Synthetic mooring ropes for marine renewable energy applications

Type Article
Date 2015-11
Language English
Author(s) Weller Samuel1, Johanning L.1, Davies PeterORCID2, Banfield S. J.3
Affiliation(s) 1 : Univ Exeter, Coll Engn Math & Phys Sci, Renewable Energy, Exeter TR10 9EZ, Devon, England.
2 : IFREMER Ctr Bretagne, Marine Struct Lab, Bretagne, France.
3 : Tens Technol Int, Eastbourne, England.
Source Renewable Energy (0960-1481) (Pergamon-elsevier Science Ltd), 2015-11 , Vol. 83 , P. 1268-1278
DOI 10.1016/j.renene.2015.03.058
WOS© Times Cited 79
Keyword(s) Synthetic mooring ropes, Marine renewable energy, Material properties, Classification and testing, Installation, operation and maintenance, Inspection
Abstract Synthetic mooring ropes have a proven track record of use in harsh operating conditions over the past two decades. As one of the main users of ropes for permanent mooring systems, the oil and gas industry has opted for these components because they possess performance characteristics and economies of scale which are in many respects superior to steel components. Given this accrued experience, it is unsurprising that several marine renewable energy (MRE) device developers have utilised synthetic ropes, motivated by the need to specify economical, reliable and durable mooring systems. Whilst these components are potentially an enabling technology for the MRE sector, this is a new field of application which can feature highly dynamic mooring tensions and consequently existing certification practices may not be directly applicable. Based on the expertise of the authors, this paper provides a state-of-the-art overview of synthetic ropes in the context of MRE mooring systems, including key information about aspects of specification (performance attributes, classification and testing) as well as application (installation, degradation, maintenance, inspection and decommissioning). It is the intention of this review to provide valuable insight for device developers who are considering using ropes in the specification of fit for purpose mooring systems.
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