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 ↗

Mooring
Snap-Back Zone

Source: OCIMF MEG4; ISO 10325 (HMPE rope)

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HMPE Mooring Line

In practice

Related

HMPE Mooring Line

In practice

Related