People

Phone: 01323-504167
FAX: 01323-509770

Email: banfield@tensiontech.com

Steve Banfield is currently Managing Director of Tension Technology International where he has completed 40 years service in design and engineering of fibre rope systems. He is a chemist and mechanical engineer who trained in rope making and design of ropes for tanker, gas carrier, towing, SPM’s, deepwater moorings, fishing and military markets over fifteen years service for one of Europe's leading manufacturers of synthetic fibre rope. He has pioneered and broken technology barriers such as nylon moorings, polymer lined fairleads and bag anchors through several grant funded research studies over the last 15 years for the renewables markets.

Major accomplishments

Design and mooring analysis of STS moorings FSRU/FSU/LNGC Bahia Blanca, Dubai DUSUP, OLT Toscana, Bahia De Salvadore.

Design mooring for world’s first LNG STS transfer in Scapa Flow.

Expert called to solving world’s first mooring line failures for LNG trading in monsoon conditions at new jetty, developed criteria for 22m long nylon tails which has now been adopted in MEG3

Designed STS LNGC mooring system for hurricane conditions in Caribbean.

QA/QC surveillance for 1932 tonnes MBL polyester rope terminations for BP Mad Dog GOM platform.

Design/mooring analysis of pierside mooring systems for over 300 vessels including Handymax, Suezmax, Panamax, VLCC, ULCC tankers and 70,000, 135,000, 140,000, 215,000 and 267,000cm LNG carriers.

Analysis of over forty failed SPM hawsers from SALM, CALM, ARTICULATED TOWERS and FSO mooring from North Sea, Far east, Middle East, USA locations. Detailed analysis and determination of failure cause and residual strength was conducted. Developed special spliced termination to test used nylon rope.

Developed software for prediction of residual strength of nylon SPM hawser and shuttle tanker hawser, successfully validated and used in Sakhalin field.

Design pierside mooring for 96,000dwt OBO at Royal Portbury Dock.

Designed upgrade to BP Isle of Grain jetty for larger product carriers using drag embedment anchor and Dyneema mooring line to ship (removed need for expensive piling).

Designed spread mooring system using combination of Dyneema fibre mooring lines, chain and wire for

Yeoman Bridge 100,000dwt bulk carrier at Bremanger for Acomarit.

Analysis of Petrobras deepwater spread mooring FPSO II for Single Buoy Moorings.

Numerical modelling axial compression, axial stiffness and splice inspection of 2000tonne break load polyester deepwater moorings on Mad Dog for BPAmoco.

Designed jetty/bow mooring for lifeboat for RNLI.

Designed spread moorings of concrete breakwater and spread moorings for 1000 yachts/motor vessels for Holyhead Marina.

Designed spread mooring for Inland & Coastal barge spread mooring.

Designed spread mooring for semi-submersible in Loch Goil for DERA.

Analysis of polyester ropes for deepwater mooring of Girassol WCA export buoy for TotalFinaElf. Review mooring design methodology and develop axial stiffness properties for motion and fatigue analysis.

Co-promotor and co-manager of two Joint Industry Studies with NEL testing properties of synthetic fibre ropes for deepwater mooring.

Design engineer on ACG DQ platform, Åsgard semi, Auger TLP and Heidrun TLP riser protection nets. Tasks included writing design brief, detailed engineering of rope components, writing bid documents, bid evaluation, manufacturing and installation QA/QC surveillance activities. Designed terminations for Heidrun Riser Protection Net 400 tonne break load ropes.

Technical consultant to a JIP evaluating fibre ropes for deepwater mooring applications, funded by 6 oil companies to test mechanical properties of 1000 and 1500 tonne break load ropes. Developed high tensile and fatigue efficiency splices that gave a successful outcome for the study.

Contracted by JDR Cable Systems to develop a novel short spliced termination for 1500 tonne break load wire rope construction polyester rope. The splice was less than 2 metres long compared to the industry standard of around 7 metres.

Contracted by Dupont for design and development of a spliced termination in a 1000 tonne break load wire rope construction Kevlar rope using the short splice technology method.

Contracted by Linear Composites to develop the worlds first spliced termination in a parallel fibre rope. The successful design and development led to an engineering contract award for TTI for the design to be used in a North Sea riser arch buoy mooring.

Conducted examination and pathological study of Hutton riser protection net and redesign of replacement net.

Designed many novel terminations for high modulus and high tensile strength fibre ropes. The HMPE splice terminations for multi-rope and six-strand type ropes are especially noteworthy because of the difficulties of splicing this very low-friction fibre material.

Researched and developed braided jacket covers and polyurethane coatings which are used to protect ropes and splice terminations against abrasion and resist flexing fatigue. Various specialty protective coatings employ emulsion and thermoplastic polyurethanes, hot melt resins, and thermoplastic polyesters.

Developed special HMPE (high molecular weight polyethylene) ROV lifting rope now used on Cable and Wireless and British Telecom cable laying vessels. These highly efficient ropes are among the world's strongest, both on a strength-to-weight and strength-to size comparison basis.

Over 20 years experience on tension member failure analyses, examined many damaged and failed specimens to determine the failure morphology. He also conducted fatigue analysis, and established retirement criteria.

Expert witness on failure of fibre ropes in leisure, civil, marine, shipping and oilfield cases.

Developed techniques for applying polyurethane encapsulation within tubular thimbles which greatly enhanced rope life. These techniques are now widely used on SPM mooring hawsers.

Developed a novel yarn axial-compression buckling-fatigue test machine for quantifying this property and comparing alternative new fibre products. Also developed transverse pressure and slip measurement methods for use in evaluating fibre rope splice designs and techniques.

Designed the terminations used on the British Meteorological Office's BOSCO buoy moorings. These buoys serve in 200 ft of water in especially harsh environments. The terminations consisted of polyurethane moulded rope bend-stress relievers and encapsulated thimbles.

Education

Brighton Polytechnic H.N.C.; Chemistry, 1978, 2 merits & 1 distinction

Brighton Polytechnic H.N.C.; Mechanical and Production Engineering, 1981, 6 merits and 2 distinctions

Experience

Marlow Ropes Ltd. Hailsham, England: Research Officer, 1974-1986 ; Project Leader, 1986-89

Tension Technology International Ltd:1989-1993, Project Manager ; 1993 - 1998, Technical Director : 1998 - present Managing Director

Publications

SJ Banfield, JF Flory, 'Effects of Fibre Rope Complex Stiffness Behaviour on Mooring Line Tensions With Large Vessels Moored In Waves', OCEANS 2010.

Joint Industry Project, 'Operation of Wire and Fibre Ropes Over Ship’s Fairleads', final report TTI-IMLR-2009-626, Tension Technology International, dated 23/11/2010.

Flory, Banfield, 'Assessing Strength Loss of Abraded and Damaged Fibre Rope', MTS/IEEE Oceans 2008 Kobe Conference Proceedings, IEEE, Piscataway, NJ and MTS, Columbia, MD, 2008

Banfield and Berryman, 'Polyester Mooring Lines Gaining Acceptance for Mooring of Deep-Water Rigs', Professional Mariner Magazine, #107, September, 2007.

Flory, Berryman, Banfield, 'Durability of Polyester Deepwater Mooring Line', Sea Technology Magazine, July, 2007

Flory, Ahjem, Banfield, 'A New Method of Testing for Change-in-Length Properties of Large Fibre Rope Deepwater Mooring Lines', OTC 18770, 2007 Offshore Technology Conference Proceedings, OTC, Richardson, TX, 2007.

Flory, Banfield, Berryman, 'Polyester Mooring Lines on Platforms and MODUs in Deep Water', OTC 18768, 2007 Offshore Technology Conference Proceedings, OTC, Richardson, TX, 2007.

Flory, Banfield, 'Durability of Polyester Ropes Used as Deepwater Mooring Lines', MTS/IEEE Oceans 2006 Conference Proceedings, IEEE, Piscataway, NJ and MTS, Columbia, MD, 2006.

Joint Industry Project, 'Develop Effective Moorings for Tanker and Gas Carrier Terminals Exposed to Waves', final report Mooring Analyses & Safe Mooring Practices for Exposed Terminals, rev 1 dated 17/11/2006.

E. G. Ward, R. R. Ayers, S. Banfield, N. O’Hear, C. E. Smith, 'Experimental Investigation of the Damage Tolerance of Polyester Ropes', OTC paper 18150 May 2006

Flory, Leech, Banfield, Petruska, 'Computer Model To Predict Long-Term Performance of Fibre Rope Mooring Lines', OTC 17525, 2005 Offshore Technology Conference Proceedings, OTC, Richardson, TX, 2005.

S.J. Banfield, N.F. Casey, R. Nataraja, 'Durability of Polyester Deepwater Mooring Rope', OTC 17510, Houston, May 2005.

Neil F Casey TUVNEL and Stephen J Banfield TTI, 'Factors Affecting the Measurement of Axial Stiffness of Polyester Deepwater Mooring Rope Under Sinusoidal Loading', OTC 17608, Houston May 2005.

C.M.Leech, S.J.Banfield, M.S.Overington, Tension Technology International Ltd and M. Lemoel SBM Inc, 'The Prediction of Cyclic Load Behaviour and Modulus Modulation for Polyester and other Large Synthetic Fibre Ropes', OCEANS 2003.

Banfield, S.J., TTI and Casey, N., NEL, 'Fatigue Mechanisms and Residual Properties of Polyester Ropes', IBC Mooring and Anchoring Conference, 2001.

Banfield, S.J., TTI and Smeets, P.J.H.M, DSM High Performance Fibres, 'Comparison of Dyneema Sub-Rope Modulus against Full Scale Rope for Deepwater Mooring', IBC Mooring and Anchoring Conference, 2000.

Banfield, S.J. and Casey, N., 'Evaluation of Fibre Rope Properties for Offshore Mooring', FPS 97, 4th Annual International Conference, April 1997, London.

Banfield, S.J., TTI, T. Versavel, NDE, Snell R.O., BP Amoco, Ahilan R.V., NDE, 'Fatigue Curves for polyester Moorings – A state-of-the-Art Review', paper OTC 12175, May 2000.

'Full Scale Rope for Deepwater Mooring', IBC Mooring and Anchoring Conference, 2000.

Banfield, S.J. and Casey, N., 'Evaluation of Fibre Rope Properties for Offshore Mooring', FPS 97, 4th Annual International Conference, April 1997, London.

'Factors Affecting Life of Synthetic Fibre Ropes in Marine Service', with J. Flory and M. Parsey, MTS '90 Conference, Washington, DC, 1990.

'Life of Polymeric Ropes in The Marine Environment', with M. Parsey and J. Hearle, Polymers in a Marine Environment, London, 1987.

'Dynamic Behaviour of Marine Hawsers', with M. Parsey and S. Street, Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, 1984

Banfield, S.J. and Liu, F., 'Development of an Umbilical Butt Splice' ISOPE 1993, Singapore, June 1993. Paper 75.2.

Hearle, J.W.S., Parsey, M.R., Overington, M.S. and Banfield, S.J. 'Modelling the Long-Term Fatigue Performance of Ropes' ISOPE 1993, Singapore, June 1993. Paper 65.7.

Banfield, S.J., TTI and Casey, N., NEL, 'Fatigue Mechanisms and Residual Properties of Polyester Ropes', IBC Mooring and Anchoring Conference, 2001.

Banfield, S.J., TTI and Smeets, P.J.H.M, DSM High Performance Fibres, 'Comparison of Dyneema Sub-Rope Modulus against Full Scale Rope for Deepwater Mooring', IBC Mooring and Anchoring Conference, 2000.

Banfield, S.J. and Casey, N., 'Evaluation of Fibre Rope Properties for Offshore Mooring', FPS >97, 4th Annual International Conference, April 1997, London.

'Factors Affecting Life of Synthetic Fibre Ropes in Marine Service', with J. Flory and M. Parsey, MTS '90 Conference, Washington, DC, 1990

'Life of Polymeric Ropes in The Marine Environment', with M. Parsey and J. Hearle, Polymers in a Marine Environment, London, 1987

'Dynamic Behaviour of Marine Hawsers', with M. Parsey and S. Street,Offshore Technology Conference, Houston, 1984

Banfield, S.J. and Liu, F., 'Development of an Umbilical Butt Splice' ISOPE 1993, Singapore, June 1993. Paper 75.2.

Hearle, J.W.S.,Parsey, M.R., Overington, M.S. and Banfield, S.J. 'Modelling the Long-Term Fatigue Performance of Ropes' ISOPE 1993, Singapore, June 1993. Paper 65.7.

(August 2014)

Telephone: 00 44 (0)1323 763721
Mobile: 00 44 (0)7710 862888

Email: Berryman@TensionTech.com

Chris Berryman has been the Managing Director of subsidiary company TTI Testing Limited since 2014 and has been a consultant for Tension Technology International since 2005.  In recent years Chris has become an expert user of TTI’s market leading mooring analysis software Optimoor. Previously Chris worked as Design Manager for the Marine and Offshore Division of the Europe’s leading rope manufacturer. He is a graduate physicist who trained in rope making and design completing over twenty-six years’ service..

Major Accomplishments

HMPE MODU Tethers: - The development of HMPE offshore mooring tethers culminating in the first HMPE MODU mooring tether system offshore Indonesia.

High Performance Bend Fatigue Ropes for Traction Winches: - Development and application of the highest performing aramid and HMPE ropes in cyclic bend over sheave testing as part of the DISH JIP and associated projects.

OCIMF approval:-OCIMF approval for Nylon braidline and Superline mooring hawsers.

Climbing/Mountaineering: - Brought to market from concept a full range of climbing and mountaineering ropes.

Overall Experience

Chris runs approximately 100 Optimoor studies per year including ship-shore mooring analysis compatibility studies to OCIMF MEG3 criteria, ship-to-ship analyses, vessel wave motion response, dynamic analysis, spread moorings etc. for ship compatibility, berth design and accident investigations.  Chris is also an Optimoor instructor running about 15 courses per year worldwide.

Chris has a very thorough and broad experience of the rope industry including the development of yachting and other leisure, industrial, military, fishing, marine and offshore synthetic ropes. Experience includes as well as designing and testing ropes, computer modelling rope designs and performance, costing, manufacturing, marketing, brochure creation and magazine article authoring, visiting customers, conferences, exhibitions, participating and running joint industry projects and field trials, developing strong relationships with customers and raw material manufacturers and participating in the creation of international EN and ISO specifications etc.  Chris has assisted in lawsuits as an expert witness on failures of fibre ropes.

Education

B.Sc. (Hons) Physics.

Publications

Various technical papers, presentations and periodical articles for Marine, Offshore, Climbing, Yachting and Military market sectors.

Kevin Black

IEng, MIMechIE, MSc

Chairman

Phone: +44 (0) 7808 173064

Email: black@tensiontech.com

Skype: kevinblack116

Kevin was appointed Chairman of TTI in 2024, succeeding Nick O'Hair. He has a wealth of expert knowledge and experience gained over 35 years of working in and with world leading companies such as Rolls Royce, United Technologies Corporation, Pfizer, Statoil, Kellogg Brown & Root, BP, Samsung Heavy Industries, Hyundai Heavy Industries, INPEX to name a few.

Kevin has previously held Engineering and Technical management positions within a subsidiary of world leader United Technologies Corporation (UTC). He has a wealth of knowledge and experience, especially in the design, supply and installation of Riser/Conductor Protection Nets and has been involved in Asgard, Umoe, Heidrun, Snorre A, ACG, COP, Moho Nord and Ichthys projects.

Kevin is proficient in Optimoor mooring software and has conducted many studies and travelled extensively around the world giving training session.

Major Accomplishments

Retained by Kellogg Brown & Root (KBR) as Principal Engineer for the Conductor Protection Net on on the ACG and COP Project in the Caspian Sea. He is also the Lead Jacket M+E Engineer on the Shah Deniz 2 project. These positions involve technical appraisal of vendors, documentation review, inspection activities, Project Management, liaising with site personnel in Azerbaijan (MCCI, SAIPEM and BP), installation supervision of key equipment.

Putting together a feasibility study for BP of the options for subsea seismic monitoring in the Caspian Sea.

Project Engineer working with a division of Vosper Thorneycroft to design, manufacture and install composite mudmats for use on oil platforms in the Caspian Sea. Involved with proof load testing of mudmat panels at Imperial College to simulate launch and installation conditions.

Assisted in the design and drawings for Asgard and Umoe riser protection nets and in the design, manufacture and installation of riser protection nets for ACG, COP, Moho Nord and Ichthys projects.

Design Consultant for a prototype revolutionary Sealless Generator for use on offshore platforms. Involved in mechanical and pressure vessel design. Advised on requirements to meet hazardous area certification.

Development of a range of revolutionary canned magnet drive pumps containing a unique high efficiency line start permanent magnet motor. Technical paper presented at IMechE conference at The Hague in 2002. Compiled technical dossiers and construction files to enable Cenelec and Atex certification to be obtained.

Designing pressure vessels to 280 BAR (4060 PSI) in accordance with BS5500 and ASME VIII.

International business employee achievement award whilst working as part of a multi-cultural team tasked with simplifying business practices across United Technology Corporation (UTC) subsidiaries.

Lead engineer and project manager for a £ 1.2 million order for Russia - responsible for the design, manufacture, documentation and shipping. Successfully shipped on time, at required cost and quality. Commissioned equipment in Russia.

.

Education

MSc. in Advanced Manufacturing Systems, Kingston University, 1997

Certificate in Management Studies, Brighton Polytechnic, 1988

HNC Mechanical & Production Engineering, Brighton Polytechnic, 1983

Experience

Tension Technology International Director 2004 onwards

PROCADD Ltd., Director, 2003 onwards

Kellogg Brown & Root Ltd., Principal Engineer for Conductor Protection Nets, 2003 onwards

HMD Sealless Pumps Ltd., Technical Manager 1998-2002,

Engineering Manager 1989-1998, After Sales Manager 1988-1989,

Technical Engineer 1985-1988, Design Engineer 1979-1985

Publications

'MagMaxTM – the development of a revolutionary sealless pump', K.Black, Eighth IMechE European Congress on Fluid Machinery for the Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Industry, The Hague, 2002

'Low Friction, Low Abrasion Fairlead Liners' with John F. Flory, Stephen J. Banfield, Dr. Isabel M. L. Ridge. Oceans 12 Conference. Paper 120522-005

B.Eng (Hons)

Phone: +44 (0)1323 723706

Email: briggs@tensiontech.com

Nigel Briggs is the director of Avant Design Ltd (www.avantdesign.co.uk) which was formed at the beginning of 2009 to offer a complete design service, from conceptual ideas through prototype manufacture, product testing and production manufacture. He has gained over 29 years of experience from working with companies on the forefront of their respective fields, in such diverse technologies as vacuum engineering, nano-technology, industrial pump design, metal particle atomisation, high voltage power supply and distribution, military avionics and automotive design; working on development projects for Daewoo, General Motors, British Aerospace, General Dynamics and Sulzer Metco to name a few.

Nigel has held senior, project lead roles with his employers and has become well known for his dedication and enthusiasm for bringing new ideas, through into production reality. He has a specialist interest in computer aided design and has been closely involved with all his clients, when formalising and presenting their concepts through digital prototypes. Principally working with Autodesk Inventor he has been fully trained to provide an introduction, to all aspects of data management and configuration of 3-dimensional CAD modelling. He has been taking part on software development and testing with Autodesk products, providing a first-hand feedback into the future development of the software.

Major Accomplishments

Brought forward into production manufacture, a chemical vapour deposition system for growing carbon nano-tubes, at low temperatures, on silicon substrates. This world breaking technology was developed through the renowned Advanced Technology Institute at Surrey University and lead to funding from SEEDA, to form a new spin-out company which allowed the University to develop and market it’s own intellectual property, through capital investments.

Design consultant for BSKYB to develop a camera tracking system for Premiership football, which allowed the broadcast of low angle footage from behind the goal. This in turn, lead to the discrete camera mountings used at Centre Court for the Wimbledon Lawn Tennis Championships and high speed tracking of Formula 1 race cars, at the British Grand Prix.

Nigel was also part of a team who engineered a high speed camera tracking system for the Salt Lake City, Winter Olympics in 2002. The linear, magnetically driven camera pod, rapidly accelerated to 40mph (18m/s) for 260m of track, before decelerating in a short space. The camera payload combined with the long distance of tracking, required a new concept in camera tracking technology and was developed in close consultation with Bath University.

Designing ultra vacuum chambers to 5 x 10-9 torr and high pressure furnace vessels to 300bar (4350 PSI) for thin film depositioning systems and inert gas atomisation of metal powders, meeting the stringent specifications of BS/PD5500 and ASME VIII.

Lead engineer and programme manager for the upgrade of the USAF, F/A-15 and F/A-18 tactical aircraft, payload carriage systems; designing for the harsh environments of high altitude flight and super sonic speeds above Mach 2.25. Successfully meeting and passing USAF and US Navy, testing and procurement standards.

Developed a system of high voltage, capacitive discharge systems for use within electron beam microscopy and a 3-dimensional, medical imaging for Philips health care products. Also a 260,000 Volt system used within CERN for the Large Hadron Collinder, high-energy particle beam accelerator.

Took the lead engineering role for air induction systems, used on passenger and commercial vehicles manufactured by (then) Korean car company Daewoo. Nigel developed the induction system, modelling the air intake, turbo charger, charge air cooler and inlet manifold using computational fluid dynamics and finite element analysis, reducing prototype manufacturing time by using digital and rapid prototyping methods.

Education

B.Eng (with honours) in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering, Kingston University, 1998. Awarded the Institute of Mechanical Engineers student award for outstanding work with his final year dissertation.

H.N.C in Mechanical and Production Engineering, Eastbourne and Hastings Technical Colleges

Formal, electrical apprenticeship with South Eastern Electricity Board.

Experience

ITT Defence, Lead engineer for aircraft carriage systems, 2008

HiTek Power Ltd, Snr Mechanical Engineer, 2006 – 2008 Surrey

Nanosystems Ltd., Snr Mechanical Design Engineer, 2004 – 2006

BOC Edwards Ltd., Snr Mechanical Engineer, 2001 – 2004

Daewoo Technical Centre, Air Induction Systems Engineer, 1997 – 2001

General Dynamics Ltd., Snr Mechanical Design Engineer, 1989 – 1997

HMD Sealless Pumps Ltd., Design Engineer, Product Marketing, 1985 – 1989

SSP Pumps Ltd., Design Engineer, 1982 – 1985

South eastern Electricity Board, Formal Engineering Apprenticeship, 1979 - 1982 

Martin A. Delaney
C.Eng. M.I.C.E., F.I.Mar.E.
Phone: 020 8504 2829
Email: Delaney@TensionTech.com

Mr. Delaney is an offshore engineer with extensive experience in structures, naval architecture, and computing disciplines. He has worked on projects in the North Sea and worldwide, from concrete and steel fixed platforms in the early 80's to recent FPS and FPSO facilities. He is a specialist in the design and analysis of offshore mooring systems, and has contributed to many developments in the moorings analysis and assessment software used by the industry today. Recently he has been involved in R&D projects in deepwater technology and with offshore instrumentation, software and decision support systems.

Major accomplishments

For TTI, participated in the design and analysis of specialised mooring systems at a submarine research facility. This required restraining the movements of a submarine to a small envelope at a constant depth with all systems shut down. Test equipment and support craft also needed high restrain moorings. The design solution utilised high performance fibre rope mooring lines.

Member of the TTI design team for the Riser Protection Nets on the Asgard B and Troll C facilities. These fibre rope nets are placed between the legs of offshore platforms to prevent errant vessel from damaging production risers. The massive nets must withstand North Sea wave environments without deterioration and be able to absorbing high impact energy. Comprehensive analyses of hydrodynamic and fatigue response and vessel impact cases were carried out to develop and prove the net designs.

As Senior Principal Engineer at Nobel Denton, supervised and participated in development of software for jack-up rig assessment, pipeline pigging operations, offshore personnel risk analysis, and moorings analysis. Conducted environmental, structural and motion monitoring campaigns for offshore rigs, including design, supply, installation and maintenance of instrumentation and data logging systems, data collection, post-processing and reporting activities. Responsible for contract to design, build, install and commission a metocean monitoring and mooring advisory system for Amoco Liuhua FPS , South East China.

Managed, promoted and contributed technically to several leading Joint Industry Projects including SEAL (mooring wire inspection tool), Design Guide for Fibre Rope Moorings, and Integrated Mooring & Riser Design. Active in specialist consultancy in offshore moorings and deepwater technology including analysis work, offshore visits, expert advice in litigation cases and attending and speaking at international conferences.

As an Associate at Global Maritime, undertook a broad spectrum of marine and offshore engineering consultancy work including analyses for environmental criteria, hydrodynamic loads, vessel motions, moorings, risers, pipelines, structures etc., warranty approvals, site work, conducting offshore surveys and handling investigations into vessel collisions, berth and oil terminal damage, etc., for insurance interests.

As consultant to Global Maritime, performed the engineering and design of temporary mooring systems for construction of the Conoco Hutton TLP involving development of design philosophies and writing computer programs to analyse multi-leg catenary moorings.

Detailed design and site supervision as Resident Engineer for the floating pier at Westminster (client Thames Water Authority). Also, Hydrostatic stability and moorings analyses of many floating structures including, semi-submersible drilling units, barges, single point moorings, immersed-tube tunnels and a floating pump station.

As consultant to Noble Denton & Associates, performed structural and stability checks for mobile drilling units in worldwide locations under operating conditions and towage. Detailed structural analyses of jack-up units to investigate fatigue, dynamic and foundation effects. Technical appraisals for unusual marine cargoes on heavy lift vessels. Reviews, independent analyses and field attendances for insurance warranty on major oil & gas field developments including the Brae A, Gorm, Beatrice B and Morecambe Bay projects.

Education

B.Tech. (Hons) in Civil and Structural Engineering (Bradford).

M.Sc. in Maritime Civil Engineering (Manchester).

Experience

- Taylor Woodrow Construction Ltd., London, Design Engineer, 1977-80.

- Self-Employed, 1980-83, clients included: Shell, SBM Inc., Noble Denton, Global Maritime.

- Global Maritime Ltd., London, Senior Structural Engineer, 1983-87, Associate, 1987-92

- Noble Denton Europe, Limited, London, Senior Principal Engineer, 1992-96

- Tension Technology International, Technical Director (Mooring Systems), 1997-Present

Professional societies and other qualifications

- Chartered Engineer, Member, Institution of Civil Engineers

- Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineers

- Offshore Medical & Training Certificates (OPITO ID 0029661).

John F. Flory P.E.

USA

Phone: 1-973-267-0871

Email: flory@tensiontech.com

John Flory is a mechanical engineer who worked for over 20 years for Exxon Research and Engineering Co. He served as Exxon's specialist in offshore mooring systems for tankers. He has extensive experience in research, development, design and application of mooring systems and associated components, especially hawsers and hoses. Mr. Flory is a founding member of Tension Technology International (TTI). With TTI, he has performed research on rope terminations, conducted rope, yarn, and hose testing, and given training sessions on safe use of marine ropes. He has advised the U.S. Navy and various oil companies and has investigated many rope, mooring hawser, and cargo hose failures.

Major accomplishments

Invented and developed the SALM (Single Anchor Leg Mooring) for mooring and loading large tankers offshore in severe environments. Conducted and supervised the analysis, design, testing, specification, procurement, and installation of SALM systems for Exxon and other oil companies.

Authored the U.S. Coast Guard Guidelines for Deepwater Port Single Point Mooring Design. This included the first extensive survey of synthetic fibre mooring ropes. These Guidelines are now used as a basis for licensing offshore tanker terminals in the United States.

Conducted and monitored almost one thousand model tests of various single point mooring systems. 

Developed methods of analysing test data and of predicting and estimating SPM mooring loads from these data. Performed and supervised development of mooring load prediction computer programs.

Developed synthetic fibre rope cyclic load and abrasion test methods as the principal investigator for the Oil Companies International Marine Forum (OCIMF) Hawser Standards Development Program. Conducted over 200 breaking strength, cyclic load and abrasion tests on many different rope structures and fibre types. 

Prepared the OCIMF SPM Mooring Hawser Guidelines For Purchasing, Production, and Prototype Testing.

Determined that premature failure of large double-braid ropes during cyclic loading was due to difficulties in assembling splices, resulting in a load imbalance within the rope. Developed quality control steps to assure that splices are properly assembled, which increased strength and significantly improved rope life.

Analysed and tested chains bent over small-radius fairleads to establish that the large fairleads recommended by others after the Amoco Cadiz incident were unnecessary. Recommended practical, economical towing chain fairleads for tankers which have now been adopted as an industry standard.

Served as consultant and advisor to major joint-industry test program on large aramid ropes. Conducted break and cyclic load tests on one million lb break strength aramid ropes and analysed failure modes. Determined that axial compression fatigue in splices was principal form of cyclic load failure, which could be avoided with alternative termination designs.

Conducted research on light-weight terminations for large aramid ropes for the U.S. Navy. Developed the divided-cavity potted socket termination. Achieved 50% greater strength while decreasing size and weight of conventional resin potted terminations.

Investigated high-modulus and high-performance fibre ropes. Advised U.S. Navy and tanker companies on use of newer synthetic fibre mooring lines on vessels.

Conducted detailed examination and break tests on used six-strand fibre rope mooring lines retired from service on tankers. Developed quantitative relationships between lay length, strand and rope diameter, and other parameters, and residual break strength. Prepared fibre and wire rope inspection and replacement guidelines which are used on Exxon tankers.

Identified yarn-on-yarn abrasion as a principal cause of rope strength reduction during cyclic loading. Invented apparatus to test yarn abrasion properties. Conducted comparison tests for yarn producers to select the best yarn finish for high-performance ropes. The yarn-on-yarn abrasion test machine is now used by fibre producers and rope manufacturers for research and quality control.

Developed testing techniques for external yarn abrasion and for yarn-on-yarn friction. Conducted bench mark testing of many polyester and high-modulus fibre yarns for a joint industry research program investigating the potential performance of high-performance fibre ropes for moorings.

Investigated numerous mooring hawser and rope failures at SPMs and at conventional berths. Identified failures due to splicing problems, material substitutions, and line handling, as well as other, external causes of synthetic fibre mooring rope failures.

Determined that bending fatigue was the cause of a cargo hose failure. Revised the industry standard bend test to impose more realistic bending moments on the critical end portion of the hose. To meet the more stringent bend test requirement, one manufacturer produced a new hose design which exceeded the burst test pressure by 50% and was no more expensive.

Advised research on service life and replacement criteria for rubber and composite-material dock cargo hoses. Determined relationships between types of damage and in-service pressure test measurements to the actual burst pressure of typical cargo hoses. Also identified unusual hose failures due to design and manufacturing problems.

Investigated numerous cargo hose failures at SPMs, on tankers and barges, and on docks. Identified failures due to manufacturing defects, material substitutions, and hose handling problems, as well as other, external causes of small and large cargo hose failures.

Co-developed the OPTIMOOR computer program for analysis of vessel mooring arrangements at piers. Incorporated wind coefficients, tide and current functions, and synthetic fibre load-extension characteristics. 

Used OPTIMOOR to analyse tanker mooring accidents.

Developed and conducted short course on mooring line safety on board tankers. Developed and conducted short course on SPM design and analysis. Organized MTS International Rope Technology Workshop at Cornell University.

Education

• University of Nebraska, Lincoln, B.S. Mechanical Engineering, 1962

• University of Nebraska, Lincoln, M.S. Engineering Mechanics, 1963

Experience

• U.S. Air Force Special Weapons Center, Kirtland AFB, NM, Research Project Officer

• Exxon Research and Engineering Co., Florham Park, NJ, Civil and Marine Section, Group Head, Engineering Associate, 1966-1986

• Tension Technology International, Morristown, NJ, Vice President, 1986-Present

Registration

Licensed Professional Engineer, New Jersey, L19642

Committees and professional societies

American Bureau of Shipping, Committee on Single Point Moorings (1974); American Society For Testing Materials, Committee on Ropes and Cordage; American Society of Civil Engineers, Committee on Marine Fibre Rope; American Society of Mechanical Engineers, Past Section Chairman; the Cordage Institute, Technical Committee, Chairman- Rope Test Subcommittee; Marine Technology Society, Chairman - Ropes/Tension Members Committee; National Society of Professional Engineers; Society of Marine Consultants, member Executive Committee and Board of Directors; Society of Naval Architects and Marine Engineers; U.S. Navy Man-Made Fibre Rope Taskforce Advisory Group (1983)

Publications and patents

Author of over 50 technical publications and papers.

Inventor of 20 U.S. patents and other corresponding foreign patents.

Animesh Garg

Phone: + 91 973 4080963

Email: animesh.garg@tensiontech.com

Animesh Garg is currently an Associate Consultant in Tension Technology International where he has recently joined in to expand company’s base within India.

Animesh enjoys over 10 years of experience in Oil/Gas industry spread over working within Maritime Projects 

and Commercial Freight Trading.

A sailor by heart, he started his career with an energy major sailing on Oil/LNG vessels where he developed strong leadership/man management skills along with sound technical shipboard cargo operation knowledge.

He also has a strong commercial acumen gained during a stint in freight trading.

More recently he was responsible for auditing technical standards within Maritime projects in pre-FEED stage.

He enjoys command and expertise in compatibility assessments/ mooring analysis for floating assets and has completed more than 200 such reports to this day.

Major Accomplishments

• Recipient of 3 Special Recognition Awards for high on quality work delivered with focus on excellent customer relationship

• Revised standards and guidelines for Personnel transfer by Basket (PTB) during STS ops for managed & T/C fleet.

• Executed Assurance audits and contract management for STS providers

• Standalone vessel compatibility & mooring analysis support for the largest FLNG ever created.

• Development of LNG bunkering procedures and reviewing technical standards

• Site selection feasibility study for world’s 1st liquid hydrogen export maritime project

• Instrumental in IMO 2020 bunker changeover being responsible for developing plans with least commercial impact to trading book

• Instrumental in Optimizing fleet AWRP insurance costs for T/C fleet working in tandem with underwriters/ Ship Owners

Education & Professional Qualifications

• BSc Nautical Sciences | June 2010 | T.S. Chanakya, Mumbai

• Member of Institute of Chartered Ship brokers | March 2017 | ICS, London (Qualification Subjects: Shipping Business & Economics | Tanker & Dry Cargo Chartering | Port Agency & Logistics | Maritime Law)

• Chief Officer unlimited license from Directorate General of Shipping, Government of India.

• Advanced Diploma in 'Ship Operations & Management ‘|Institute of Chartered Ship brokers | September 2015 | ICS, London

Experience

• STS Assurance advisor - Martime Ports & Terminal Assurance I STASCO, London, January 2020 to March 2020

• Commercial Freight Operator - T & S Crude & Products I STASCO, London, April 2019 to January 2020

• Ship Shore Interface Advisor I STASCO, London, 2017 to May 2019

• Deck Officer I SSML 2013 to 2017

Roger E Hobbs, DSc (Eng)

Email: hobbs@tensiontech.com

Emeritus Prof. Roger Hobbs was formerly a member of the faculty of Imperial College, London. He has specialised in numerical and experimental studies of wire and synthetic-fibre ropes and cables, chain and pipelines. As a member of Tension Technology International, Roger has developed rope modelling computer programs and conducted laboratory trials of ropes.

Major accomplishments

Supervised SERC/Marine Technology Directorate project on methods of predicting the properties of large diameter marine wire ropes, including axial stiffness and fatigue, and bending performance near terminations and fairleads.

Supervised Ministry of Defence/Procurement Executive project on the failure and friction hold of steel wire rope at high loads and small D/d ratios for winch applications.

Performed theoretical and experimental studies on the behaviour of wire ropes and spiral strands, including stiffness, hysteresis and fatigue properties under axial tension, bending, and torsion loadings. These investigations have been of practical interest in fields ranging from suspension bridges through guyed masts and transmission lines to a variety of offshore mooring and tethering applications.

Studied the fatigue of large synthetic moorings in tension over various fairlead and roller sheave components.

Investigated the stiffness and fatigue of Kevlar (aramid) Parafil ropes in tension, bending over sheaves, and flexing near terminations.

Performed a wide range of work on the behaviour of submarine pipelines - in particular thermal effects, vortex induced vibrations, and the problems of manoeuvring pipelines for tie-in and repair.

Developed a method of measuring pressures and friction forces on yarns within ropes under tension in order to calculate coefficient of friction for computer modelling.

Education

Imperial College, London, BSc.(Eng.) First Class Honours, 1964

Imperial College, London, PhD. 1966. DSc (Eng) 1996

Experience

Civil Engineering Dept., Imperial College London

Various positions before appointment as:

Professor of Structural Engineering, 1990-2003

Emeritus Professor, 2003-present

Director, Tension technology International, 1986-present

Consultancies:

Vanguard Ltd, APC Associates and Kennedys, Lenz and Staehelin, Michelin, Arups, Ince & Co., Norwegian Contractors, Scanrope A/S, Flint and Neill, BBC and Independent Broadcast Authority, Bridon, Mobil Norway Inc., J.P. Kenny and Partners, Kvaerner Cleveland Bridge, London Underground Limited.

Registration

FICE (Fellow, Institution of Civil Engineers, UK)

Committees and professional societies

Formerly Technical Secretary, EuroCode 3 (Steel Structures) Drafting Panel

Honours and Awards

Fellow, City and Guilds of London institute, 1996

Awards for publications:

Telford Premium, Institution of Civil Engineers, 1968

Trevithick Premium, Institution of Civil Engineers, 1978

T.K. Hseih Award, Institution of Civil Engineers/ Royal Society, 1985

JBCSA / CEGB Prize (Journal of Strain Analysis), 1996

Henry Adams Diploma, Institution of Structural Engineers, 2002

Journal of Strain Analysis, PE Publishing Award, 2005

Publications and Patents

Over 100 published papers and a similar number of research reports.

James Mackay
Tel: + 44 (0) 7712 164183
email: james.mackay@tensiontech.com

Summary

James has over 35 years’ experience in the marine industry, of which over 30 has been in the fibre rope industry. James joined Marlow Ropes in 1991, and during his time, was instrumental in growing the single point mooring [SPM] and engineered product portfolio of the marine and offshore division of this business and assisted in a number of industry firsts. These included pioneering the first use of Dyneema ropes for riser tethers and securing the first contracts awarded for permanent polyester deepwater mooring ropes in the mid 90’s for Petrobras in Brazil and in the Gulf of Mexico for BP’s "Mad Dog" and the "Independence Hub" [2002 – 2006] projects for Enterprise Oil, the latter of which was concluded under Bridon following the acquisition of Marlow’s marine and offshore assists.

Following the acquisition by Bridon, James was responsible for all fibre ropes sales including deepwater moorings, SPM’s, heavy lift and the emerging renewables market focusing mainly on wave energy but also in tidal and wind. In addition, during this time he was also responsible for Bridon's fishing and grapnel wire rope markets. Moving to a business development role in December 2012, he has overseen the rapid growth of Dyneema heavy lift slings including supplying the largest capacity fibre rope slings with a minimum break load of 4000 tonnes and supplying the first Dyneema mooring inserts for drilling rigs in the North Sea. During the last 8 months he managed the supply of two polyester mooring projects for a Norwegian client including gaining factory manufacturing approval and full product certification in accordance with the latest revision of DNV’s standard for Offshore Fibre Moorings, DNV-OS-E303.

Since leaving Bridon in May 2014, James has been employed as an associate consultant with Tension Technology International handling a wide range of projects including, failure investigations, wave energy system costs, project management, inspection, expediting and installation on a number of specialist fibre rope net projects. These have included overseeing installation in the shipyards, offshore commissioning and ongoing support.

In addition he has also taken on the day to day marketing for the business and looking after ad hoc projects as they come in.

James holds offshore certificates BOSIET (5700) & (5750 - with CA EBS), MIST and a valid offshore medical, and has travelled and worked on offshore installations worldwide.

Summary of Professional Experience:

Present Position: May 2014 - Present

Associate Consultant – Tension Technology International

Project Management and yard Installation of Ice Protection Net Project on Artic Drilling Rig

Project Management, Inspection, Expediting and yard installation of Moho Nord Riser Protection Net Project [RPN]

Project Management and production of fibre rope anchor system – Carbon Trust MRCF Project for Renewable Energy Systems.

Technical Consultant for pre-award Ichthys RPN project

On site QC Inspection and manufacturing review for the Ichthys RPN project

Yarn Installation and Offshore Commissioning for the Ichthys RPN Project

Rope Inspection, Failure Investigation and Expert Witness - Various

Cost modelling for moorings on renewable energy devices

December 2012 – May 2014

Business Development Manager – Fibre Products, Bridon International Limited

Commercial and Technical management of all new products and market developments including marketing and strategic planning, cost development and launch plans.

Project management of two polyester projects to gain manufacturing and product approval to DNV-OS-E303

January 2006 – December 2012

General Sales Manager – Bridon International Limited

Responsible for all aspects of fibre sales business following acquisition of the marine and offshore assets of Marlow Ropes.

Managed factory transition from Hailsham to Coatbridge facility within first 6 months of acquisition including managing machinery decommissioning for removal to new factory, identifying and securing new offices for sales and engineering team and ultimate closure of Hailsham factory within timetabled deadlines.

Effectively planned and implemented transition of fibre sales into the overall Bridon sales business

March 2004 – December 2005

Commercial and Technical Sales Manager – Marlow Ropes Limited

In addition to Commercial Sales Manager role, assumed full responsibly for the Technical Design Team

Ensured product range and design, met conflicting demands of high performance, maintained attractiveness to market whilst still being cost effective and profitable.

July 2002 – February 2004

Commercial Sales Manager – Marlow Ropes Limited

Reporting to Chief Executive responsible for management of all Regional Sales Managers [x6] and the Customer Service Team [x6].

Devised and implemented strategies that best used the resources available and maintained market leadership in marine and offshore fibre ropes.

Developed a comprehensive and profitable trading portfolio to complement our manufacturing capability.

Managed sales teams and measured their performance against individual and business sales plans.

March 1997 - June 2002

Regional Sales Manager – North America and Australasia – Marlow Ropes Limited

Responsible for management and all sales into the regions; including effective review and management of regional sales agents and distributors, sales and marketing budgets.

October 1991 - February 1997

Sales Engineer – Marlow Ropes Limited

Implemented engineering systems, document control and drawing system including installation of AutoCAD.

Preparation and submittal of accurate quotations and project plans to external clients. Managed order entry and contract management from initial enquiry through order and final delivery.

September 1989 – August 1990

Graduate Design Engineer - ML Lifeguard

Designed personal safety equipment, specialised assault craft and liferafts for use in military and commercial applications.

Academic and Professional Attainment:

BSc [Hons] Engineering Product Design - London South Bank University, 1991

BTEC Diploma in General Engineering - Cannock Chase Technical College

Other Qualifications & Skills

‘Introductory Diploma in Management’ – NEBS Management May, 2000

Full working knowledge of Microsoft, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project and other associated programmes.

Experience of using AutoCAD, and AutoCAD Lt.

Ross Morley

Associate Consultant / Quality Manager

Email: morley@tensiontech.com

Phone: +44(0)7540427224

Personal Profile

Ross has gained huge engineering experience in the building services industry and more recently, the offshore oil and gas sector since becoming associate consultant for Tension Technology International in 2014. Ross has held lead and engineering roles for large commercial developments within the UK, particularly in London working on world recognised projects that include The London Aquatics Centre, The Shard and Project Nova Victoria. Since working with TTI, Ross has been heavily involved in the design and production of offshore mooring systems such as riser protection nets. Ross is experienced and skilled in the use of Optimoor mooring analysis software, of which he has carried out 100’s of studies which include ship shore compatibility, ship-to-ship, dynamic analysis and SPM’s for world leading offshore companies. Ross also has experience of installing riser protection nets.

Experience

Tension Technology International Limited, 2014 onwards

• Project Engineer for Ichthys RPN project, 2014 - Present

• Project Engineer for Statoil Snorre A Platform, 2014 - Present

• Optimoor Mooring Analysis – Experienced Optimoor user, Ongoing

• Production of fibre rope anchor system – Carbon Trust MRCF Project for Renewable Energy Systems, 2015

• Production and Yard Installation of Ice Protection Net Project on Drilling Rig, 2014

• Quality Manager – Responsible for the development and implementation of the Quality Management System for Tension Technology International who successfully obtained ISO 9001 certification, 2016 - Present

Hotchkiss Ltd, 2004-2014

Project Engineer for Nova, Victoria - Phase 1, London, SW1, 2013 - 2014

Lead Co-ordinator / CAD Manager – 8-10 Moorgate, London, EC2, 2013

Lead Co-ordinator / CAD Manager – Milton Court, London, EC2, 2012

Senior CAD Draughtsman – The Shard, London, SE1, 2010 – 2011

Senior CAD Draughtsman – London Aquatics Centre, 2009 – 2010

Senior CAD Draughtsman – BSKYB Harlequin 1, 2008 – 2009

CAD Draughtsman – New Street Square, London, EC4, 2008

CAD Draughtsman – Bankside Buildings 1 2 3, London, SE1, 2005 – 2007

Education

• Open University

• BEng (Hons) - Design Engineering, 2021

• Croydon College, Croydon, 2005

• ONC in Building Services Engineering

Skills

Ross is very experienced and skilled with the following design software:

AutoCAD – 2D and 3D design

Navisworks – Advanced co-ordination and analysis

AutoCAD MEP – 3D modelling

Inventor – 3D mechanical design

Optimoor - mooring analysis

Fanggang Ning

China

Phone: +86-188173338022

Email: edward1654@163.com

Fanggang NING joined Tension Technology International as a consultant in November 2013. He gained his master degree in textile materials and design from Donghua University (former Textile University of China). then he worked as a R&D engineer in Engineer Research Centre of Ropenet Co.,LTD for two years, where he mainly took charge of the development of new products and the treating techniques. In order to further improve the knowledge of rope techniques, he returned to Donghua University as a PhD student and focused on the structural simulation of braided fibre rope and the bending properties. Among his PhD studies, he spent one year in the University of Manchester as an academic visitor. Since graduating from Donghua University, he has worked at Qingdao University as a researcher and focuses on advanced rope techniques.

Education

Dezhou University, BSc. (Textile Engineering), 2007

Donghua University, MSc. (Textile Materials and Design), 2010

University of Manchester, Academic Visitor, 2013

Donghua University, PhD (Textile Materials and Design), 2016

Nick O'Hear

Past Chairman ( - 2024

The Netherlands

Phone: +31-182-320202

Fax: +31-182-320203

Email: OHear@TensionTech.com

Mr. O'Hear is an electrical engineer with wide experience in the fibre, rope and cable industry. He was a pioneer in the application of Kevlar aramid fibre and Dyneema HMPE fibre in marine ropes and cables. His studies greatly improved the service life of steel- and fibre-reinforced electromechanical cables He has many years experience in designing high performance ropes and cables using Kevlar and other modern fibres.

Major accomplishments

At Tension Technology, International, Mr. O'Hear has designed and prepared specifications for riser protection nets. These are large high-performance rope nets which are strung between the columns of an offshore production platform to protect the oil production riser from collision by an errant vessel. The nets must absorb substantial energy within a limited deflection. He is also analysing performance problems in towed cables.

Mr. O'Hear pioneered the use of Kevlar aramid fibre in seismic streamer solid-core cable while at JDR. JDR is a major manufacturer of electro-mechanical cables for marine applications. Many of these cables were reinforced with Kevlar. Mr. O'Hear's prior experience with Kevlar fibres was valuable in optimising the fatigue life of these products.

At JDR, he conducted a number of studies on the fatigue life of steel- and fibre- reinforced electromechanical cables for industry and government organisations. These studies included theoretical appraisals and original testing. Properly designed cables with optical fibre units were demonstrated in test and practice to out perform cables with conventional copper signal conductors by orders of magnitude. The studies resulted in developing new cable designs, including a 90 tonne break strength aramid reinforced opto-electrical cable, with exceptional fatigue lives. Properly designed cables with optical fibre units were demonstrated in test and practice to out perform cables with conventional copper signal conductors by orders of magnitude.

He conducted a joint industry study on mechanical mine sweeping ropes at JDR for the US, The Netherlands, France and Italy. Other studies were conducted for the Defence Research Agency (UK), BHP (Australia), Western Geophysical (UK) and Seabed Exploration.

Mr. O'Hear developed a range of high-performance fibre ropes for Verto. Under his direction, the company pioneered the use of polyester fibre in "wire rope" constructions. It also pioneered the development of Dyneema HMPE fibre ropes for DSM.

Mr. O'Hear designed the polyester ropes which were evaluated and tested in Tethers 2000. This is a Joint Industry Project which evaluated synthetic fibre rope for large platform and rig mooring. As a result of this work, there are a number of successful applications of polyester fibre ropes in offshore platform moorings and similar applications.

At Verto, Mr. O'Hear continued his work on the effect of finishes on the performance of various fibres in ropes. He demonstrated that enhanced lubrication finishes on aramid fibres in cables which were cycled over sheaves actually increased internal abrasion due to relative fibre movement and thus decreased fatigue live instead of increasing it.

At DuPont, Mr. O'Hear's first responsibility was marketing Nomex insulation paper to the European electrical industry. He ran Du Pont's high voltage laboratory in Geneva and provided technical service to the European customers. He also had responsibility for DuPont Nylon and Polyester fibres in both ropes and cables and in fine denier speciality applications including sewing threads and narrow woven fabrics.

Mr. O'Hear helped to develop many applications for DuPont Kevlar aramid fibre in ropes and cables. Notable among these were large mooring lines for the Cardium; a special construction vessel for the Dosbouw Storm Surge Barrier in the Netherlands. Recognizing that fibre finish has a determining role in the performance of Kevlar in dynamic applications, Mr. O'Hear conducted extensive testing of different finishes on Kevlar at the University of Stuttgart.

Education

BSc. Elec. Engr., Lanchester Polytechnic, Coventry, UK, 1970

Experience

GEC Machines Ltd., Rugby, UK, Insulation Development Engineer, 1970 - 1974

Du Pont de Nemours, Geneva, Switzerland, Engineered Fibres, Marketing and Technical Development, 1974 - 1989

Verto (United Rope Works), Capelle oan de Ijssel, Netherlands, Manager - Research and Development, 1989 - 1991

JDR Cable Systems, (formerly Jacques de Regt), Capelle oan de Ijssel, Netherlands, Technical Director, 1991 - 1997

Tension Technology International, Ltd ,Technical Director (Ropes and Cables), 1997-Present.

Publications

Author of 9 technical papers.

Optimoor Sales Manager

preston@tensiontech.com

Has gained various experience within the TTI Group since joining in 2019.

Including building Riser Protection Nets, Testing and fibre examination at the TTI Testing laboratory in Wallingford.

Since Jan 2023, Harry has been the full time Optimoor Sales Manager. Dealing with worldwide Optimoor sales,

maintenance, enquiries and queries.  He has also assisted at Optimoor Seminars abroad and in the UK. 

Alan Thurston Ractliffe,

MA PhDCEng, MICE, FRINA, MSNAME

Phone: (0) 1661-843211

Fax : (0) 1661-844103

Email: Ractliffe@TensionTech.com

Dr. Alan Ractliffe is a founding director of TTI. He is a former academic, with almost 20 years experience in the Department of Naval Architecture at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, one of the largest of its kind in Europe.

His early specialisation in structural strength behaviour broadened into a wider range of interests in computer modelling of dynamic problems in the marine environment, including cable dynamics, pipe-laying, towing, and motions and forces on floating bodies. His experiences in these varied fields involved the application of basic principals and exploitation of research, leading to state-of-the-art software.

Dr. Ractliffe is the principal developer of TTI's Optimoor mooring analysis computer program. He has also conducted dynamic analyses of riser protection nets and towing systems.

Pengzhu Wang, PhD CEng FIMMM

Email: pengzhu.wang@tensiontech.com

Mobile: +447919407481

Major Accomplishments

Dr Pengzhu Wang is a distinguished research engineer specializing in advanced materials and technologies for ropes and cables. He is renowned for his work in the development and commercialization of steel-fibre hybrid ropes and high-performance fibre ropes. With a PhD from the University of Cambridge, he boasts 19 years of experience in rope R&D at Bridon Bekaert Ropes Group. His professional honours include fellowships and memberships in esteemed engineering institutions, along with a prolific record of over 30 technical publications and more than 20 patents.

Education

• PhD in Engineering Polymer Materials, University of Cambridge, UK (2001)

• Doctor of Engineering, China University of Mining & Technology Beijing, China (1994)

Experience

• Senior Consultant, Tension Technology International (TTI), May 2019 – Present

• Principal R&D Technologist, Bridon Bekaert Rope Group, Apr 2019 – Apr 2024

• Hybrid Rope and Composite Specialist, Bridon Technology Centre, Oct 2015 – Mar 2019

• Group Fibre Rope Specialist, Bridon Technology Centre, Jan 2012 – Sept 2015

• Group Product Development Manager, Bridon, Apr 2007 – Dec 2011

• Senior Engineer, Technical Department, Bridon, Apr 2005 – Mar 2007

• Postdoc Research Associate, University of Cambridge, Nov 2001 – Feb 2005

• Royal Society Visiting Scientist, University of Cambridge, Jan 1997 – Jan 1998

• Lecturer, Materials Science and Engineering, China University of Mining & Technology, Apr 1994-Dec 1996

Registration

• Chartered Engineer (CEng, 2013-)

• Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (FIMMM, 2013-)

• Qualified English-Chinese Interpreter (Certificate issued in 2003)

Committees and Professional Societies

• Member, OIPEEC Paper Selection & Review Committee (since 2009)

• Editor, OIPEEC (since 2019)

• Industrial Fellow, Royal Academy of Engineering (2021-2023)

• Chairman, Rope Technical Committee of EUROCORD (2014-2017)

• Member, ISO TC38 Textile WG21 (2012-2015)

• Member, Product Development and Management Association (PDMA) (2007-2010)

• Member, Composites UK (2009-2013)

Honours and Awards

2020: Industrial Fellowship, Royal Academy of Engineering, hosted by Queen Mary University of London. Project title: Smart rope with sensing capability using multifunctional materials (SENSING ROPE), project brief available at Research Forum 2022 (raeng.org.uk)

2024: Best Paper 3rd Place, OIPEEC (International Organisation for the Study of Ropes), www.oipeec.org

2000: Society of Plastics Engineers (US): In recognition for significant contribution made to the Society and to the plastic industry

1998: Science and Technology Progress Award 2nd Class Prize, Ministry of Coal Mining, China

1997: Royal Society K. C. Wong Fellowship, project hosted by University of Cambridge, Project title: DLC coating and tribological characterisation

1996: Excellent Teaching Prize, China University of Mining & Technology Beijing, China

2019-24: A number of Bekaert Inventor Awards for Patents

Selected Publication List

[1] Wang P, Schultheis H, Eelbode A, Karedan J (2024). Development of steel-fibre hybrid ropes and the application in mining hoist systems. In: Wang P (Ed.), Proceedings of OIPEEC Conference 2024 (pp. 271-283). Bardolino, Italy: International Organization for the Study of Rope. ISBN: 978-1-7336004-3-9.

[2] Bonetti C, Bell A, Costa M, Zanetti D, Karedan J, Churchfield J, Bineklioglu K, Wang P (2024). Non-destructive examination technology for fibre ropes based on advanced vision equipment and algorithm. In: Wang P (Ed.), Proceedings of OIPEEC Conference 2024 (pp. 143-150). Bardolino, Italy: International Organization for the Study of Rope. ISBN: 978-1-7336004-3-9.

[3] Algotsson R, Johansson P, Schultheis H, Wang P (2023). The Impact of Using Hybrid Ropes on a Koepe Hoist. In: Proceedings of the Hoist and Haul Conference 2023 (pp. 145-155). Montreal, Canada: Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum.

[4] Ratner A, Wang P, Finite element modelling of hybrid strands consisting of steel outer wires and carbon fibre reinforced plastic core, International Journal of Rope Science & Technology, No104, 2018, pp.14-28.

[5] Wang P, Strength and strengthening of materials for rope applications. In M Dohm (Ed.), Proceedings of the OIPEEC Conference (pp. 15-35). La Rochelle, France: International Organization for the Study of Rope. ISBN: 978-0-9552500-4-0.

[6] Flory J F, Banfield S J, Ridge I M L, Yeats B, Mackay T, Wang P, Hunter T, Johanning L, Herduin M & Foxton P, Mooring systems for marine energy converters. in J Zande & B Kirkwood (eds), OCEANS 2016 MTS/IEEE Monterey, OCE 2016, United States, 19-23 Sept. DOI: 10.1109/OCEANS.2016.7761007

[7] Wang P, Walton J, Jeays A, Mohanraj J, Lichte T, Heinrich A and Verwaayen J, Innovation in High performance ropes and the prospects of future development, Wire Journal International, Dec 2015, 69-75.

[8] Ridge I M L, Wang P, Grabandt O and O'Hear N, Appraisal of ropes for LNG moorings, Proceedings of the OIPEEC Conference, 24-26 Mar 2015, Stuttgart, Germany, ISBN 978-0-9552500, 97-115.

[9] Wang P, O’Conner C, Fletcher S, Walton J, Jeays A, Bechtold M, Mohanraj J, MacKay J and Verwaayen J, Enhance Bridon global technology leadership by innovations – introduction of Bridon R&D and discussion of next generation technology and product of ropes, Proceedings of 23rd China National Steel Wire Products Conference, 14-18 Oct 2013, Wuxi, China, 16-29 (in Chinese).

[10] Hewitt D and Wang P, Wire Rope Selection for Cranes, Steel Wire Products (2007), 33 (2), 38-41 (In Chinese). 10.3969/j.issn.1003-4226.2007.02.012

[11] Wang P, I M Hutchings I M, Duncan S J, Jenkins L and Woo E, Strain whitening of a thermoplastic olefin material, Journal of Materials Science (2006) 44, 4847-4859. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10853-006-0066-z

[12] Wang P, Burstein G T, Le H and Sutcliffe M P F, The electrode potential of freshly generated aluminium surfaces in lubricating oil, Tribology Letters, (2005), 18 (4), 487-491. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11249-005-3608-7

[13] Le H, Sutcliffe M P F, Wang P, Burstein G T. Surface generation and boundary lubrication in bulk forming of aluminium alloy. Wear 258 1567-1576 (May 2005), https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wear.2004.10.011

[14] Le H R, Sutcliffe M P F, Wang P and Burstein G T, Surface oxide fracture in cold aluminium rolling, Acta Materialia, v 52, n 4, Feb 23, 2004, p 911-920. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actamat.2003.10.027

[15] Hutchings I M, Wang P and Parry G C, An optical method for assessing scratch damage in bulk materials and coating, Surface and Coatings Technology, 165 (2003) 186-193. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0257-8972(02)00584-4

[16] Wang P, I M Hutchings I M, Duncan S J, Jenkins L and Woo E, Effect of crystallinity on scratch behaviour and other properties of TPO, Proceedings of SPE Automotive TPO Global Conference 2001, October 1-3, 2001, Dearborn, Michigan, USA.

[17] Wang P, I M Hutchings I M, Duncan S J, Jenkins L and Woo E, Perception and mechanism of scratches in polymer materials for automotive applications, Proceedings of the 7th international conference on TPOs in Automotive, Oct. 2000, Detroit.

[18] Wang P, I M Hutchings I M, Duncan S J and Jenkins L, A new technique for assessment of scratches on automotive interior systems, Proceedings of SPE automotive TPO global conferences 2000, Oct. 2000, Detroit.

[19] Wang P, I M Hutchings I M, Duncan S J and Jenkins L, A quantitative characterization technique for scratched polymer surfaces, Proceedings of the 6th international conference on TPOs in Automotive, Oct. 1999, Detroit.

[20] Wang P, I M Hutchings I M, Duncan S J and Jenkins L, Quantitative characterization of scratch damage in polypropylene (TPO) for automotive interior applications, SAE technical paper series, 1999-01-0243, also published in Journal of Materials and Manufacturing, SAE Transactions 108 (1999) 134-150. https://doi.org/10.4271/1999-01-0243.

[21] Wang P, Pan G, Zhou Y, Qu J, Shao H, Accelerated electro-spark deposition and the wear behaviour of coatings, Journal of Materials Engineering and Performance, 6 (6) 681-822 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11665-997-0081-5

[22] Wang P, Yang Y, Ding G, Qu J, Shao H, Laser cladding coating against erosion-corrosion wear and its application to mining machine parts, WEAR 209 (1997) 96-100. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0043-1648(97)00018-5

[23] Chapters in a book: Authored two chapters in “Surface Engineering Handbook”, ISBN: 9787502519926, published in 1998 by China Chemical Industry Press, Beijing (in Chinese).

Patents

GB2524190: granted; sole inventor, applicant and proprietor;

Inventor and co-inventor of 20+ the other patents.

email: radams@tensiontech.com

I gained BA (Hons) in International Business with French at University.

I'm an ACA finalist and have over 10 years experience an an accountant.