Performance fibers for deep water offshore mooring ropes: Evaluation and analysis

Offshore mooring ropes using synthetic fibers have been used extensively since 1990's to moor permanent oil production platforms (FPSO) in water depths above 500 meters and in the last decade in water depths up to 3000 meters. High tenacity polyester yarn is still the main yarn been used but the challenges of large production platforms in ultra-deep water (>1500 meters) are now considering high performance fibers with higher tenacity with a much higher tenacity and modulus. This work compares the performance of different fibers in terms of mechanical performance (tenacity. modulus, stiffness etc.), lifetime performance and endurance (abrasion, creep, failure etc.) as well as overall rope and deployment costs.