boeglijn

Boeglijn is a Dutch nautical term that refers to the bow line, a mooring line used to secure a vessel at the bow when it is tied up alongside a quay or quay wall. The purpose of the boeglijn is to help keep the ship in a stable position by resisting movement caused by wind, current, and tidal changes, and it is typically used together with other mooring lines such as stern lines and spring lines.

In practice, the boeglijn runs from a secure point at the bow—such as a bow cleat or deck fitting on the vessel—to a fixed mooring point on shore, such as a bollard or bollards on the quay. The line is chosen to suit the size of the vessel and the mooring conditions, and it is secured using appropriate knots or hardware. The exact arrangement can vary by port, vessel type, and the prevailing weather.

Materials and maintenance of boeglijnen have evolved from traditional natural fibers to modern synthetic ropes and, in some cases, steel components. Regular inspection for wear, chafing, and damage is essential, as is ensuring that fenders and other protective measures are in place to prevent hull damage.

Etymology: boeglijn derives from boeg, meaning bow, and lijn, meaning line. In English contexts, the term is often translated as bow line. The concept is part of standard mooring practice in many Dutch-speaking and international maritime settings.