8 Strand PP Polypropylene Braided Rope Marine Mooring Rope

1. General Description

QINGDAO JINCHENG MARITIME has serial products including varieties of nylon, polypropylene filament, polypropylene, polypropylene /polyester mixed, polyester. It started a new epoch of rope and cable industry in the country and its products have advantages of reasonable braided structure, scientific technology, high strength, low elongation,wearing resistance, anti-corrosion and simple operation, it is particularly suitable to make large scale ropes and cables as well as anti -static ropes therefore they are well received by broad customers, The products are mainly used in fields of shipbuilding, ocean transportation, national defense and military industry, sea petroleum and harbor operation etc.

2. Main performance

3.Technology Comparison

Coil length: 220m

Spliced strength:± 10% lower

Weight and length tolerance:±5%

MBL=Minimum Breaking Load conform ISO 2307

Other sizes available upon request

4.Parameter Table

Production Process

• Step 1: Polypropylene (PP) Resin Melting and Fiber Extrusion
  High-quality PP resin pellets (selected for marine-grade durability, UV resistance, and water repellency) are fed into an extruder. The extruder heats the resin to a molten state (typically 180–220°C) and forces the molten material through fine spinnerets to form continuous PP filaments. These filaments are then cooled rapidly using air or water to solidify, ensuring they retain structural integrity and resistance to marine environmental stressors.
• Step 2: Filament Drawing and Texturing
  The solidified PP filaments are pulled (drawn) through a series of rollers at controlled speeds to stretch and align the polymer molecules. This drawing process enhances the filaments’ tensile strength, reduces elongation, and improves their resistance to wear—critical properties for marine mooring. Some filaments may also undergo texturing (e.g., crimping) to add flexibility, preventing brittleness and making the final rope easier to handle in wet or cold marine conditions.
• Step 3: Strand Formation (Plying)
  Multiple drawn PP filaments are grouped together and twisted or plied to form individual strands. For an 8-strand rope, 8 identical strands are produced, each with a consistent thickness and tension. The plying process ensures each strand is uniform in strength, avoiding weak points that could fail under the load of mooring. The number of filaments per strand is calibrated based on the desired diameter and load-bearing capacity of the final marine mooring rope.
• Step 4: 8-Strand Braiding
  The 8 pre-formed PP strands are fed into a specialized braiding machine (usually a circular braider with 8 bobbins). The machine interlaces the strands in a precise, repeating pattern to create a tight, dense braided structure. The braiding tension is carefully controlled to ensure the rope has a balanced, round cross-section—this prevents uneven load distribution and ensures the rope sits securely on cleats or winches. The braided construction also enhances abrasion resistance, as the interlocked strands protect the inner fibers from direct contact with rough marine surfaces.
• Step 5: Post-Treatment and Quality Inspection
  After braiding, the rope undergoes post-treatment processes to optimize its marine performance:
  • UV Stabilization Coating: A clear, marine-grade UV inhibitor coating is applied to the rope’s surface to prevent fiber degradation from prolonged sun exposure.
  • Washing and Drying: The rope is washed to remove manufacturing residues (e.g., excess lubricants) and dried to ensure it does not retain moisture (critical for maintaining PP’s water-repellent properties).
  • Quality Testing: Samples of the rope are tested for tensile strength, elongation under load, abrasion resistance, and water absorption. Only ropes meeting marine mooring standards (e.g., resistance to saltwater corrosion, load-bearing capacity) proceed to the final step.
• Step 6: Cutting, Coiling, and Packaging
  The continuous braided rope is cut into standard lengths (e.g., 20m, 50m, 100m) based on market needs. Each cut length is coiled neatly to prevent tangling and packaged in durable, water-resistant materials (e.g., woven polypropylene bags) to protect it during storage and transportation, ensuring it arrives in ready-to-use condition for marine applications.

2. Application Scope

• Recreational Boating Mooring: Designed for mooring small to medium recreational vessels, such as sailboats, fishing boats, and motorboats, at marinas, docks, or private piers. Its lightweight nature (PP is less dense than water, so it floats) makes it easy to handle during docking, while its water repellency prevents weight gain from seawater. The 8-strand braided structure ensures it holds knots securely (e.g., cleat hitches) even in choppy waters, keeping boats stable.
• Small Commercial Vessel Docking: Used for docking small commercial watercraft, including workboats, tugboats (for light-duty mooring), and small ferries. These vessels require ropes that can withstand daily use and exposure to saltwater, and the PP braided rope’s abrasion resistance protects against wear from metal cleats, dock edges, and frequent handling. Its moderate tensile strength handles the constant tension from tides and wind without excessive stretching.
• Marina and Dock Infrastructure: Applied in marina maintenance and infrastructure, such as securing floating docks, gangways, or temporary barriers (e.g., to separate swimming areas from boat traffic). The rope’s UV resistance ensures it lasts in outdoor, sun-exposed marina settings, while its floating property prevents it from sinking and becoming tangled in underwater debris. It is also used to tie off auxiliary equipment (e.g., fenders, life rings) to dock posts.
• Freshwater Mooring (Lakes and Rivers): Suitable for mooring boats in freshwater environments, including lakes, rivers, and reservoirs. Unlike some marine ropes that degrade in freshwater, PP is resistant to mold, mildew, and freshwater corrosion. It is ideal for houseboats, pontoons, and recreational kayaks/canoes, as its flexibility allows it to adapt to changing water levels (e.g., from rain or dam releases) without breaking.
• Temporary Marine Applications: Used for temporary mooring needs, such as during boat repairs (e.g., securing a boat to a repair dock), emergency docking (e.g., if a vessel’s primary mooring rope fails), or short-term anchoring for water sports (e.g., wakeboarding platforms, inflatable rafts). Its low cost and durability make it a cost-effective choice for non-permanent use, and its floating design ensures it is easy to retrieve if it slips loose.