Why Samson Synthetic Rope Outperforms Steel Cable in Dredging Applications

AmSteel Blue is specifically designed to handle the harsh, abrasive, and unpredictable conditions found in dredging environments. With advantages spanning safety, operational efficiency, cost savings, and environmental impact, synthetic rope is proving to be a valuable upgrade.

Benefits of Samson synthetic rope:

• Lightweight and Easy to Handle: AmSteel Blue is significantly lighter than steel cable (up to 1/7th the weight for equivalent strength), reducing physical strain on workers and simplifying handling, installation, and transport. This leads to improved operational efficiency and reduced equipment wear.
• Floats on Water: Unlike steel cable, which sinks, AmSteel Blue’s buoyancy makes it ideal for dredging in aquatic environments. It reduces drag, prevents snagging on submerged obstacles, and simplifies recovery during operations.
• Faster and Easier Repairs: Synthetic rope can be spliced quickly in the field with minimal tools, allowing for rapid repairs compared to steel cable, which often requires specialized equipment or replacement. This minimizes downtime and boosts productivity.
• Enhanced Safety: AmSteel Blue eliminates the risk of sharp, frayed steel wires that can cause serious injuries. Its smooth, flexible surface is safer to handle, reducing cuts, punctures, and other workplace hazards.
• Corrosion Resistance: Unlike steel cable, which is prone to rust and degradation in wet, saline environments, AmSteel Blue is highly resistant to corrosion, UV rays, and chemicals. This durability extends service life and reduces maintenance costs in harsh dredging conditions.
• Low Stretch and High Strength: AmSteel Blue offers comparable or superior tensile strength to steel cable with minimal elongation under load. This ensures precise control during dredging, reducing the risk of equipment damage or operational inefficiencies caused by stretch.
• Reduced Equipment Wear: The lighter weight and flexibility of AmSteel Blue decrease stress on winches, pulleys, and other dredging equipment, extending their lifespan and lowering maintenance costs compared to the abrasive nature of steel cable.
• Environmentally Friendly: Synthetic ropes like AmSteel Blue produce less environmental impact during manufacturing and disposal compared to steel cables. Their longevity and reduced need for frequent replacements further minimize ecological footprints.
• Improved Fatigue Resistance: AmSteel Blue exhibits excellent resistance to cyclic loading and bending fatigue, common in dredging operations. This reduces the likelihood of sudden failures, enhancing operational reliability compared to steel, which can weaken over time under repeated stress.
• Cost-Effective Over Time: While initial costs for AmSteel Blue may be higher, its longevity, reduced maintenance, lower equipment wear, and faster repairs result in significant long-term cost savings compared to steel cable.

Testimonials

“My biggest reasons for running the Samson rope rather than steel cable are for the ease of handling the material. It is super light and floats. From a safety perspective there is less risk for injury from handling the heavier cable and less risk for recoil if it were to break and someone is in a line of fire situation. I would like to add that people need to be conscious of where the rope is being utilized though. If heavy abrasion will occur the rope must be protected, or it will cut rather easily. It is a great product, and I am a huge fan of it as are my guys.” –CB- Sand and gravel dredge operation.