HMPE Mooring Line
Abbreviation: HMPE
High-Modulus Polyethylene synthetic mooring line — strength similar to steel wire at a fraction of the weight.
In practice
Used as a primary mooring line on most modern container ships and tankers. Lighter than wire (~14% the weight) but the absence of stretch means snap-back energy is higher; OCIMF MEG4 specifies HMPE-specific handling and inspection. Lines retired at first sign of fibre damage.
Regulatory detail & full definition
Common brand names Dyneema, Spectra. Significantly safer than wire in snap-back (low elasticity = low stored energy when it fails), and lighter for crew handling. Susceptible to UV degradation and creep under sustained load; OCIMF MEG4 mandates inspection cycles and load-monitoring. More expensive than polyester.
Authoritative source: OCIMF MEG4 ↗
Related
Source: OCIMF MEG4; ISO 10325 (HMPE rope)
High confidence
Editorial confidence: how we grade.