Synthetic Mooring Rope
Rope Manila 3-strand
Rope Manila 3-strand is a group of 28 IMPA-coded items (codes 210101–210164) under Synthetic Mooring Rope in the Rope & Hawsers section (IMPA 21). All of them are priced per coil. Every item in the list is manila. The list runs through imperial sizes from 1" to 4".
Buying guide
Manila is a natural fibre rope. This group lists 3-strand (hawser-laid) Manila by circumference in inches, from 1 in to 4 in, in coils of 200 m or 220 m. Diameter is roughly the circumference divided by π, so 1 in is about 8 mm and 4 in about 32 mm. Confirm the millimetre size on the maker’s certificate.
Its grip, abrasion resistance and low stretch make it the usual rope for embarkation, pilot and Jacob’s ladders. COSWP also has natural fibre ropes stoppered with natural fibre, so Manila is kept for that too.[2][4]
How to specify it
Give the circumference, the coil length (200 m or 220 m, which are separate IMPA codes) and the number of coils. Ask for rope to ISO 1181, the standard for 3-strand hawser-laid, 4-strand shroud-laid and 8-strand braided Manila and sisal ropes for general service, with a certificate.[1]
Ask for rope treated with preservative. Natural fibres are susceptible to dry rot and mildew, so the rope is normally treated in the factory.[2]
If the rope is wanted for mooring or towing, check the size first. IACS Recommendation No. 10 says no fibre rope used as a mooring or tow line should be under 20 mm diameter, which rules out the small end of this range. Lines in the same service should also have the same strength and elasticity.[3]
Rules and certificates
Care: do not stow natural fibre rope wet, and do not wash it with soap or detergent, which can strip its oils and preservatives. Store it in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space. Natural fibre is also degraded by ultraviolet light, particularly in the tropics.[2]
Inspection: open the lay at intervals, because natural fibre rope can wear from the inside. Dark mould spots, grey powder in the lay or a musty smell point to rot or mildew. Powdering between strands, changes in diameter and a past overload or shock load are grounds to renew it.[2][4]
COSWP notes that synthetic ropes give little or no audible warning before they break, unlike natural fibre ropes, and stretch up to double what natural fibre does.[4]
Questions buyers ask
- What diameter is a 2 inch circumference Manila rope?
- About 16 mm: diameter is roughly circumference divided by π. Makers round their pairings, so check the millimetre figure on the certificate.
- Can Manila rope be used as a mooring line?
- IACS Recommendation No. 10 allows natural fibre mooring lines in principle, but no fibre rope under 20 mm diameter, and any mooring line must match the ship’s towing and mooring arrangements plan.
- How do I stop Manila rope rotting?
- Never stow it wet, keep it in a cool, dry, ventilated space, and do not wash it with detergent. Open the lay now and then to look for mould spots or grey powder.
Sources
- ISO 1181:2004 Fibre ropes, Manila and sisal, 3-, 4- and 8-strand ropes (abstract)
- West of England P&I: Loss Prevention Bulletin, Natural fibre rope ladders, care and maintenance
- IACS Recommendation No. 10: Chain anchoring, mooring and towing equipment (Rev.4, 2020; copy hosted by IIMS)
- UK MCA: Code of Safe Working Practices for Merchant Seafarers (COSWP), 2024 edition
Published by Sherif Awad, founder of GeoMarineHub — in ship supply since 1990, a family business since 1981 (45 years). Last checked .
At a glance
Part of Rope & Hawsers (IMPA section 21): Mooring ropes, hawsers, steel wire rope, cordage and twine, by construction and diameter.
It is one of 42 groups under Synthetic Mooring Rope; the others include Buoyant Winchline 6-strand Mooring Rope, Chafe Protections for Mooring Line, Hawser Double Braided Nylon/Nylon, Hawser Double Braided Polyester/Nylon, Hawser Double Braided Polypropylene/Polypropylene and 36 more.
Post the ones you need as a requirement and verified suppliers activated at your port bid on them — sealed, so nobody sees another bid.
- Items
- 28
- IMPA codes
- 210101–210164
- Priced
- per coil
- Materials
- manila
- Sizes
- 1" – 4"
Items
Also under Synthetic Mooring Rope
- Buoyant Winchline 6-strand Mooring Rope
- Chafe Protections for Mooring Line
- Hawser Double Braided Nylon/Nylon
- Hawser Double Braided Polyester/Nylon
- Hawser Double Braided Polypropylene/Polypropylene
- Hawser Nylon 8-strand
- Hawser Polypropylene Mono-filament 8-strand
- Hawser Polypropylene Split-film 8-starnd
- Hawser Protectors
- Hawser Thimble for Mooring
- Improved Mixed Rope "NIKASTEEL" Polyester / NIKASTEEL Combination
- Mooring Line 12-strand Polyester Jacketed "Turbo-EPX"
Most requested sections