Low-friction, low-abrasion fairlead liners

Large vessels such as tankers, LNG gas carriers and container ships have traditionally used steel wire ropes for mooring. These ropes are heavy, rust if not properly maintained and also suffer broken wires which make them difficult and hazardous to handle. Synthetic fibre ropes such as high modulus polyethylene (HMPE) offer a lightweight alternative to steel wire. When properly cared for they can long outlast steel wire ropes. They are lighter than wires, and they are easier and safer to handle by the ship´s crew and by the berth mooring personnel. A problem which hinders the wide adoption of fibre rope mooring lines is their relatively poor resistance to external abuse and abrasion. They are particularly vulnerable to damage as they run through the ship´s fairleads. This paper describes the development and use of a low-friction, low-abrasion nylon liner for use in ship fairleads. They can easily be retrofitted into existing fairleads onboard the vessel. They essentially eliminate wear on fibre mooring lines. This technology now enables the use of fibre mooring lines, with their significant safety advantages. This paper will be of interest to ship designers, owners and operators, especially for use on large tankers, gas carriers, container ships, and navy vessels.