Lankhorst Lanko®nect transforms towing

Leading maritime ropes supplier, Lankhorst Ropes, announces Lanko®nect, a synthetic fibre rope connection for the main tow line that replaces a conventional cow hitch, shackle or similar hardware, providing tug operators with a quicker and safer connection during towing.

A typical tow line configuration comprises a main towing line with a forerunner, and perhaps a stretcher, as well as a cow hitch or connector hardware. Labourious and time consuming to make up, there is also a risk of a break in the costly main line and forerunner from overpulling. The Lanko®nect enables a new approach to tow line assembly by removing the need for a cow hitch knot or hardware. It also allows tug operators to set a calculated breaking force for the tow line configuration.

With the Lanko®nect there is a minimal chance of damage to other components such as the towing bit and winch on board the tug boat or ship bollard and, of course, the other lines in the towing configuration. By allowing a variable calculated breaking force to be set for the tow line – the Lanko®nect can be either the strongest connection or a calculated weak link in a towing configuration.

Industry Approval

During development, the Lanko®nect was subjected to rigorous field trials. "In the short time that we have been using the Lanko®nect, the benefits are clearly visible to us. The ease of use and thus indirectly the safety for the crew is striking," says Jan Busscher, Group Procurement Manager, Smit Lamnalco.

"With this solution, we simply earn money. In the past, we connected the main line and the forerunner with a lashing. To replace one of these ropes we had to cut the lashing. With the Lanko®nect this is not necessary anymore,” notes Andries Looijen, Superintendent, Multraship.

More Tow Line Options

The Lanko®nect connection works with a wide range of synthetic materials including lightweight, high strength Dyneema® (Lankoforce) and polyester (Strongline). It offers a greater range of connection options than for traditional tow line configurations.

“The Lanko®nect is a significant breakthrough in the way in which tug operators can now configure their tow line configuration to maximise the tow, yet reduce the risks of costly damage to the line itself,” says Hans-Pieter Baaij, Commercial Director, Lankhorst Ropes.  

The Lanko®nect installation is quick and simple - no heavy hardware is needed. Moreover, the small Lanko®nect knot provides smoother line movement, as well as easier handling, compared to a conventional and large bulky knot.

For more information on the Lanko®nect, email tugandtowing@lankhorstropes.com and visit www.lankhorstropes.com.