Offshore engineering outfit Blackfish has launched a Scottish arm to support the fast-expanding offshore wind sector – with the goal of helping operators “accelerate innovation and drive down cost”.
The Bristol-based engineering specialist already has a long track record in marine renewables in Scotland, working closely with wave and tidal pioneers Mocean Energy and Orbital, alongside a growing portfolio of offshore wind clients.
The company now plans to ramp up its offering to Scotland’s burgeoning offshore wind pipeline with a dedicated team based in Aberdeen and Edinburgh led by senior engineers Nick Del-Greco and James Hastie, and strategic advisor Stuart Brown.
Company managing director Jonathan Powell said: “The rapid expansion of offshore wind in Scotland, in particular the ScotWind round, is creating strong demand for solution-focussed engineers who can partner with developers to address real-life complex engineering challenges – with the clear goals of improving safety, accelerating innovation and driving down cost.
“Already we are working with two of the three largest wind turbine OEMs and nine of the world’s biggest offshore wind developers, and are actively developing bespoke, innovative designs and technology to improve efficiency and lower costs for the sector.
“We are also engaged with innovation bodies including Wave Energy Scotland, the Carbon Trust and the Offshore Renewable Energy Catapult to develop industry-standard products in areas including electrical connections and moorings.”
Senior mechanical engineer James Hastie added: “We believe our knowledge of tackling problems in the offshore environment is second to none and the creation of a distinct Scottish operation enables us to be closer to our customers, deliver content locally and create opportunities to further expand our offering north of the border.
“These are really exciting times to be involved in offshore wind engineering.”