Mooring component having a smooth stress-strain response to high loads

A method of manufacturing a mooring component for a deep sea mooring system, comprising the steps of:

• identifying a body to be moored and a location in which it is to be moored;
• determining an expected environmental loading on the body at the location;
• determining a stress-strain response required for the mooring component to respond to the expected environmental loading with a desired modification of a plurality of mooring forces on the component;
• and
• forming the mooring component from at least one tensile element and at least one compressive element, both the tensile and compressive elements being configured to undergo strain in response to a tensile stress wherein the at least one tensile element is connected in the mooring component such that the at least one tensile element gives a tensile response providing a tensile force as the at least one tensile element is stretched as the mooring component undergoes extension and, the at least one compressive element is connected in the mooring component such that the at least one compressive element is compressed in response to extension of the mooring component beyond a certain threshold wherein the at least one tensile element and the at least one compressive element are formed of an elastomeric material.