Port Otago Ltd

Port Otago Ltd is one of the ports in New Zealand which usest he Dynex rope products as a towline on its fleet of tugs. Port Otago has been using the Dynex products for approximately l0 years. The initial product used was 36mm diameter and a finished length of 15 metres with eyes at each end. This line was used as the main towline; however by using this towline on its own there was no ability to absorb the shock loads. This was resolved by attaching the Dynex towline to a short length of multi-plait mooring line to provide a spring in the towline and to prevent shock loads being imparted. The early Dynex towline also did not have a covering. The early Dynex material was found to be susceptible to deterioration due to Ultra violet rays from the sun. The covering developed by Hampidjan protected the towline from wear and abrasions and also provided the protection required from the ultra violet rays.

The reasons for experimenting with the Dynex product were:

• Reduction in weight of the towlines to allow reduction in the deck crew on board the tugs when handling the towline.
• Gaining an increasein the breakings traino f the rope for a reductioni n the rope diameter.
• A safety factor of negligible whip of the towline should it part. (previous towline had a stretch factor of up to 20 percent, allowing the towline to whip when it parted). 
• Increasing the working life of the towline.

The introduction of the covering fitted at the factory has proved its worth as follows:

• It reduces the impact of abrasion on the Dynex line. . It increases the working life of the towline.
• It reducesth e effectso f the environmenta ctingo n the Dynex line (reducing the effects of ultra-violet rays)

Read more in the original letter from the Port of Otago by downloading the PDF file

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