KOTUG makes another connection with KO-LINK

This simple, but efficient ring has proven to be the best means of connecting a polyester towline with an HMPE (Dyneema) forerunner or pennant, and is far superior to the ‘cow hitch’ method of connection.

The KO-LINK was developed with input from the KOTUG Captains, Superintendents and KST (Kooren Shipbuilding and Trading) as an all round device to meet the needs of the KOTUG fleet.

The environmentally friendly KO-LINK ring is simple, light, durable and re-usable. The round and smooth edges of the ring creates the ideal bending radius for the rope and prevents the HMPE rope from cutting through the synthetic towline or stretcher, increasing the lifespan of the towline considerably. A KO-LINK ring can also be utilised to introduce a weak link in the towline configuration (as shown in the photograph) something that the so called ‘cow hitch’ can never achieve.

For example, the weak link lashing illustrated is made using 22mm diameter Amsteel Blue rope with a maximum breaking strain of 42 tons. When in use with a towline of 300 tons maximum breaking strain the weak link formed has a maximum breaking load of 30% less than the towline.

The KO-LINK is manufactured in aluminium and is available in four sizes, Types 1 to 4, to suit the application and size of rope. With the KO-LINK, KOTUG has again proved their ability to come up with creative solutions to make their towing equipment more durable.

In order to market the KO-LINK, KOTUG has decided to team-up with Endenburg BV of Gouda. During the Tugnology 11 conference in Antwerp on 18 May, KOTUG’s CEO Ard-Jan Kooren and Endenburg’s CEO Marcel van der Molen officially signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) enabling the two companies to jointly market the KO-LINK. For further information visit: www.kolink.nl or www.kotug.nl and www.endenburg.com.