HMPE mooring rope
High-strength mooring lines for commercial vessel
Duracordix HMPE mooring ropes are designed for commercial vessel mooring where high strength, low weight and reliable handling are required.
These high-performance HMPE ropes are widely used as main mooring lines on tankers, bulk carriers, container vessels, LNG/LPG vessels, offshore vessels and other commercial ships.
HMPE Mooring Rope
- High Breaking Strength
- lighter than steel wire rope
- Great UV Resistance
- Float on Water
- Minimum Elongation(3~5% only)
- Easy Handling and Re-Splicing
- low water absorption
- alternative to steel wire mooring rope
What Is an HMPE Mooring Rope?
An HMPE mooring rope is a high-performance synthetic mooring line made from High Modulus Polyethylene fiber.
HMPE combines high tensile strength, low weight and low elongation, allowing high-strength marine mooring lines to be made much lighter than conventional steel wire rope.
The term HMPE is commonly used in the marine rope industry, while UHMWPE refers to the Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene material used to produce these high-performance fibers.
For commercial ship mooring, the material alone is not enough to determine the correct rope. Rope construction, HMPE rope strength, SDMBL, LDBF, mooring tails, eye splices, chocks, fairleads and chafe protection should all be considered as part of your complete mooring system.
HMPE Mooring Rope Constructions
8-Strand HMPE Mooring Rope
The 8-strand construction offers good flexibility and handling while maintaining high breaking strength.
Suitable for vessels where the mooring line is frequently deployed, recovered and stored.
Available with:
- Custom eye splices
- Chafe protection
- Custom lengths
- Different colors
- Project-specific certification
12-Strand HMPE Mooring Rope
Our 12-strand HMPE rope is one of the most commonly selected constructions for high-performance mooring lines.
It provides high tensile strength at a relatively small diameter while remaining easy to splice and inspect.
Typical applications include:
- Tankers
- Bulk carriers
- Container vessels
- LNG and LPG vessels
- Offshore vessels
- Tug and workboats
Double-Braided HMPE Mooring Rope
For your systems with higher abrasion exposure, Duracordix can provide a double-braided construction with a load-bearing HMPE core and an outer protective jacket.(with polyester or UHMWPE jacket)
The jacket helps you protect the core when the mooring rope passes through chocks, fairleads and other deck hardware.
For ultimate protection, we also recommend you use our chock liner (also called chock protection)
Testing & Quality Assurance
For marine mooring projects, the finished rope should be evaluated as a complete line rather than only by raw fiber strength.
16mm HMPE MOORING ROPE
20mm HMPE MOORING ROPE
36mm HMPE MOORING ROPE
Depending on your project requirements, Duracordix can provide or arrange:
- Manufacturer test certificate
- Breaking load test
- Material documentation
- Rope identification and traceability
- Splice inspection
- Third-party inspection
- Classification society certification (CCS, BV, ABS, DNV OR RINA)
Testing can be carried out according to applicable standards such as ISO 2307,MEG4 depending on the agreed rope specification.
Technical Tabs
High Strength-to-Weight Ratio
HMPE provides high tensile strength at a fraction of the weight of conventional steel wire rope.
Low Elongation
Typical elongation at break is approximately 3–5%, depending on construction.
Lightweight & Easy Handling
Lower rope weight makes deployment, recovery and onboard handling easier.
Floating
Typical HMPE specific gravity is approximately 0.97, allowing most uncovered constructions to float.
Low Water Absorption
HMPE absorbs very little water and maintains consistent handling characteristics in wet marine environments.
Abrasion Resistance
HMPE offers good abrasion resistance, while additional chafe protection can be applied at high-contact areas.
Marine & Chemical Resistance
HMPE offers good resistance to seawater, oil and many common chemicals encountered in marine service.
HMPE Mooring Rope Size Chart
| DIAMETER | DIAMETER | WEIGHT | Ktex | Ktex | MBL | MBL |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mm | inch | kg / 100 m | standard | error | ton | kN |
| 12 | 1/2 | 8.8 | 87 | 5% | 12.12 | 121 |
| 14 | 9/16 | 12 | 119 | 5% | 15.4 | 153 |
| 16 | 5/8 | 15.5 | 151 | 5% | 20.6 | 205 |
| 18 | 3/4 | 19 | 190 | 5% | 23.9 | 238 |
| 20 | 13/16 | 23 | 225 | 5% | 28.99 | 289 |
| 22 | 7/8 | 28 | 276 | 5% | 33 | 322 |
| 24 | 1 | 37 | 368 | 5% | 38 | 371 |
| 28 | 1-1/8 | 50 | 490 | 5% | 57.5 | 562 |
| 32 | 1-5/16 | 62.5 | 621 | 5% | 68.5 | 671 |
| 36 | 1-1/2 | 77 | 767 | 5% | 80.4 | 789 |
| 40 | 1-5/8 | 87 | 868 | 5% | 98.2 | 964 |
| 44 | 1-3/4 | 96 | 955 | 5% | 118 | 1,158 |
| 48 | 2 | 114 | 1137 | 5% | 139 | 1,364 |
| 56 | 2-1/4 | 159 | 1547 | 5% | 184 | 1,805 |
| 60 | 2-1/2 | 180 | 1784 | 5% | 199 | 1,952 |
| 64 | 2-5/8 | 209 | 2021 | 5% | 222 | 2,178 |
| 72 | 3 | 268 | 2598 | 5% | 274 | 2,688 |
| 80 | 3-1/4 | 328 | 3195 | 5% | 333 | 3,266 |
| 88 | 3-1/2 | 427 | 4170 | 5% | 390 | 3,825 |
| 96 | 3-3/4 | 509 | 4970 | 5% | 455 | 4,463 |
Standard Lengths:
150 m / 220 m / Custom Length
Other sizes are available on request.
Technical Note:
MBL (Minimum Breaking Load) values are nominal specifications and may vary depending on rope construction and testing conditions.
Commercial Vessel Mooring:
Rope selection should consider SDMBL (Ship Design Minimum Breaking Load), LDBF (Line Design Break Force), required MBL where applicable, and the vessel’s mooring arrangement.
Tankers
High-strength, lightweight main mooring lines for vessel mooring systems where SDMBL and LDBF are clearly defined.
Bulk & Container Vessels
Easy-to-handle synthetic mooring lines for frequent port operations.
LNG & LPG Vessels
HMPE mooring lines for applications requiring high strength, controlled elongation and project-specific certification.
Offshore Vessels
Lightweight offshore mooring rope solutions for support vessels and demanding marine operations.
Tug & Workboats
Compact HMPE lines where deck space, handling and high rope strength are important.
HMPE mooring rope vs. nylon, polyester & steel wire rope
Different mooring rope materials behave differently under load. The right choice depends on the vessel type, required strength, elongation, handling, abrasion exposure and mooring-system design.
| Technical feature | HMPE mooring rope | Nylon mooring rope | Polyester mooring rope | Steel wire rope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | Very lightweight | Moderate | Moderate | Heavy |
| Strength-to-weight ratio | Very high | Moderate | Moderate | Lower |
| Elongation | Low | High | Moderate | Very low |
| Energy absorption | Low to moderate | High | Moderate | Low |
| Corrosion | Does not rust | Does not rust | Does not rust | Can corrode |
| Water absorption | Minimal | Higher | Low | N/A |
| Handling | Easy | Easy to moderate | Easy to moderate | More difficult |
| Flexibility | High | High | High | Relatively stiff |
| Abrasion resistance | High, with suitable protection | Good | Good | High, but affected by corrosion and broken wires |
| UV resistance | Good | Moderate | Very good | Not applicable |
| Floatability | Usually floats | Usually sinks | Sinks | Sinks |
| Lubrication | Not normally required | Not required | Not required | Regular lubrication may be required |
| Termination | Soft or protected eye splice | Eye splice | Eye splice | Wire termination required |
| Typical mooring role | High-strength main line | Mooring tail or energy-absorbing line | General mooring line or tail | Traditional main mooring line |
HMPE mooring rope
HMPE is selected where high strength, low weight and low elongation are required. It is especially suitable for high-performance main mooring lines where easy deck handling and a high strength-to-weight ratio are important.
Nylon mooring rope
Nylon has much higher elongation than HMPE and is commonly used where shock absorption and elasticity are important. For this reason, nylon is often used as a mooring tail together with an HMPE main line.
Polyester mooring rope
Polyester provides a balance of strength, abrasion resistance and moderate elongation. Compared with nylon, it generally has lower stretch and lower water absorption, making it suitable for many general marine mooring applications.
Steel wire rope
Steel wire rope provides high strength and very low elongation, but it is much heavier and requires more maintenance due to corrosion, lubrication and wire fatigue.
HMPE can be an effective steel wire rope replacement, but the complete mooring arrangement should be checked before changing rope type. Winch settings, chocks, fairleads, tail configuration and required line strength should all be reviewed before selecting the final mooring rope.
How to Select Your Right HMPE Mooring Rope？
Selecting the correct HMPE mooring rope starts with the vessel’s mooring requirements.
SDMBL
The vessel’s Ship Design Minimum Breaking Load is an important starting point for line selection.
Required LDBF
The finished HMPE mooring line should meet the required Line Design Break Force.
Rope Length
150 m and 220 m are common marine lengths. Other lengths can be manufactured to order.
Winch Arrangement
Drum diameter, storage capacity, brake setting and line configuration should be considered.
Chocks & Fairleads
Opening dimensions, surface condition, geometry and bending radius can affect abrasion and rope life.
D/d Ratio
Where applicable, the ratio between the rope diameter and bending surface should be considered to avoid excessive local stress.
Mooring Tail
Because HMPE has relatively low elongation, a nylon tail may be used where additional elasticity is required.
Certification
Please advise us before production if DNV, ABS, LR, BV, RINA, CCS or other third-party certification is required.
Complete HMPE Mooring System
HMPE Mooring Line with Nylon Tail
HMPE and nylon perform different functions within the mooring system.
HMPE Main Line
High strength
Low weight
Low elongation (3~5%)
Easy handling
Higher elongation (20-25%)
Energy absorption
Dynamic load management
Duracordix supply:
HMPE Main Line + Nylon Mooring Tail + Eye Splices + Chafe Protection
Mooring tail strength and construction should be matched to the vessel’s SDMBL and your project requirements.
Chafe Protection For Your UHMWPE Mooring Rope
Abrasion is one of the main factors affecting the service life of marine mooring ropes.
Common wear areas include:
- Chocks
- Fairleads
- Bollards
- Winch drums
- Eye splices
- Steel contact points
Available protection includes:
Fixed Chafe Sleeve
For known high-contact areas.
Removable Chafe Guard
Allows easier inspection and replacement.
Reinforced Eye Protection
Protects the spliced eye where it contacts hardware.
Protective Jacket
A braided outer cover can protect the load-bearing HMPE core in demanding applications.
Eye Splices & Terminations
Duracordix HMPE mooring ropes can be supplied as finished eye-to-eye mooring lines.
Available options include:
Soft eye splice
Protected eye splice
Custom eye length
Reinforced chafe protection
Fixed sleeve
Removable sleeve
Custom connection configuration
Eye dimensions can be manufactured according to bollards, shackles and existing vessel arrangements.
Important Handling Note
- A synthetic mooring rope in service should not be knotted as a substitute for a proper termination.
- Knots can create severe local bending and reduce effective rope strength.
- Professional eye splices and suitable rated hardware should be used instead.
OCIMF MEG4 Mooring Applications
For tanker and other vessel mooring systems where OCIMF MEG4 requirements apply, the rope should be selected as part of the complete vessel mooring system.
Important information includes:
- SDMBL
- Required LDBF
- Main line construction
- Mooring tail
- Line length
- Eye configuration
- Inspection requirements
- Certification requirements
If your vessel follows MEG4 requirements, send us the existing rope certificate or vessel mooring specification.
Duracordix can use this as the basis for recommending the appropriate HMPE mooring line.
Customization and OEM Options
Custom Diameter & Strength
Select the line according to required strength rather than diameter alone.
Custom Length
Common marine lengths include:
150 m
220 m
Other project-specific lengths
Rope Construction
Available options include:
- 8-strand HMPE Rope
- 12-strand HMPE Rope
- Double-braided HMPE Line
- Jacketed HMPE Line
Eye Size
Eye dimensions can be matched to existing vessel hardware.
Chafe Protection
Fixed or removable protection can be positioned according to actual chock and fairlead locations.
Color & Identification
Custom color, labeling, serial identification and fleet identification are available.
OEM & Private Label
Custom packaging, labels and branding are available for distributors and marine equipment suppliers.
Terminations & Customization
Duracordix can provide you terminations include:
Soft eye
Reinforced soft eye
Thimble eye
Heavy-duty thimble
Spliced eye with protective sleeve
Custom eye length
Hardware-integrated termination
Splice design can significantly influence the final strength of your finished rope.
For engineered applications, breaking strength should be confirmed on the finished rope configuration rather than based solely on nominal fiber strength. Duracordix does regular rope breaking strength for each lot and ensure all our high-strength synthetic rope are qualified.
Why Choose DURACORDIX HMPE Mooring Rope?
Engineering-Based Selection
We work from your vessel SDMBL, required LDBF or existing rope specification rather than recommending a line by diameter alone.
Complete Mooring Solution
DURACORDIX can supply:
HMPE main mooring lines
Nylon mooring tails
Chafe protection
HMPE mooring pendants
SPM mooring hawsers
Soft shackles
Fall prevention devices
Testing & Documentation
Testing, inspection and certification can be arranged according to the agreed project requirements.
Custom Manufacturing
Fiber grade, Diameter, length, construction, eye size, protection, color, identification and packaging can all be customized.
Send Your Inquiry
- We respect your right to privacy and are committed to safeguarding the privacy of our clients
hmpe mOORING ROPE FAQs
How do I choose the correct HMPE mooring rope diameter?
The correct diameter depends on the vessel's Ship Design Minimum Breaking Load (SDMBL), required Line Design Break Force (LDBF), and mooring arrangement. Duracordix offers you HMPE mooring ropes from 12 mm to 96 mm and more with nominal breaking strengths ranging from 121 kN to 4,463 kN. Final selection should be based on verified rope performance and vessel requirements.
Does HMPE mooring rope float on water?
Yes. HMPE fiber has a lower density(0.97) than water, giving HMPE ropes natural buoyancy. However, the buoyancy of a finished rope may vary depending on its construction, protective jacket, and additional components.
What is the difference between MBL, SDMBL, and LDBF?
MBL (Minimum Breaking Load) refers to the mooring rope's minimum breaking-strength rating. SDMBL (Ship Design Minimum Breaking Load) is the reference strength of your vessel's mooring system. LDBF (Line Design Break Force) is the mooring rope manufacturer's rated breaking force for a new and spliced mooring line. Under OCIMF MEG4, the recommended LDBF should be 100–105% of your vessel's SDMBL.
Can I customize the rope diameter and fittings for specific industrial projects?
Absolutely. Duracordix can provide you custom-made rope diameter, length, and terminations. You can choose from soft eyes, stainless steel thimbles, or hooks. Our professional splicing can make sure the attachment points can maintain your rope's maximum breaking strength for seamless system integration
Related products
Duracordix also supply other related products to your mooring system.
Need Help Choosing Your HMPE Mooring Rope?
Send us:
SDMBL + LDBF + Length + Quantity + Eye Size + Certificate Requirement
and Duracordix will recommend a suitable HMPE mooring line for your vessel.
English 
Español 
Deutsch 
Français 
한국어 
Русский 
Português 
Suomi 