Innovative Ino-Rope Moorings

No More Dragging on the Seabed

Besides relocating the administrative boundaries of the port of Saint-Nicolas des Glénan, the council members had to approve, last night, during the municipal council meeting, a subsidy request for the installation of ecological moorings in the archipelago and at Beg-Meil. This innovative operation is intended to be carried out under a Natura 2000 contract.

Le Télégramme
July 19, 2017

Source

“Mooring lines today face a new challenge due to the increase in mooring areas and new environmental issues such as species reproduction or limiting human impact on fauna and flora. Protecting the seabed, particularly seagrass meadows, is becoming a priority,” explains Mayor Roger Le Goff.

The classic mooring line system offers excellent shock absorption but its ecological impact is questionable. “Around the mooring blocks, the chain’s scope destroys all living species on its path: algae, shells, eggs, fry…”

As part of its Natura 2000 contract, the municipality will test so-called ecological moorings designed by the Concarneau-based company “Ino-Rope” this season. Four will be tested at Beg-Meil quay and eight at Glénan (four at La Pie and four in La Chambre). “This test will be conducted with the Marine Protected Areas Agency, which will handle the ecological monitoring,” says Roger Le Goff. “The Regional Directorate for the Environment (Dreal) is also interested in this initiative in sensitive areas. It’s a first in the region.”

The installation of these replacement lines will still be entrusted to a marine works company. Technical monitoring will be ensured by the harbor master. The cost is significantly higher than a classic mooring. However, besides the ecological aspect, the municipality hopes for a notable reduction in handling. “We might be able to leave them in place all year round.”

« Ino-Rope »

The “Ino-Rope” company is a startup created in 2013 by Thibault Reinhart, an engineer and naval architect, and Julien Barnet. The two young entrepreneurs embarked on the adventure by creating the Ino-Block, a revolutionary pulley now found on racing sailboats. Specializing in splicing, fittings, and synthetic ropes, it is housed at Kaïros, near the port of Concarneau.

Jérôme Rouzic led the project for “Ino-Rope” and designed mooring line solutions for environmental protection, commonly called “ecological moorings.” “The principle already exists in the Mediterranean. We adapted it to the constraints of our coastline, such as tidal ranges and corrosion. We designed the models and imagined two different lines for Glénan and Beg-Meil. A rope-making company created custom braids capable of withstanding a traction of 20t and 30t. But note, the material is not natural.”

Jérôme Rouzic will closely monitor the progress of these lines. “For now, we estimate its lifespan to be 8 years.” He will remain very attentive to the effects of microorganisms, algae, and other shells on the mooring lines and, of course, their effectiveness.

Techniques

Beg-Meil: “The system tested at the quay will include the installation of a ‘subsurface’ buoy that should lift the line. “Thus, it has no impact on the seabed and does not disturb its environment with the wind and tides. However, it is only usable in seas with a low tidal range or in areas with sufficient depth. The subsurface buoy and the weight of the chain provide double shock absorption, best absorbing the effect of waves.”

Glénan: “When the subsurface buoy is not usable, a simple line with a synthetic mooring line, which has a slightly positive buoyancy, is recommended. It does not float and does not degrade the seabed. The chain acts as a ballast to ensure the mooring line does not lie within the draft of the boats and also provides shock absorption to the line.”

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