Ropes

Ropes of many different types and sizes have continued to play a

major role in the working of ships throughout history
In spite of modernization, ropes have not disappeared from ships
Today ropes are used for moorings, general purpose and LSA.
On cargo ships ropes are used for lifting gear
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Ropes are made from mainly 2 types of fibres
Natural and synthetic
All natural fibre rope is manufactured from manila, sisal, hemp,
coir, cotton or flax fibres.
The process of manufacture consists of twisting the fibres into
yarns and turning the yarns in an opposite direction to
establish the strands
Strands are laid into rope. Mainly ropes are right hand lay.
It is essential to realise that each of the components is turned
(twisted) up in an opposite direction to that of its
predecessor, e.g. in right-hand lay, strands are laid up right-
handed (clockwise), yarns laid up left-handed, and fibres laid
up right-handed.
There are many types of lays
Normally ships use 3 strand right hand lay ropes for general
purpose
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Synthetic ropes
Made from synthetic materials like Nylon, Polypropylene and
polyester.
They are much stronger than natural fibre ropes for same size
Ships use various lays of synthetic ropes
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Synthetic Rope Advantages
Superior lifting/pulling strength versus natural fiber rope
Outstanding strength to weight ratio (ease of handling)
Pliant and grips the load well without marring surfaces
Electrically non-conductive (eliminates potential for
electrocution when used as tag line)
Inherently safer than wire rope with a breakage due to lighter
weight
Safe, cost-efficient alternative to wire rope for some
applications
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Synthetic Rope Disadvantages
Limited to light load applications
Exhibits substantial elongation under load
Looses strength when subjected to temperatures greater that 65
C
Melts when subjected to temperatures exceeding 150 C, friction
points for example
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Wire ropes
Mainly used for cargo gear, lifeboats and engine room crane
A steel wire rope is composed of three parts wires, strands
and the heart.
The heart is made of natural fibre, though recently synthetic
fibre has been used when resistance to crushing is required.
Modern ropes are designed with specific tasks in mind and their
construction varies accordingly. However, all wire ropes are
affected by wear and bending, especially so when the ropes are
operated around drum ends or sheaves.
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All wires should be governed by a planned maintenance system to
ensure that they are coated with lubricant at suitable intervals
throughout their working life. Internal lubrication will occur if
the wire has a natural fibre heart, for when the wire comes under
tension, the heart will expel its lubricant into the wires, so
causing the desired internal lubrication.
If synthetic material is used for the heart of a wire, this also
acts to reduce corrosion. Being synthetic, the heart is impervious
to moisture; consequently, should the rope become wet, any
moisture would be expelled from the interior of the wire as weight
and pressure are taken up.
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