Katradis LCP-Siri® Rope: The Ideal Mooring Line for demanding applications
As global maritime trade continues to expand, vessels are operating under increasingly diverse and extreme environmental conditions—from icy Arctic routes to the searing heat of the Persian Gulf meeting these challenges requires innovation in every aspect of vessel operation—especially in mooring technology. Recognizing this need, KATRADIS Marine Ropes Industry SA has introduced a new development in mooring lines: the LCP–Siri® S12 (with Vectran) Covered Rope.
Revolutionizing Mooring with LCP VECTRAN™ Technology
The LCP-Siri® rope is engineered with a 12-strand Liquid Crystal Polymer (LCP) core, made from VECTRAN™ fibers, and protected by a non-load-bearing outer cover. This high-performance construction complies with the latest industry standards, including MEG4, IMO, and SOLAS Circulars, making it ideal for vessels engaged in global trade.
What Is VECTRAN
VECTRAN™ is a high-strength, multifilament yarn spun from liquid crystal polymer. Developed by Kuraray, a renowned Japanese chemical manufacturer with nearly a century of innovation, VECTRAN™ offers exceptional performance under the harshest conditions.
Unlike conventional fibers, VECTRAN™ is melt-spun, which aligns the polymer molecules during extrusion to create a fiber with high tensile strength, minimal creep, and superior thermal and chemical resistance. This results in a rope that is not only stronger and more durable but also more consistent in performance across a wide range of conditions.
Key Properties of VECTRAN™ Fiber
| Property | Value |
| Specific Gravity | 1.40 |
| Melting Point | 330°C |
| Tenacity | >30 g/den |
| Elongation at Break | 4.5% |
| Chemical Resistance | Very Good |
Why VECTRAN™ Outperforms Other High-Modulus fibers
Compared to other synthetic fibers commonly used in mooring lines, VECTRAN™ offers several clear advantages:
- High Strength-to-Weight Ratio – Allows for easier handling while withstanding massive loads.
- Hydrophobic Nature – Repels water, maintains lightweight and high strength in marine environments.
- Superior Abrasion Resistance – Ten times more wear-resistant than aramid fibers.
- Outstanding Thermal Resistance – Handles higher than HMPE fibers.
- Minimal Creep – With a creep rate practically negligible, LCP-Siri® ropes retain their length and integrity under long-term load.
Real-World Performance: LNG Carrier Case Study
The LCP-Siri® S12 rope has been field-tested on LNG carrier vessels operating in varied and harsh climates. After thousands of working hours in mooring operations, the rope retained 100% of its original strength, with no signs of wear or degradation—an unprecedented result in the mooring industry.
Further evaluations of used mooring lines confirmed excellent residual strength and long-term service reliability, even under demanding operational conditions. Internal inspections revealed a pristine fiber core, protected by the outer jacket throughout extended use.
Conclusion: A New Era in Mooring Line Technology
Katradis LCP–Siri® S12 with VECTRAN™ sets a new standard for performance, durability, and safety in maritime mooring systems. Designed for the realities of today’s global shipping operations, this rope offers unmatched consistency, strength, and longevity across all environments.
With its unique molecular structure, minimal creep, and exceptional temperature and abrasion resistance, VECTRAN™ has proven to be the ideal material for next-generation mooring solutions.
Katradis’ innovation is not just a product—it’s a promise of safety, performance, and durability for the future of maritime operations.
