Cable from ship to shore (6)

I believe the answer is:

hawser

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'cable' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for hawser that I've seen before include "Ship's tow-rope" , "Large heavy rope" , "Thick mooring rope" , "Ship's line" , "Heavy cable for securing ships" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.

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