Round robin testing of synthetic fibre ropes for application in marine renewable energy

Abstract

The unique design requirements of mooring systems in Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) installations re-quire detailed numerical and empirical investigations as well as offshore experience to adopt and certify fi-bre ropes in the marine renewable energy industry. Laboratories provide a controlled environment for quick, inexpensive and repeatable testing compared to field deployment and enable a range of parameters to be studied. Uncertainties may be introduced in the laboratory test results because of effects associated with in-dividual facilities (such as instrumentation accuracy, control system and analysis methods) despite following the same protocol. This paper presents the outcomes of a round robin testing campaign conducted at two test facilities to conduct a comparative analysis by monitoring the implementation of the test program and ana-lysing the results to highlight differences between facilities and suggest best practice for fibre rope testing in the MRE industry.