12-Strand Braided UHMWPE Rope Mooring Ropes Used For Big Vessels And Offshore Industry

Overview & Core Concept

A 12-strand UHMWPE rope is constructed from 12 individual braided strands that are themselves made from ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fibers. This construction creates a hollow, flexible, and perfectly round rope with a smooth, non-twisting finish. It is the modern, super-strong replacement for steel cable and other heavy-duty synthetic ropes in critical applications.

Key Features & Advantages

1. Exceptional Strength-to-Weight Ratio:

• The defining feature. UHMWPE fiber is up to 15 times stronger than steel wire of the same weight and floats on water.

• A rope with a diameter of just 10mm (3/8") can have a breaking strength exceeding 50,000 lbs (22,700 kg).

2. Extremely Low Stretch & High Cut Resistance:

• Exhibits minimal elongation (typically 1.5-3% at breaking load), making it ideal for precision lifting, rigging, and towing where load stability is critical.

• The polyethylene material offers very high abrasion and cut resistance compared to other synthetics like nylon or polyester.

3. 12-Strand Braided Construction Benefits:

• Flexibility & Handleability: Much more supple and easier to handle, coil, and splice than comparable 8-strand or double-braided ropes.

• Splicing Friendly: The hollow, single-braid construction allows for relatively easy eye splicing (using a "buried taper" or "locked brummel" splice), creating extremely strong, permanent, and neat terminations.

• Non-Rotating: Under load, it has minimal torque, which is crucial for lifting applications to prevent spinning loads.

• Smooth Surface: Provides excellent grip in hands, winch drums, and fairleads.

4. Superior Environmental Resistance:

• UV Resistant: Highly resistant to degradation from sunlight.

• Chemical & Moisture Resistant: Impervious to water, seawater, and most chemicals. It does not absorb water, so its weight and strength remain constant when wet.

• Temperature Tolerant: Performs well in a wide range of temperatures (from about -150°F to +180°F / -100°C to +80°C).

5. Safety & Durability:

• Non-Conductive: Unlike steel, it is dielectric, making it safe for use near electrical hazards.

• Predictable Failure: Unlike steel which can snap violently, UHMWPE rope typically parts with less catastrophic whip-back, though all high-tension failures are dangerous.

• Long Service Life: With proper care, it lasts significantly longer than steel cable in harsh environments (no rust) and outperforms other synthetics in abrasion resistance.