A Comparative Study of High-Modulus Polyethylene (HMPE) and Steel Wire Ropes for Offshore Subsea Lifting and Installation

Offshore lifting and deployment operations are integral components in the lifecycle of subsea infrastructure, encompassing activities from initial construction to maintenance and eventual decommissioning. The choice of lifting and deployment accessories, such as lifting slings and deployment lines, significantly influences the safety, reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of these operations. Traditionally, steel wire ropes have been the industry standard due to their robustness and reliability. However, recent advancements in synthetic materials have introduced material such as high-modulus polyethylene (HMPE) ropes, specifically those made with Dyneema® fibers, as a compelling alternative. This paper presents a comparative analysis between HMPE and steel wire ropes, focusing on how advanced material modelling can capture important response mechanisms, and demonstrating this with practical applications in the offshore field of use. The study aims to guide the selection of materials in various operational scenarios by evaluating key performance factors.