Gulf Coast-based energy services provider, Danos, has established a resilience technology center of excellence in Amelia, Louisiana. In partnership with climate technology company, Natrx, Inc., Danos is producing high-performance, nature-based modules for coastal resilience and restoration projects using a patented, highly specialized 3D printing technology called DryForming. The DryFormer and its components arrived on site from Natrx in early October, and Danos began producing its first modules a week later. This new production capability will fabricate tailored concrete modules called ExoForms (nicknamed ‘Cajun Coral’) to restore natural habitats along coastal and riverine waterways.
The 5,000-square-foot facility can produce up to 50,000 tons of Natrx’s Cajun Coral, equivalent to 500,000 tons of heavy rock supply that is typically purchased out of state, per year. Located along Bayou Beouf, the facility has direct access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico – enabling Danos to ship units worldwide.
Danos, which has operated in the Gulf Coast region for 76 years, first connected with Natrx in 2019 after the recently launched company was selected for a start-up accelerator program in New Orleans hosted by Shell Energy. The ENERGYx program focused on emerging innovations for coastal construction and water management that improve the capital efficiency of on-the-ground projects.
Currently, Danos is printing Cajun Coral for several resilience projects, including a project with the Coastal Conservation Association to enhance fish habitat and biodiversity in the Gulf of Mexico. In addition to industrial-scale Cajun Coral production, the facility will build, test, and deploy new, mobile DryForming units – allowing Danos to address resilience challenges globally.
“The DryFormer solves challenges addressing coastal restoration, pipeline protection, and artificial reef construction right here in south Louisiana and around the world,” said Eric Danos, CEO of Danos Ventures. “This process is cost-effective, proven, and unlike any other solution in the market.”
“Natrx is grateful to have Danos as a partner, and we’re excited about the launch of our first industrial-scale production facility in Louisiana. Having worked with Danos for years, we couldn’t imagine a better company to entrust our technology with,” said Leonard Nelson, CEO of Natrx.
The storm-tested Cajun Coral delivers maximum protection while also supporting the growth of native oyster, coral, and fish populations. In addition to fabricating bioengineered modules, Danos offers a full range of coastal restoration support, including project management and field workforce.
The companies have collaborated on asset protection and coastal restoration projects for clients across southern Louisiana including Shell, ConocoPhillips, Ducks Unlimited, and several public entities. Their breakthrough work together led to a significant early investment in Natrx by Danos Ventures and continues to fuel a productive partnership.
“Natrx’s technology offers an innovative approach, which is why Danos Ventures is proud to be an investor. We are continuously looking for opportunities to partner with companies in the energy sector aligned with Danos’ capabilities. We encourage those seeking strategic alternatives to reach out to see how we can partner,” said Danos.
