Lankhorst Ropes has announces its new product Lankonect, a synthetic fibre rope connection for the main tow line that replaces a conventional cow hitch, shackle or similar hardware. This should ensure a quicker and safer connection during towing.
A typical tow line configuration [ds_preview]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, Lankhorst stated.
The Lankonect 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 the company informs.
With the Lankonect 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 the other lines in the towing configuration. By allowing a variable calculated breaking force to be set for the tow line. According to Lankhorst Lankonect can be either the strongest connection or a calculated weak link in a towing configuration.
The Lankonect 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 installation would be quick and simple and no heavy hardware is needed. Moreover, the small Lankonect knot provides smoother line movement, as well as easier handling, compared to a conventional and large bulky knot the developer stated.
