anchor chain | After Sales Guarantee

The anchor plays a major role in a vessel and offshore operations. However, it can only function as long as it remains attached to the floating structure.

Considering the tremendous amounts of force applied to the connection between the anchor and the ship during routine berthing or anchoring conditions, conventional methods of securing the anchor will eventually fail under the extensive stress.

The anchor chain refers to the component that attaches the anchor to the boat or structure and is usually referred to as the anchor rode (or anchor cable). It is superior to conventional methods in terms of strength and load-bearing.

The anchor chain consists of many chain links, and the size is expressed in chain diameter (mm). According to whether there is a strut in the middle of the chain ring, it is divided into nailed anchor chain and nailless anchor chain. Anchor chains can be made by forging, casting and welding.

The marine anchor chain is composed of several "sections" (shackles), each section is 25.0-27.5 meters long, and the sections are connected by chain links or shackles. After the anchor is lifted, the chain is stored in the chain locker in the bow. The specifications of the anchor chain are determined according to the ship construction standard.

It is evident that the anchor chain plays a vital role in conjunction with the anchor. However, since modern anchors are made from metal or from a rope, they stand a high chance of wear and tear related issues, such as rusting or chaffing.

The solution is to constantly monitor the anchor rode whenever it is hauled back on to the vessel.

For this, special stowage arrangements have to be made such that the rode is kept safely away from corrosive substances and so that it can be easily accessed for either maintenance or to paid out with the anchor.

The length of the anchor chain is typically determined by the depth of the water and the size of the ship. In shallow water, a shorter anchor chain may be sufficient, while in deeper water a longer chain may be needed. The chain may also be adjusted by adding or removing links as needed to suit the specific anchoring conditions.

In addition to holding the ship in place, the anchor chain also helps to absorb the shock of waves and other forces that may act on the vessel. It acts as a buffer between the anchor and the ship, helping to reduce the strain on both components. This is especially important in rough seas, where the forces acting on the ship can be very high.