Fiber Technologies for Marine Rope and Cordage

Spectra® fiber is light enough to float, making it ideal for rope and cordage marine applications. And because Spectra® fiber is hydrophobic, it will not absorb moisture or deteriorate in water. Spectra® fiber can be an ideal substitute for wire and steel in mooring lines for tankers, insert and pennant lines for offshore rigs, as well as tow hawsers and ship-assist lines.

Today, more and more towing lines are made with Honeywell's Spectra® fiber, a high-modulus polyethylene fiber that is, pound for pound, 15 times stronger than steel and three times stronger than polyester. With a strength-to-size ratio that matches wire rope, Spectra® fiber-based ropes can be retrofitted for riverboat and barge convoys to provide greater safety and easier handling.

Complementing Spectra® fiber's high strength is its extremely low elongation of just three percent. This level of performance is a top priority when tankers are in distress; the crew needs a powerful line that reacts quickly to aid in escort and assistance. Hawsers made with Spectra® fiber weigh only 2.75 lbs. per foot and have a diameter of only 3.5 inches. Therefore fewer crew are needed to handle the line, and it is easier for them to perform critical tasks without jeopardizing their health and safety.

Due to its ultra-light weight and ability to float, Spectra® fiber has become an indispensable component in products for performance yachting. Spectra® fiber is an excellent rigging option for maximum performance because it helps reduce weight.