+ Minimum drag in the water of fishing gear can help crews cut fuel costs by 40% while making the boat easier to handle - and safer.

+ In aquaculture, nets made with Dyneema® provide protection from internal escapes and external predation.

A leading cordage manufacturing company in India, Garware-Wall Ropes Ltd., is a household name in the fishing community through its close bond with Indian fishermen. The company recently introduced Plateena Rope, produced with Dyneema®, the world’s strongest fiber™, made by DSM.

During extensive trials, the benefits of Dyneema® became clear when in 2011, the fishing vessel “Srinivasa” was trialing the new Plateena rope warp lines in heavy currents. During a change of direction the net became stuck under a rocky surface on the seabed. The Plateena rope warp lines had only been on trial for 3 months and the crew were worried if the lines could withstand such an extreme situation.

After releasing additional rope to slacken the load on the boat, the vessel was drifting with the strong sea currents and the skipper was finding it difficult to maintain its position. Most of the rope had already been released; only a few more meters were left on the winch. Something had to be done, and quickly. The skipper decided to use the power of the engine to release the net. It was a significant decision. If the rope were to snap, their net worth thousands of rupees would be lost forever. This would mean no catch for the next few weeks, and with no work and pay there would be no food for their families. On the other hand, remaining ensnared on the seabed could result in the boat either sinking or capsizing.