MoorLink Solutions AB Wire Clamps, Swivel Links, Connections and Mobile Mooring Components

MoorLink’s special mooring components meet the most extreme needs of the demanding offshore industry.

We design, produce and install certified swivel links, connections and wire clamps for use on any chain, wire or rope. We have numerous by ABS/DNV GL approved swivel sizes and are involved in functional testing in test beds in co-operation with well-known laboratories.

Since 1995, Moorlink has delivered approximately 2,500 units worldwide. We focus on providing products for the following solutions:

• Installation solutions
• Mobile mooring solutions
• Permanent mooring solutions

Swivel links

We supply all kinds of chain swivels and anchor handling swivels, as well as long-term mooring (LTM) swivel links such as the especially designed ML 1200/40 swivel link for the FPSO ‘PetroJarl Foinaven’, which is moored west of Shetland.

The link connects the upper two wire segments (diameter 135mm, six stranded wire each), as well as joining the 40 Te net up-lift subsurface buoy to the mooring line. The swivel link is constructed from a 200mm-thick plate and includes a large diameter brass bearing, which prevents the buoy pigtail from twisting around the mooring line. Composite Orkot bushes or washers (in total 14 on each swivel link) protect all items in movement.

Extensive technical investigations and calculation were performed in order to ensure these swivel links will withstand the adverse environment for at least 20 years. This included fatigue and static calculations, as well as cathodic protection calculations to meet DNV’s standard for long-term mooring systems. The complete weight in air is 2,450kg each.

Wire clamps

The Moorlink Mk4, Mk5 and Mk6 wire clamp series are specially designed wire clamps developed to fit surface or sub-surface buoyancy to six stranded mooring wires of any diameter, typically between 34mm and 103mm.

Clamps are also designed to other wire types and functions, such as hanging off a wire when performing maintenance to an FPSO.
The clamps are cast or forged in high-grade steel, heat-treated for correct material characteristic and finally machined to fit perfectly. A mould is then taken of the six stranded wire, which is placed in between the two halves of the outer casted casings. A specially chosen type and hardness of polyurethane is then poured into the inside of the steel halves.

The result is a high-performance system, which serves the two requirements of extremely high-longitudinal holding power and minimum wear / fatigue of the mooring wire. The outer part accommodates a swivel with a built-in shackle for easy fit of the buoy pigtail. The swivel limits the torque effect, which is built up in the mooring wire whilst under tension.

Swivels

MoorLink swivels are supplied in either forged or cast versions. The structural design is thoroughly analyzed by FEM-analysis and allows the swivel to run through a fairlead, chaser ring or over an anchor handler stern roller under high load, avoiding damage to the bearing system or any other swivel part.

The bearing consists of a high-grade, maintenance-free bronze alloy slide bearing, moving over a polished stainless-steel washer. All mooring swivels can be approved by the major certifying authorities.

Buoyancy support

The MoorLink patented wire and chain clamps are specially designed and developed to fit surface or sub-surface buoyancy to mooring wires or chains of any diameter.

Our clamps are cast in a high-grade steel, heat-treated for correct material characteristic and finally machined to fit perfectly. The result is a high-performance system which serves the two requirements of extremely high-longitudinal holding power and minimum wear / fatigue of the mooring wire.

M-link mooring line connectors

The M-Link polyester mooring line connectors consists of two main plates and two main tubular shafts, eliminating the need for having loose and expensive thimbles. The holes in the shafts can also be used for simpler handling during installation and recovery. This means no handling shackles are required.

By introducing the hollow pin design, we have managed to integrate a few advantages that make it a very competitive alternative solution for connecting polyester / composite mooring lines.

Tether systems

MoorLink is a major supplier of tether systems for suspension of free-standing steel hybrid risers in buoyancy cans. In recently completed projects, we comply with the new extended testing requirements made by operators and classification companies.

References

MoorLink have supplied equipment to the following companies, which include:

• Installation solutions:
  • Delmar systems
  • Transatlantic
  • Farstad Shipping
  • Bourbon Offshore
  • Petrobras
  • Solstad Shipping
  • Technip Flexi France
• Mobile mooring solutions:
  • Atwood Oceanics
  • Diamond Offshore Drilling
  • Noble Drilling
  • Odfjell Drilling
  • Pride International
  • Transocean Offshore Drilling
• Permanent mooring solutions:
  • BP America Production
  • Acergy / ExxonMobil
  • Samsung Heavy Industries / Exmar
  • Technip Brazil / Petrobras
  • Technip Finland / Shell