This paper demonstrates work being conducted which will result in advances in the technology of offshore tethering products; steel wire rope, synthetic fibre rope, chain and welded tubulars. The work will have major implications for the improvement of operational safety and discard criteria for mooring tethers. The objective of the paper has been achieved by discussing NEL's current involvement in several major studies and presenting an overview of the research conducted. This research has generated testing of the highest quality through the development of test assessment criteria and gained an insight into the fatigue behaviour of the tether products through the widespread use of condition monitoring techniques.

Keywords:
mooring system, subsea system, nel, fatigue test, information, fibre rope, wire break, fatigue testing, synthetic fibre rope, joint industry study
Subjects:
Offshore Facilities and Subsea Systems, Mooring systems
Copyright 1991, Society of Petroleum Engineers
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