GUIDE TO PURCHASING HIGH MODULUS SYNTHETIC FIBRE MOORING LINES

The intention which has declared by the authors of the present technical document was to give the necessary professional guidance to all people directly involved in the ordering of the HMSF, standing for the high modulus synthetic fiber mooring lines, including the lines that are fabricated from Aramid, LCO and HMPE fibers. The aim is to ensure the due understanding of the particular mechanical properties of these mooring lines, encouraging the processes of adoption of improved technical specifications and quality assurance.

We would like to underline that the recognized international standards are there for the construction of the HMPE lines; however, the standards relating to Aramid and LCP fibers are limited. That is the main reason why the information contained in the present publication would definitely be of great practical use to people considering various ordering options.

The MHSF lines are considered as a good alternative to the traditional mooring lines that are usually made of the steel wires, due to their mechanical properties, particularly strength-to-weight, as well as the other advantages, for example the ease of handling. After several years of nearly incident-free use of the HMSF lines, the shipping industry has experiences a number of failures, particularly on large LNG carriers...