Synthetic mooring ropes for marine renewable energy applications

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.