Hawser Operating Manual

SPM Hawser
Operating
and
Maintenance
Manual
Maintenance Guidelines for
Single Point Mooring Hawser
SPM Hawser Operating and Maintenance Manual
1. Introduction
These guidelines are heavily influenced by the OCIMF Guidelines specified in the reference section.
The information set out in this document is of a general nature intended to provide guidance to all
SPM operators. Environmental and operating conditions vary from terminal to terminal and it is the
responsibility of each terminal to develop their own safe working practices.
2. Maintenance Guidelines
Optimum rope performance and extended life can be achieved, if operators observe and develop their
own inspection, handling and maintenance procedures compatible with local environmental and
operational conditions. Routine updating and review of maintenance procedures will enable operators
to predict life expectancy of their hawsers within the parameters of the use for which they were first
selected. This will allow a hawser to be retired on a scheduled basis provided that conditions of usage
remain unchanged.
Abrasion
A significant number of SPM hawser problems are caused by cutting and abrasion. Very often the
damage can occur during un‐boxing, loading on supply vessels, or during actual deployment. It also
happens frequently when there is not even a vessel at the berth and the rope is floating freely in the
water or is in a secured position to the offshore loading tower. Damage arises when the hawser is in
contact with any sharp edges on the mooring buoy or loading tower themselves, or from such
common things as ladders, chains on support buoys, hose flanges on oil loading hoses, hose
handling wires and indeed end termination’s on the hawser itself. A loose thimble can abrade a rope,
if the wave motion constantly moves the rope in the thimble when the hawser is not under tension
during a mooring operation. Poorly designed or inferior quality thimbles may have rough surfaces or
sharp edges which will also cut the surface fibres or strands of the rope.
Marine Growth and Oil Contamination
Marine growth will not degrade or physically damage the hawser even if heavily encrusted. This has
been verified by tests on ropes deployed at buoy moorings for several years. However the growth will
add weight and could cause flex fatigue failure of the rope fibres or indeed the rope system to
ultimately sink. Similarly during a period of inactivity, a heavy concentration of oil scum in the
surrounding seawater could lead to contamination of the hawser, which in high ambient temperatures,
can become baked hard onto the hawser surface. This may consequently contribute to localised
stiffening and flex fatigue damage to the hawser.
Tyson’s Ships Riggers Ltd

Unit 4, Omega Business Park, Estate Road No.6, Grimsby DN31 2TG UK
Tel: +44 1472 347065 / Fax: +44 1472 241328
Email: enquiries@tysonsriggers.co.uk / Web: www.tysonsriggers.co.uk 2
General Maintenance
Little maintenance can be carried out to the rope hawser itself. Large used hawsers rarely can be
repaired, although some systems are returned to the factory on occasions for re‐ splicing. All will have
a reduced residual strength and after re‐splicing will inevitably be shorter in length. The ancillary
components such as chain, shackles and buoys are usually replaced at a different time scale interval
to the rope hawser itself.
Preventative Maintenance
Always use special care when storing, unpacking, handling and installing a new hawser. New
hawsers are more susceptible to damage, on land or on service vessels than when in the water.
Storing
Ropes should preferably be stored in their kraft paper or polythene lined packing case assuming they
arrive in good condition, and internally are still clean and dry. The cases should be stored under cover
out of direct sunlight and away from extreme temperatures.
Unpacking
When unpacking from the crate always use the lifting sling provided and do not drag the hawser over
rough ground. Dirt and grit picked up by the rope can work into the strands cutting the inside fibres
during cyclic loading.
Post Installation / Operation
a) Maintain a hawser service history including any unusual heavy weather conditions.
b) Leave the berth if the weather deteriorates to a point where the hawser maybe over loaded.
c) Endeavour to prevent the tanker running up onto the buoy – the hawser may become trapped
between the tanker hull, hose or buoy, where wave action can cause damage.
d) Educate support vessel operators to stay clear and avoid running over the hawser.
e) Keep the SPM installation free of any protrusions that may chafe the hawser.
f) Inspect the visible portion of the mooring system at the tanker end during each mooring. Note
missing hawser floats where fitted.
g) Remove the hawser to storage during long idle periods when tankers are not on station.

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Inspection
Any maintenance procedure has to include periodic visual examinations, to determine ropes current
condition and estimated remaining lifetime
a) Inspect for exterior damage, along the entire length but in particular, around splices, eyes and
thimbles.
b) Implement scheduled inspections of the entire hawser system, using service launch or divers.
c) Check buoy support chain and the connection point under the buoy.
d) Is the chain support buoy floating at the correct level? Damage will cause the buoy to ride lower in
the water.
e) Examine chafe chains for wear – measure chain link diameter at the interlink bearing point. Chain
should be replaced if diameter is reduced by more than 10% of original.
f) Survey floats for possible damage, replace missing floats and damaged lacings.
Residual Strength Inspection
It is virtually impossible to visually determine the residual strength of a used hawser. Ropes without
obvious external damage, may have been weakened by long exposure in the water or overloading.
This cannot be determined by visual inspection but some typical damage signs indicating overload or
flex fatigue are: ‐
a) A very hard rope, where the strands are nearly impossible to prise open.
b) A hard rope that is oversized even when under slight tension of 500kg to 1000kg.
c) The rope circumference is 20% to 25% greater than what was observed when new.
d) A fuzzy or powdery residue is evident between the strands of a Double Braid rope, or an 8‐strand
Squareline rope. With parallel strand circular braided ropes, a slight residue between the cover and
cores is quite normal. If severe fluffing or powdering is evident, particularly between core strands,
then this would be evidence of flex fatigue or tensile overload.
e) Fraying, fused or loose strands in the crotch of an eye splice.
Never proof test a used fibre rope above its recognised SWL. Tests at any load do not guarantee that
a further loading, to the same level, would not break the rope. An actual break test of a used hawser
analysed against the service history of the hawser is the most expedient way to predict future
performance of similar hawsers on the same buoy.

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Retirement Criteria
Almost every SPM location is different, so we cannot give a single rule for retirement of the hawser. A
large number of hawsers last at least six months or more, except in the most severe environments. In
calm weather areas and sheltered water locations, ropes are sometimes left in service for up to two
years.
Many operators use the number of tanker berthing’s to determine retirement standards, while others
use the number of hours the berth was actually occupied and some monitor the number of loadings
above a certain load level.
In any event, synthetic fibre rope hawsers gradually loose strength. Even floating in seawater under
zero tension, but subject to the influence of wind and wave motion, many hawsers experience
damage, with rapid reduction of strength.
It is impossible for the hawser manufacturer to provide specific recommendations and the operator
must therefore develop his own procedures based on his experience of the location and product.
Due to the wide range of ropes supplied for Single Point Mooring systems, rope condition, and
exposure to several factors affecting rope behaviour and the degree of risk to life and the
environment, it is impossible to cover all aspects of maintenance likely to arise in this document.
3. Operating Guidelines
At an SPM or FSO/FPSO mooring, the shuttle tanker bow is secured to the buoy or FPSO using a
specially supplied mooring system. This will generally consist of either one or two special mooring
lines with chafe chains attached to the end of each hawser. The chains pass through the ships
fairleads and are connected on board to specially designed chain stoppers or brackets located on the
focsle for this purpose. The chain is typically manufactured from 76mm diameter links with a
maximum safe working load of 250 tonnes, dependent upon the grade of steel used.
The chains and hawsers are supported in the water by a chain support buoy, and attached to the free
end of the chain (sometimes via a short length of wire) is a floating polypropylene pick‐up rope,
generally 80mm in diameter and approximately 150 metres long.
As the shuttle tanker starts her approach to the buoy or FSO, a messenger line should be made ready
on the focsle running through one of the bow fairleads. This messenger should pass through the
chain stopper before going to a winch. If at all possible, the messenger should be secured around a
winch drum so that the whole operation can be carried out on a ‘Hands Off’ basis.
The mooring operation should usually be supervised by a pilot stationed on the bow of the
shuttle tanker. He should be accompanied by a responsible officer who should be in radio
contact with the bridge, passing on the pilot’s instructions.

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In order to avoid damage to submarine pipelines and anchor chains, the ships anchor should not be
dropped except in an extreme emergency.
When the tanker is close to the SBM or FSO, the messenger should be lowered to a mooring launch
for connection to the pick‐up rope. When the launch is clear of the system, it can begin to be winched
in. The pick‐up rope should be fully retrieved until the chafe chain(s) passes through the fairlead and
reaches the required position.
Care should be taken when winching in the pick‐up rope and chafe chain to ensure that there is
always some slack in the mooring assembly. It can be very dangerous to the mooring crew if the
assembly becomes tight before the connection is completed, therefore the tanker should be carefully
manoeuvred to ensure that this does not occur.
THE PICK‐UP ROPE MUST NEVER BE USED TO HEAVE THE SHIP INTO POSITION OR
TO MAINTAIN ITS POSITION.
Once the chafe chain is in position it should be secured to the chain stopper as quickly as possible.
When the chain is connected and secured, the pick‐up rope should be slowly walked back until all
weight is transferred to the chain stopper or Smit bracket.
Tendering of the moorings is not always required, however, an experienced crew member should be
posted forward at all times to observe the moorings and the SBM or FSO and to advise if the shuttle
tanker starts to ride up on the SBM or FSO or starts to yaw excessively.
When unmooring, the chains should be walked back into the water and the pick‐up rope should be
slowly paid out through the fairleads.
It is recommended when mooring to an SBM or FSO to always have a few items of essential
equipment such as a large axe, sledgehammer, and crow bar readily available to the crew.
4. Recommended Spare Parts
A sufficient quantity of spare parts should be available to ensure reliable uninterrupted operation of
the SPM.
The following recommendations for the quantities of spare parts to be kept in stock are based on a
facility consisting of a single SPM. If the facility consists of more than one SPM a full spares back‐up
will not be required for each SPM.
Except where limited shelf life dictates otherwise, more than 100% back up may be required when
both lead times and usage are taken into account.
Description Recommended Spares Qty
Mooring hawsers 200%

Chain support buoys, shackle pins, thimbles & link 100%
Chafing chains (buoy side and tanker side) 200%
Hawser floats 100%
Messenger / Pick‐up lines 200%
Marker buoys 100%

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5. Record Keeping
The schedules necessary for regular maintenance, servicing and replacement of the components of a
SPM can only be established with experience. The condition of individual components will depend
upon specific design parameters, operating history and environmental factors and will differ for each
SPM. A major requirement therefore is that detailed records are kept of each item of equipment in
service or in spare stock.
Record Content ‐ Records should include: ‐
‐ Basic data, dimensions and strength.

‐ Dates received, dates in service and reason for retirement.
‐ The exact location of the item of equipment within the system.
‐ Details of wear observed during inspections.
‐ Details of subsequent tests, maintenance or repairs.
Such records will be of invaluable assistance and are essential for ensuring efficient maintenance.
Observations made, and records kept, during the early months of operating a new SPM are of
particular importance as these will give the first and earliest indication of the deterioration to be
expected, particularly for components which require more frequent replacement.
Individual components of the SPM should be covered by records to a degree that will ensure they
receive sufficient attention as required by their function in the system and the degree of wear
observed. In this way, the risk of breakdown and unscheduled repair work will be substantially
reduced.
Typical Areas to be covered by the Record System
Pre and Post Mooring Checks
Each time a vessel berths at an SPM a general inspection should be made of all equipment and
materials which are within easy reach at that time. Any small defects should be made good at the
earliest opportunity so as to prevent further deterioration. A check list should be completed by the
berthing master both before and after berthing. A sample of a Pre and post berthing Check List is
given in Appendix l.
Operating Mooring Data
The relevant sections of the “Operating Mooring Data” sheet should be filled in every hour a ship is on
the mooring, and if possible every four hours at other times. In weather conditions that are changing
rapidly, the frequency of observations should be increased so that a re‐construction of the broad
pattern can be carried out from the recorded data.
In cases where instruments are not available for recording certain weather criteria, best estimates
should be made and the letter “E” inserted after the observation to draw attention to the fact that it
was estimated. A sample of an “Operating Mooring Data Sheet” is given in Appendix II.

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Equipment Performance
As stated previously, each item of equipment should be covered by the record system so that its
condition can be monitored and any rapid deterioration quickly identified. Moreover, inspection and
maintenance schedule can be modified, as necessary, in the light of experience gained.
Major items for which specimen record or performance sheets are given are as follows, and samples
of record sheets are given in Appendix III ‐ IV.
Mooring Hawsers
To record the operating history and performance of mooring ropes based on the number and duration
of berthing.
Other mooring assembly components, such as chafing chains, triangular plates, chains and
shackles.
Similar to those for mooring hawsers.
Overall SPM Performance
In addition to records for individual components, records of berth occupancy, throughput and
downtime will, if maintained over a period of time, give a valuable indication of overall terminal
performance. The required data should be entered every day. Monthly and yearly cumulative figures
expressed as total times and percentages will indicate performance and utilisation trends. A sample of
an “Overall SPM Performance Data Sheet” is given in Appendix V.

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Appendix I
Pre and Post Berthing Checklist
SPM Record Berth Inspection Data
SPM Location Date
Pre Berth Check: SPM Check: Post Departure Check:
SATISFACTORY SATISFACTORY
Action Required:

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Appendix II
OPERATING MOORING DATA SHEET
Vessel:
Hourly Information Sheet
Date of Berthing: Date Time H.W. L.W. Name Cabin Tel:

H.W. Pilot
Time High Water: L.W. Insp.
H.W. Insp.
Range: mtrs L.W. B.M.
H.W. Tug F.
Tug A.
Time Rate/Hr Total To Go B.P. Temp Draft Mooring Ship’s Current Wind Remarks
PSI ⁰C Fwd/Aft Angle / Wt Head

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Appendix III
Mooring Ropes Performance Data
SPM Record Sheet: Mooring Ropes Performance Data:
SPM location: Date:
Position Individual Port Starboard

Manufacturer
Identification
Construction
Purchase Details
Size
Length
Type
Received
Installed
Removed
Ships Berthed
Time in Use
Time in Position
Reason for Removal
Telemetry
Information
Cyclic Load
History
Damage report:
Failure Report:
Guidelines:
Damage:- Broken Yarns / Strands, Fusion, External Wear, Thimble, Other
Failure:- Damage, High Load, Incident, weather, Other

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Appendix IV
MOORING COMPONENTS PERFORMANCE DATA
SPM Record Sheet: Mooring Components Performance Data

SPM Location Date:
Components Manufacture OCIMF Received Installed Removed Ships Time In Use Time In Reason for
Parts/ Size Berthed Position Removal
Buoy Side: P S P S P S P S P S P S P S P S P S
Chain
Triangle
Shackle
Shackle
Shackle
Shackle
Damage : Failure : Wear Down report :-
Ship Side: P S P S P S P S P S P S P S P S P S
Pick-up Rope
Triangle
Shackle
Shackle
Shackle
Shackle
Triangle
Triangle
Pear link
Support Buoy
Damage: Failure: Wear Down Report :-

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Appendix V
Overall SPM Performance Data
SPM Record Sheet: Overall SPM Performance Data:
SPM Location: Date:
Date Wind Wave Current Suitable Buoy Buoy Buoy

For Inoperable Inoperable Occupancy
Due Defect / Due to
Maintenance Weather
Total Downtime Over the Month in Hours:

Percentage Downtime Over Month:
Total Downtime Over the Year in Hours:
Percentage Downtime Over Year:

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Tel: +44 1472 347065 / Fax: +44 1472 241328
Email: enquiries@tysonsriggers.co.uk / Web: www.tysonsriggers.co.uk

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SPM Hawser

Marine Growth and Oil Contamination

Tyson’s Ships Riggers Ltd

Post Installation / Operation

Tyson’s Ships Riggers Ltd

Residual Strength Inspection

e) Fraying, fused or loose strands in the crotch of an eye splice.

Tyson’s Ships Riggers Ltd

Tyson’s Ships Riggers Ltd

4. Recommended Spare Parts

Description Recommended Spares Qty

Mooring hawsers 200%

Tyson’s Ships Riggers Ltd

Record Content ‐ Records should include: ‐

‐ Basic data, dimensions and strength.

Typical Areas to be covered by the Record System

Pre and Post Mooring Checks

Operating Mooring Data

Tyson’s Ships Riggers Ltd

Similar to those for mooring hawsers.

Overall SPM Performance

Tyson’s Ships Riggers Ltd

Pre and Post Berthing Checklist

SPM Record Berth Inspection Data

SPM Location Date

Pre Berth Check: SPM Check: Post Departure Check:

Tyson’s Ships Riggers Ltd

OPERATING MOORING DATA SHEET

Hourly Information Sheet

Date of Berthing: Date Time H.W. L.W. Name Cabin Tel:

Tyson’s Ships Riggers Ltd

SPM Record Sheet: Mooring Ropes Performance Data:

SPM location: Date:

Position Individual Port Starboard

Reason for Removal

Damage:- Broken Yarns / Strands, Fusion, External Wear, Thimble, Other

Failure:- Damage, High Load, Incident, weather, Other

Tyson’s Ships Riggers Ltd

MOORING COMPONENTS PERFORMANCE DATA

SPM Record Sheet: Mooring Components Performance Data

Tyson’s Ships Riggers Ltd

SPM Record Sheet: Overall SPM Performance Data:

SPM Location: Date:

Date Wind Wave Current Suitable Buoy Buoy Buoy

Total Downtime Over the Month in Hours:

Tyson’s Ships Riggers Ltd

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