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

The unique design requirements of mooring systems in Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) installations require detailed numerical and empirical investigations as well as offshore experience in order to adopt and certify fibre ropes. 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 individual 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 within the MaRINET2 project. A comparative analysis was performed by monitoring the implementation of the test program and analysing the results to highlight differences between facilities. This has resulted in suggestions for best practice for fibre rope testing in the MRE industry.