Blackfish at EWTEC 2025
- Elaine Sherriffs
- Aug 21
- 4 min read
Presenting Innovation in Mooring Systems
Next month, Blackfish Engineering will join the international wave and tidal energy community at the European Wave and Tidal Energy Conference (EWTEC), a leading forum for sharing cutting-edge research and technology.
We’re proud to announce that Tim Warren, Operations Director and Co-founder of Blackfish Engineering, will present his paper:
“The Use of a Structured Verification and Validation Strategy in the Development of the C-Dart Quick Connection Mooring System.”
In addition to his presentation, Tim will chair the Station-keeping, Moorings and Foundations 3 session, guiding discussion and knowledge-sharing on some of the sector’s key challenges. Our Director of Commercial Strategy, Marcus Gay, will also be attending, connecting with industry leaders and partners throughout the week.
Why Verification and Validation Matter
Technology innovation in offshore renewables often walks a fine line between potential and practicality. It’s not enough to build a clever system - it must also meet market needs, satisfy end users, and prove reliable in challenging environments.
This is where a structured Verification and Validation (V&V) strategy becomes essential.
Validation asks: Have we built the right system? Does it solve a real market problem and meet customer needs?
Verification asks: Have we built the system right? Does it meet the design intent and perform as intended?
At Blackfish, we use the V&V process to structure technology development, ensuring risks are addressed early in design rather than discovered late in testing. This approach not only saves cost and time but also builds market confidence in the technologies we develop.
Applying V&V to the C-Dart Mooring System
Since 2019, Blackfish has been developing the C-Dart Quick Connection Mooring System with support from Wave Energy Scotland. Originally conceived as a combined electrical and mooring connector, it has since evolved into a rapid, reliable, and low-risk mooring solution for a wide range of applications - from pontoons and floating solar to offshore wind wet storage and marshalling.
Using the V&V framework, the C-Dart system has gone through a rigorous and structured process of design, analysis, and testing, including:
Numerical Modelling & Validation – Orcaflex simulations benchmarked against 1:20 scale tank testing at the University of Edinburgh’s FloWave facility.
Iterative Prototyping – Full-scale wooden mock-ups to refine geometry and tolerances.
Marine Operations Testing – Offshore demonstrations of novel vessel manoeuvres, validating safety and operability.
Virtual Prototyping – Full-scale simulations at the National Decommissioning Centre in Aberdeen, testing in controlled but realistic conditions.
Load Testing – Pull tests up to 22 tonnes on a full-size mooring buoy, validating structural integrity.
Full-scale Offshore Trials – Successful connection and disconnection in diverse operational scenarios, proving readiness for real-world application.
Each of these stages provided essential data, allowed risks to be mitigated early, and ensured confidence in the technology before advancing to more complex and costly testing.
The Market Opportunity
While early work on a combined connector proved technically sound, the current market for wave energy converters remains limited. Recognising this, Blackfish applied the same structured V&V process to evolve the design into a mooring-only connector, addressing a broader and more immediate market need.
This shift has resulted in a solution that is not only innovative but also practical, scalable, and aligned with industry demand. The C-Dart system offers a safer, faster, and more cost-effective method of mooring floating assets, reducing operational risks that are too often shouldered by offshore crews today.
Continuous Learning and Improvement
A key lesson from our work is that verification and validation is not a one-off exercise. It is a continuous process, integrated into every stage of design and testing. By “left-shifting” risk management - focusing on early design and analysis - we reduce uncertainty and avoid costly late-stage failures.
This structured approach has allowed us to move quickly, reduce development risk, and deliver a product that is both technically robust and commercially relevant.
Looking Ahead at EWTEC
At EWTEC 2025, Tim Warren will present these insights and share the C-Dart journey with the global marine energy community. In his role as session chair, Tim will help facilitate discussion on some of the sector’s most important challenges, while bringing Blackfish’s perspective on practical, innovative approaches to mooring system design.
Together with Marcus Gay, Blackfish’s presence at EWTEC is an opportunity to connect with peers, share knowledge, and showcase the engineering innovation driving the sector forward.
Final Thoughts
Blackfish Engineering was founded on a belief that early-stage technologies can only succeed if they are developed with both rigour and creativity. The story of the C-Dart system demonstrates how structured processes like V&V, when applied thoughtfully, can turn promising ideas into proven solutions.
We look forward to joining the conversation at EWTEC 2025 and sharing our experiences with colleagues across the wave and tidal energy community.
If you’re attending EWTEC, we’d be delighted to connect. Come along to Tim’s session or reach out to arrange a meeting.
How Blackfish can accelerate your time to market
At Blackfish Engineering, we understand the complexities and challenges involved in technology R&D and innovation projects. Our comprehensive V&V services are designed to help you navigate these challenges with confidence. By partnering with us, you can leverage our expertise to ensure that your projects are not only innovative but also reliable, cost-effective, and market-ready.
If you are a technology developer or investor we invite you to reach out to us. Let us help you accelerate your time to market, reduce costs, and increase investor confidence through our tailored V&V solutions.
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Get in Touch for a Consultation
Blackfish Director of Operations, Tim Warren is available to discuss your thoughts and specific V&V needs.
Contact Tim today to find out how our Verification and Validation process can be integrated into your project. Register interest on the contact form below to speak with one of our technology specialists. Let's harness the power of innovation together!
Enter your contact details into this webform and Tim will reach out to schedule a chat!
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