Mooring & Towing Ropes for Barges, Ferries, & Workboats

It's not just a rope; it's a system. As a critical connection between vessels, ropes play a vital role in the river assist industry, enduring continuous strain, harsh environments, and heavy loads in the river assist industry. Samson’s high-performance synthetic ropes provide strength, durability, and flexibility for barge hauling systems, ferry, or tug/workboat towing, docking, and lock systems. These mooring, dredge, lock line, face wires, wing wires, and soft shackle rope options provide a lightweight yet durable alternative to traditional wire rope, reducing strain on crews while ensuring secure and efficient cargo transport for inland waterway operations. Our systems approach to rope and solution development for our inland river products gives you a distinct operational advantage when tackling challenging jobs.

River barge on inland waterway using Samson Rope for towing and dredging
Barges carrying coal through an inland river lock, supported by Samson Rope
Samson Rope mooring lines securing a barge in an inland river operation

The right rope for the right application

Chances are, you have specific challenges that demand a customized approach to your river operations, from barge and ferry docking and mooring to towboat assists. Check out our product selection guide for all of your tow system needs.

Here’s how our ropes support your inland river operations:

SATURN-12™ – A tough, long-lasting 12-strand rope with 15–20% more strength than other HMPE lines. Its abrasion-resistant coating stands up to wear and UV exposure, while its torque-free, flexible design makes it easy to handle and splice. Also available in a sustainable bio-fiber option for an eco-friendly choice in mooring and inland towing.

SSR-301R™ – A lightweight but strong 3-strand rope that lasts twice as long as standard lock line ropes. Its built-in lubricant reduces friction and heat, making it smooth and easy to control during operations. 35% stronger than polypropylene, it’s made for tough canal or river conditions.

AMSTEEL®BLUE – A super strong, lightweight Dyneema® fiber rope that’s stronger than wire rope but light enough to float. It resists stretching, abrasion, and fatigue, making it perfect for heavy-duty winch operations. ABS MEG4 verified and approved by top maritime organizations, it’s also available in a sustainable bio-fiber option.


  product construction fiber (core/cover)    
Image-PROTON-8™ PROTON-8TM 8-Strand HMPE - Polyester Blend
Details Where To Buy
Image-RP-12 SSR-1200™ RP-12 SSR-1200TM 12-Strand Polyolefin - Polyester Blend
Details Where To Buy
Image-RP-12 ULTRA BLUE™ RP-12 ULTRA BLUETM 12-Strand Polyolefin
Details Where To Buy
Image-SSR-1200-3™ SSR-1200-3TM 3-Strand Polyolefin - Polyester Blend
Details Where To Buy
Image-SSR-301R™ SSR-301RTM 3-Strand Polyolefin - Polyester Blend
Details Where To Buy
Image-ULTRA BLUE-3™ ULTRA BLUE-3TM 3-Strand Polyolefin
Details Where To Buy
Image-ULTRA BLUE-8™ ULTRA BLUE-8TM 8-Strand Polyolefin
Details Where To Buy
  product construction fiber (core/cover)    
Image-QUANTUM-12™ QUANTUM-12TM 12-Strand HMPE - Polyester Blend
Details Where To Buy
Image-QUANTUM-X™ QUANTUM-XTM 12-Strand HMPE - Polyester Blend
Details Where To Buy
Image-RP-12 ULTRA BLUE™ RP-12 ULTRA BLUETM 12-Strand Polyolefin
Details Where To Buy
Image-SSR-1200-3™ SSR-1200-3TM 3-Strand Polyolefin - Polyester Blend
Details Where To Buy
Image-ULTRA BLUE-3™ ULTRA BLUE-3TM 3-Strand Polyolefin
Details Where To Buy
Image-ULTRA BLUE-8™ ULTRA BLUE-8TM 8-Strand Polyolefin
Details Where To Buy
  product construction fiber (core/cover)    
Image-AMSTEEL®BLUE AMSTEEL®BLUE 12-Strand HMPE
Details Where To Buy
Image-SATURN-12™ SATURN-12TM 12-Strand HMPE
Details Where To Buy
Image-SURESTEEL™ SURESTEELTM 12-Strand HMPE
Details Where To Buy
Image-TURBO-RC™ TURBO-RCTM Core Dependent Double Braid HMPE / HMPE
Details Where To Buy
  product construction fiber (core/cover)    
Image-PROTON-8™ PROTON-8TM 8-Strand HMPE - Polyester Blend
Details Where To Buy
Image-QUANTUM-8™ QUANTUM-8TM 8-Strand HMPE - Polyester Blend
Details Where To Buy
Image-QUANTUM-X™ QUANTUM-XTM 12-Strand HMPE - Polyester Blend
Details Where To Buy
  product construction fiber (core/cover)    
Image-SSR-301R™ SSR-301RTM 3-Strand Polyolefin - Polyester Blend
Details Where To Buy
  product construction fiber (core/cover)    
Image-LINK-IT PLUS™ LINK-IT PLUSTM 12-Strand HMPE Details Where To Buy
Image-LINK-IT™ LINK-ITTM 12-Strand HMPE Details Where To Buy

resources for Inland river

While our system approach provides you with a comprehensive strategy to meet your needs, we also provide unparalleled service, including application knowledge, technical support, and product training and service.

Chafe Protection Chafe Protection
Hardware Hardware
Link-It_Rotator Link-It
Image-Services Services

Svitzer A/S

As part of the Maersk Group of companies, Svitzer A/S is the largest towage and salvage company in the world, operating more than 430 vessels and employing over 4,000 associates globally. Read more

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