The History Of Hawser

Today we decided we would breakdown the history, meaning and pronunciation of HAWSER!

Starting with pronunciation, it’s pretty much how it looks: “HAW-zer”

A hawser is a thick rope or cable used in mooring or towing a ship. It's a fundamental term in nautical and maritime contexts. A hawser is one of the main tools used to secure a vessel to a dock, pier, or another ship. Without it, ships (especially large ones) would drift due to tides, currents, and wind. Think of it as the ship’s lifeline to the shore, Even in modern shipping, with all the tech on board, you still need a hawser to hold fast.

However, it’s not just rope, it’s the rope that keeps everything in place. It’s also vital to towing operations! Whether towing another vessel, a barge, or being towed into harbor by a tugboat, the hawser carries the load!

The word "hawser" dates back to Middle English, around the 14th century, and has its roots in the Old French word "hausseur" meaning “hoister” or something that lifts. That, in turn, comes from the verb hausser, “to hoist or raise”.

Over time, the word evolved in English to refer specifically to a heavy-duty rope used in maritime contexts, something that "lifts" or "pulls" with strength, hence its use for towing or mooring ships.

We hope that you’ve learnt something new today, if there’s anything else you want to know about just pop us a message and we’ll do all the research for you!

Hold Fast.