When the stakes are high, count on Dyneema® SK78 fiber

In mooring, there’s no margin for error. When you’re working with ropes on the biggest vessels in the world – in extreme conditions and varied climates – safety is paramount. Reliability is non-negotiable. And durability is essential.

That’s why we’ve developed Dyneema® SK78 fiber: a specifically engineered fiber grade for mooring lines that ensure peace of mind.

Dyneema® enables STRENGTHplus+

Mooring lines and tow ropes made with Dyneema® are uniquely strong – but there’s much more to it than that. Dyneema® SK78 fiber outperforms generic HMPE and is carefully engineered to overcome the weaknesses of generic synthetic ropes for optimal rope durability.

7x

lighter than steel wire rope

>3x

the fatigue lifetime*

4x

longer rope abrasion and creep lifetime*

* Compared to generic HMPE

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Choosing your next mooring rope? Know your FACTs

Fatigue. Abrasion. Creep. Temperature.

Get the FACTs here

Unmatched safety and reliability

From new regulations and higher safety standards to larger vessels and faster port turnarounds, today’s shipping industry is putting mooring ropes and tow lines to the test. Top of a growing list of competing priorities? Safety and reliability, and with a 25-year record, only ropes made with Dyneema® SK78 fiber can offer the security you and your crew require.

Dyneema® is the only fiber manufacturer to test and model the performance of ropes as well as fibers – meaning we can reduce the risk of failure and increase safety and reliability performance. We’ve even helped to set the standard in safety: recognized by the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) for our industry-leading expertise in fiber technology, rope design, and mooring practices, we’re proud to have supported the development of its MEG4 industry standards.

For greater peace of mind

  • Reduced chance of failure

  • Superior service life

  • Reliability from day one

  • Predictable longevity

  • Performance-driven retirement criteria

  • Fewer injuries

Durability woven in

Wear and stress are inevitable for mooring lines – but our fiber is designed to last longer in even the most extreme mooring and towing conditions, whether you’re facing wind, waves, or currents. Plus, we can model the rope lifetime and accurately predict when the line should be retired.

The FACTs show that ropes containing Dyneema® SK78 fiber dramatically outperform generic HMPE lines, giving them a longer and more cost-effective service life. In short? Using Dyneema® means better mooring lines and a better bottom line.

For a long-lasting solution

  • Engineered for challenging conditions

  • Long service life

  • Less maintenance and replacement

  • Better OpEx

  • UV resistant

  • No fishhook or backlash

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Low weight, high efficiency

So light that it floats on water, Dyneema® is the smart choice for mooring and tow lines. In fact, using synthetics is a clear winner in the mooring industry, given that ropes made with Dyneema® SK78 fiber are 85% lighter than steel wire rope at the same strength and similar elongation. Choosing the lightweight performance of Dyneema® means protecting your crew, vessel, and payload.

For faster, safer, smoother operations

  • Higher productivity and cost efficiency

  • Reduced need for tugs during mooring

  • Lower operational costs

  • Fewer handling personnel required

Unmatched sustainability

Industries around the world are working to tackle the sustainability challenge – and shipping is no exception. When it comes to protecting our planet, every fiber in every rope counts. That’s why we’re proud that Dyneema® delivers the lowest carbon footprint per unit strength of all high-performance fibers.

How? Upstream, 100% of the electricity used to make our fibers comes from renewable sources. Downstream, the faster mooring and reduced tug usage enabled by ropes made with Dyneema® SK78 fiber deliver a drop in mooring’s carbon footprint versus steel wire or traditional fiber rope.

And there’s more. If you’re looking for the same high performance as conventional Dyneema® with a carbon footprint 90% lower than generic HMPE, look no further than bio-based Dyneema® fiber: the world’s first-ever bio-based HMPE fiber.

For a big impact with a small footprint

  • Less material use thanks to a longer service life

  • Up to 90% lower carbon footprint than generic HMPE fiber

  • Bio-based Dyneema® fiber available

Want the same high performance with a lower carbon footprint?

Discover bio-based Dyneema® fiber
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Proven product performance

Minimum breaking strength is important – but mooring lines are subject to fatigue and abrasion under a multitude of conditions. The good news is that Dyneema® SK78 fiber is engineered to be more than a match for these pressures. And with no standard tests for measuring abrasion and fatigue in mooring lines, we decided to build our own.

We’re the only manufacturer to rigorously test both the fiber and the rope – simulating real-world conditions and evaluating product performance. To do it, we’ve designed and constructed a suite of state-of-the-art testing equipment:

Rope Tension Fatigue Model

Built on thousands of tests at fiber and rope level, this is the only way to accurately predict performance.

Fairlead Abrasions Test

Here we evaluate external abrasion at actual conditions – ideal for measuring the impact of fairlead surfaces when winching, lifting, and mooring.

Creep Performance Tool

Our modeling predicts creep rate and elongations as well as estimating creep lifetime.

Rope Temperature Model

Accurately predicting rope core temperatures means Dyneema® SK78 fiber can be used safely at higher operating temperatures.

Over 10 years, lines made with Dyneema® fiber have exceeded our expectations, bringing clear benefits in lifetime performance, efficiency, and safety. We’re delighted to extend our relationship with our partner and to use mooring ropes made with Dyneema® SK78 fiber on even more oil tankers.

Zhao Jin Wen, Vice President, COSCO Shipping Energy

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A history of excellence: MEG4 meets Dyneema® SK78 fiber

Our mooring specialists have a long track record of collaborating with the OCIMF on its Mooring Equipment Guidelines (MEG) and more. Today’s industry standard, MEG4, adopts a holistic view of a rope’s lifetime performance – an approach we support.

Pre-1990

First mooring line made using Dyneema®

1992

Publication of the first OCIMF MEG

1997

Publication of MEG2

2002

Launch of the OCIMF Guidelines on the Use of High-Modulus Synthetic Fiber Ropes as Mooring Lines on Large Tankers

2003

Introduction of Dyneema® SK78 fiber

2007

First Q-Flex vessel launched

2008

First Q-Max vessel launched; publication of MEG3

2012

Dyneema® SK78 fiber positioned as standard for large vessel

2014

Launch of the OCIMF and SIGTTO Guide to Purchasing High-Modulus Synthetic Fiber Mooring Lines

2018

Publication of MEG4


Preferred. Trusted. Certified.

Dyneema® SK78 fiber is renowned the world over for its outstanding quality, consistency, and performance – as recognized by our array of third-party certifications. Contact us to find out more.

Keep in mind that the maritime supply chain is vulnerable to fake mooring certificates. You should always authenticate third-party certificates to prevent rogue suppliers from putting your crew at risk.

Find out how to authenticate mooring certificates
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Contact our sales team

Whether you’re an engineer or a buyer, selecting the right mooring lines is a big decision. But don’t worry: we can help you strike the perfect balance between reliability and cost effectiveness.

Contact us
  • Tailor-made recommendations for your mooring assemblies
  • Expert understanding of mooring conditions at a wide range of berthing environments around the world
  • Unrivaled knowledge of rope performance for optimal safety
  • Support with lowering installation costs for mooring systems
  • Advice on regulatory compliance


Stronger together

Our premium mooring rope partners are dedicated to manufacturing strong, safe, and reliable mooring and towing lines with Dyneema® SK78 fiber – all made in accordance with MEG4, of course. Looking for extra peace of mind? Our partners are happy to offer the service and maintenance packages you need to keep your operations running smoothly and safely, day in, day out.

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Where to buy

Mooring lines made with Dyneema® are available from our trusted sellers across the globe.

Find a provider

Design with Dyneema®

Do you design vessel mooring systems? Our team would love to work with you to develop your ideal performance solutions, using our Dyneema® fiber portfolio.

Our technical centers across the globe are always looking to the horizon, so we can anticipate the next big thing in the industry. Our experts engineer for the future, so we can keep delivering the next generation in innovation. And our teams can help you certify your mooring system, so you can keep your operations moving no matter where in the world you are.

Design with Dyneema®