rotational compensation system. The team also managed procurement, manufacture, assembly and verification testing.

Approach

The project delivered a fully assembled and tested offshore charging system, supporting the practical electrification of vessels operating around offshore infrastructure.

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