Navigational Mooring

Offspring International has been supplying navigation buoy moorings for over 20 years, with the Company offering the complete mooring assembly, comprising: sinkers, shackles, swivels, bridles and pendant chain. For Deepwater moorings, we can provide mooring lines made of synthetic fibre rope, or a combination of chain and rope along with all joining accessories.

Offspring International works closely with buoy manufacturers and component suppliers, managing all aspects of the moorings supply project; overseeing manufacture, testing, trial-fit, assembly and delivery to the nominated point of destination.

System Design

Navigational Moorings commonly use Open Link Chain, however, on occasion Stud-Link Chain can be used as an alternative. The comparatively lighter weight means that most applications will adopt open link studless chain and this is perfectly suitable for mooring buoys. The Chain can be supplied self-coloured i.e. uncoated or it may be bitumen coated, painted or even galvanised. It is an erroneous concept that galvanised Chain lasts longer as this isn’t necessarily the case. Its appearance may well be pleasing to the eye, however, the galvanised finish will still wear especially at the inside crown of the links and once the chain comes into contact with the seabed.

Equally, over time, wear will occur with the tidal movement raising and lowering the buoy, constantly creating friction between each contact point of the links resulting in a reduced link diameter and therefore affecting the load characteristics. This can be accelerated when hard surfaces such as rocks on the seabed are in contact during tidal movement, consequently consideration should be given to the “Thrash” area. Overall several factors need to be taken into account when deciding upon the moorings including the location, seabed and weather conditions.

Other factors that should be taken into account when designing a mooring system relate to the importance of ensuring that the correct weight of mooring chain is used so as not to compromise the buoy. Often the use of larger diameter chain in the “Thrash” area can increase the life expectancy of the mooring system.

Mooring Buoys are available in several designs: inflatable, rotationally moulded, PU elastomer coated foam filled, modular and steel. Each will have its design advantages depending upon the location requirements.

For more information on Offspring International’s Navigational Aid and Buoy Moorings email: mail@offspringinternational.com

 

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