Offshore staff
POVOA DE VARZIM, Portugal – Lankhorst Ropes Offshore Division is conducting research into development of cut-resistant jackets for mooring ropes in the Norwegian and Barents seas.
The aim is to assess the materials needed to lessen the impact of fishing trawler lines on synthetic fiber mooring lines.
Moorings at water depths beyond 800 m (2,624 ft) in these sectors would be subject to extreme weather and wave conditions, the company explains. Synthetic mooring ropes must, therefore, provide high abrasion resistance and cope with the effects of external damage arising from trawler activities.
Additionally, in view of the narrow weather windows, the ropes should be capable of being stored on the sea bed ahead of mooring deployment.
The research involves simulating the effect of trawler wires coming into contact with synthetic fiber lines, quantifying the damage, and assessing the rope's residual strength following the event.
“Our research will enable us to work with operators and naval architects to devise the most effective mooring systems for floating production systems in this area,” said Chris Johnson, sales director, Lankhorst Ropes Offshore Division.
3/12/2012
