NTL 2000-N08 - Synthetic Moorings Workshop - December 21, 2000

The Minerals Management Service will hold a 1-day workshop on Damage Assessment of Synthetic Moorings. The recently issued API Recommended Practice on Synthetic Moorings (API RP2 SM) addresses the design of synthetic mooring lines, such as polyester ropes, for offshore floating facilities. However, that Recommended Practice does not provide specific guidelines regarding the assessment and mitigation of rope that is damaged during installation or service. In 1999, the MMS initiated a program through the Offshore Technology Research Center (OTRC) to develop guidelines to assess and mitigate damage of polyester mooring lines to support its use on deepwater oil and gas facilities. A comprehensive, multiphase plan was initiated to provide information for the development of practical engineering guidelines. Work on the initial phases is underway through the efforts of MMS, OTRC, Stress Engineering Services, and the Center for Engineering Applications of Composites.