Samson Launches Innovative Tool to Calculate Total Mooring System Energy
May 20, 2025
Ferndale, Washington –Samson Rope Technologies, Inc., a leader in vessel mooring solutions, has launched a cutting-edge web tool designed to calculate total system energy in high-performance mooring systems—an essential step in preventing dangerous snap-back or recoil events.
Snap-back, the sudden and violent release of tension in a mooring line system, remains one of the most serious hazards in marine vessel and terminal operations. This new tool allows users to evaluate how energy is distributed and stored throughout a mooring system, supporting informed design decisions that prioritize crew safety. Total system energy is the combined energy stored in all connected system components, taking into account material and deployed length for both the mainline and the mooring tail, and the lengths and material of both of these. Safety solutions under consideration need to be thoroughly evaluated and tested for recoil protection as many aren’t designed to account for total system energy.
"Think of it like a digital multimeter used by a skilled electrician," said Chad Hislop, Vice President of Engineering and R&D at Samson Rope. "Using the multimeter, the electrician can see how much energy is in different parts of the system, which helps them avoid dangerous electrical hazards. Mooring systems need similar attention. Our tool helps users see how much energy is stored, lets you understand the magnitude of the potential force and provides a value to help you identify the tools you need in place if the system fails under load. That knowledge can be the difference between a safe operation and a catastrophic incident."
Key Features:
- Calculates total system energy, taking into account mooring mainline and tail elongation, component lengths, and total system lengths.
- Models various mooring line & tail materials and configurations for a given ship design MBL of any high-performance system.
- User-friendly interface with real-time calculation feedback
- Provides product suggestions including recoil safety suggestions
- Supports safer mooring system designs to mitigate recoil hazards
Calculate Total System Energy
Samson raises the bar on vessel mooring safety by allowing marine professionals to accurately analyze their mooring systems' energy behavior. This tool can be used to assist with designing and evaluating new or existing mooring systems and identifying weak points early that can save lives and prevent costly failures.
As an early pioneer in recoil safety products, Samson is well suited to answer critical and frequently asked questions concerning mooring line recoil. We also offer product solutions to effectively minimize mooring recoil risk, taking into account total system energy, specifically in your mooring arrangement.
Learn more about Defender Fuse™ Snap-Back Solutions or contact your Samson representative.
About Samson
For 145 years, Samson has been a worldwide leader in developing and manufacturing high-performance ropes. Today, Samson engineers continue to pioneer new fiber technology and create innovative coatings and constructions to produce ropes and systems with unprecedented performance characteristics for a diverse customer base. Samson is part of Wind River Holdings® portfolio of operating companies.
Media Contact:
Amber Pitton - Samson
Marketing Communications Manager
apitton@samsonrope.com
phone: 360-325-7852