Ropes made with Dyneema, ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), are proving a safe and secure alternative to steel wire rope for connecting barges and vessels in "push combinations" working on inland waterways. In push combinations, the barge and the unpowered vessel in front of it have to be tightly lashed together to prevent any articulation. Traditional steel wire rope (SWR) is not only labour intensive, but can also be dangerous for the crew if individual strands snap, creating so-called fish hooks. The hard and heavy SWR can also damage decks, bollards and other equipment, leading to costly repairs and paint jobs. The push combination Norma has been operated by Captain Grinwis and his crew on the river Rhine between Basel and Rotterdam since July 2007. With a total length of 179m and a width of 11.5m, it uses four "Eurolest" ropes made with Dyneema by Lankhorst Ropes in Sneek, The Netherlands. Captain Grinwis and his crew - all of whom have had a lot of previous experience with SWR on other push combinations - say they are extremely satisfied with the new solution offered by ropes.
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