According to DSM ropes made with its Dyneema ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMwPE) fibre demonstrated during initial trials, how their outstanding performance can help fishermen around the world to work more safely, efficiently and cost-effectively.

A leading cordage manufacturer in India, Garware-Wall Ropes Ltd., said to be a household name in the fishing community through its close bond with Indian fishermen, recently introduced Plateena Rope, produced with Dyneema from DSM.

DSM says that during extensive trials, the benefits of Dyneema became clear when in 2011, the fishing vessel Srinivasa was trailing the new Plateena rope warp lines in heavy currents when the net became stuck under a rocky surface on the seabed during a change of direction. The Plateena rope warp lines had only been on trial for 3 months and the crew were worried if the lines could withstand such an extreme situation.

After releasing additional rope to slacken the load on the boat, the vessel was drifting with the strong sea currents and the skipper was finding it difficult to maintain its position. Most of the rope had already been released; only a few more metres were left on the winch.

Something had to be done, and quickly and so the skipper decided to use the power of the engine to release the net – a significant decision, because if the rope were to snap, their nets which were worth thousands of rupees would be lost forever.

This would mean no catch for the next few weeks and with no work and pay there would be no food for their families. On the other hand, remaining ensnared on the seabed could result in the boat either sinking or capsizing.

Following two initial attempts, the skipper gave full throttle and suddenly there was a jolt. To his surprise, the cause of the jolt had been the centre pole, used to hold the pulleys, which had come out of its joint that was bolted on both the sides with 2.5 inch nuts within a metal frame. The rope had remained intact, and 8 hours later another boat arrived to help safely disentangle the net from the seabed - all carried out without any damage to the rope.

 “If we had been using steel wire, I am sure the rope would have failed within 2 hours and we would have lost the nets forever. Unbelievably the Plateena rope fought against the hazardous conditions for 8 hours and still remained intact. I am thankful to this wonderful rope which saved the crew, the boat and our expensive fishing gear,” Mr. Bablu, owner of the Srinivasa said.

According to DSM, the crew of the Srinivasa are happy to welcome Plateena rope onboard as it requires no lubrication with grease or oil, leaving the deck clean and the crew members free from the laborious duty of greasing the rope after each voyage.

“Extensive testing on these ropes was carried out to ensure extreme performance in the toughest of sea conditions before sending out the rope for trials. We are delighted that in the trial phase itself the rope has already proven its value,” Sanjay Raut, VP of Garware-Wall Ropes said.

“Following the incident with the Srinivasa, all the local fishermen want to change to Plateena ropes. However we wish to complete numerous tests on this rope in real conditions before making it commercially available,” Sales Manger Veer Raju added.