SBIR-STTR Award

Navy ships experience rapid wear and chaffing of ship's mooring ropes against the standard deck-edge chocks requiring that they be replaced every 18 to 24 months. To minimize this significant cost, Advanced Integrated Systems, LLC (AIS) proposes a new system of replaceable chock inserts - stainless steel covered by a low friction, non-corroding, long life coating. Phase I efforts include performing trade studies, identifying the appropriate performance requirements, developing test samples and performing computerized modeling. These efforts will result in a new chock design which is economical and commercially viable. The new coated chocks will be non-abrasive and will not contribute to the fouling of mooring lines. They will also withstand the forces imparted by the heaviest ship lines and remain unaffected by corrosive marine environments.

Benefits:
The successful chock and replaceable insert design will result in significant life cycle mooring line cost savings for the US Navy, US Coast Guard, and commercial shipping industry

Advanced Integrated Systems (AIS) has developed a chock insert system to satisfy all Navy and AIS derived requirements. Laboratory and system testing has demonstrated exceptional performance of this system. The insert system consists of thin steel sections coated with a proprietary finish and secured via retaining rings without any modification to the supporting chock. The AIS inserts are also adjustable, friction-free, corrosion-resistant in the marine environment, installed with common hand tools, and may be refurbished. For DDG and all other class ships, the AIS insert system will greatly extend mooring line life.

Keywords:
Mooring Line Chock Insert Coating Plating Friction Corrosion Wear Stress