At the moment, LineLens is only assessing damages from external abrasion. LineLens offers decision support to the person doing the inspection, but it’s ultimately up to them to make the final call.

We are assessing how to include more damage mechanisms into the LineLens module. LineLens can assess the condition of all non-jacketed rope, regardless of the material. The algorithm has also been trained with HMPE ropes and LineLens used on HMPE ropes in actual inspections. 

From Wilhelmsen Ships Service: 

There is no specific requirement in SIRE 2.0 regarding painting on warping ends as detailed by RightShip in their answer below. Section 26.3.8 of COSWP does require to leave those surfaces unpainted following a report from UK P&I advising against multiple paint layers on warping ends.

We have reached out to the UK Maritime and Coastguard Agency, who has published COSWP, on this topic. Below is their answer. 

“The requirement in section 26.3.8 of COSWP to keep warping ends unpainted is rooted in safety considerations. Paint layers, particularly when applied repeatedly, can create uneven surfaces and hardened edges that increase rope abrasion and reduce friction control.  This was brought to attention by the UK P&I Club’s report, as you say. I have also consulted with one of our surveyors, who said that painted warping ends, (when under strain from ropes), can cause increased friction and therefore heat which can cause the paint to melt – it could ‘glue’ the rope to the warping ends. That can cause uncontrolled and unexpected release of tension in the rope – injuring crew when that happens. Additionally, rope which is contaminated with paint can weaken the strength of the rope. 

In terms of corrosion control, treatments that protect the metal without introducing hard coatings is preferred, such as: 

- Regular cleaning and light lubrication with mineral oils to inhibit rust. We would recommend avoiding grease as that will lubricate the drum and reduce friction. As with paint, grease can contaminate the rope and weaken its strength.

- Application of rust inhibitors designed for marine environments, ensuring they do not leave abrasive residues. 

- Surface polishing or buffing to remove corrosion and maintain smoothness. 

- Routine inspection and maintenance schedules to keep warping ends free of scale and roughness. 

The overarching principle is to maintain a smooth, bare-metal finish that minimizes rope wear while controlling corrosion.” 

We support ship owners and operators in sustainable practices through our take-back program, which collects end-of-life mooring ropes for responsible recycling. This service simplifies ESG reporting and promotes circular economy goals. Starting with operations in Singapore before a global scale-up, this service is designed to make sustainable rope disposal simple, transparent, and impactful. 

- Direct Collection at port – The crew provides landing permits; Wilhelmsen Ships Service manages the entire process. 

- Reverse Logistics – Secure, efficient transport to trusted processing facilities. 

- Responsible Processing & Material Transformation – Ropes dismantled, sorted, and converted into new products or raw materials (note: not all components are recyclable). 

- Transparent ESG Reporting – Comprehensive documentation with clear environmental impact data. 

- Cost benefit – Enjoy discounted collection when you purchase replacement ropes from Wilhelmsen Ships Service through our take-back program. 

Repair on non-jacketed ropes is limited. Depending on the severity of the damage on the outer surface, the rope will lose some strength. New HMPE ropes typically create a “fuzzy” outer layer during the initial abrasion cycles. This layer will quickly stabilize and reduce the coefficient of friction. If the fibers are worn and broken, the strength will be affected. 

If a damage is identified close to the eye and is local, it is possible to crop the damaged part of the rope and splice a new eye, following the instructions from the manufacturer.  

From Wilhelmsen Ships Service: 

The main strategy to enhance the longevity of the ropes is to implement a robust maintenance regime of the mooring hardware, as well as a thorough inspection regime for the ropes. This is even more critical when chafe protection is prohibited or not in use.  

Clean, smooth, metal surfaces will reduce the risk of abrasion damage and will ensure good heat dissipation to avoid damage due to high temperatures. Avoiding the use of rubber mats, discarded ropes, etc as a protective layer should be avoided. 

To maintain optimal performance and extend the life of mooring ropes, it is essential to ensure that rollers, when in use, are regularly greased. This will ensure free rotation, minimize unnecessary friction, and reduce wear on the rope during operations. In addition, choosing mooring ropes specifically engineered with abrasion-resistant construction and materials will further contribute to prolonged operational use and reliability. 

From RightShip : 

To enhance rope longevity and reduce abrasion without using sleeve-type chafe protectors, focus on a combination of material choice, equipment maintenance, and operational practices. Opt for high-performance ropes, such as HMPE, for superior abrasion resistance. Maintain smooth, rust-free surfaces on fairleads, bollards, and chocks to prevent sharp-edge wear. Instead of sleeves, consider using other types of chafe protection that are not attached to the mooring lines and can be installed on or removed from mooring arrangements, i.e. on a chock or fairleads, which must be done well before a vessel enters the Port or after the vessel departs. Operationally, reduce line movement under tension by optimising vessel positioning and surge control, and rotate ropes periodically to distribute wear evenly. Finally, implement a strict inspection and preventive maintenance regime to detect early signs of damage and replace lines before failure.  

From RightShip : 

RightShip maintains comprehensive data on mooring line incidents, including parted lines, vessel movement away from wharves, crew safety concerns, and improper line handling. However, we currently do not capture a dedicated subset addressing additional factors such as mooring rope twist and spiral patterns. To see the latest trends on Inspections findings, you may refer to the following article and webinar recently conducted by RightShip.  

RightShip does not currently prescribe specific mooring line rejection criteria. Instead, we recommend that operators incorporate such criteria into their Line Management Plans, in alignment with rope manufacturer guidance and MEG4 standards. Additionally, operators should consider any specific requirements set by terminals or charterers. For further details on RightShip’s inspection requirements for mooring lines, please refer to RISQ 3.2, Section 10. You can now download RISQ 3.2 here.