Marine Anchor Chain -- FAQ Guide

1. What is Anchor Chain?

The anchor chain refers to the component that attaches the anchor to the boat or structure.

The purpose of anchor chain is to secure the anchor to a part of the vessel in such a manner that it can be easily hauled up when the need arises.

It also plays a major role in absorbing a certain portion of forces away from the main structure and anchor head. For instance, during storms or other similar weather conditions, the vessel or offshore rig tends to pitch and heel. This motion can intensify, causing damage to the vessel.

To dampen these forces, the anchor chain is designed to absorb a certain amount of the load. Since anchor chains are built to withstand large forces on them, they are not drastically damaged or deformed by such loads.

The anchor chain is a vital component in mooring a ship to the bottom. Along with the anchor, the chain’s weight holds the vessel in place.

 

2. What’s the function of the anchor chain?

The function of the anchor chain: connect the anchor and the hull, transfer the anchor's grip, the undercover chain can increase the grip and the mooring force of the anchor equipment.

 

3. What about the classification of the anchor chain?

The classification of the anchor chain: cast steel anchor chain, welded anchor chain, forged anchor chain. 

At present,  welded anchor chain is widely used owing to the lower cost, advanced technology and superior quality. 

 

4. About the Grade:

According to the tensile strength, there are three grades for the stud link chain: AM1, AM2 and AM3, among which AM1 has the lowest strength and AM3 has the highest strength.

 

5. What’s the composition of the anchor chain?

A complete anchor chain consists of three parts: the anchor end link, the middle link and the end link.

(1) Anchor end link: the first link of the anchor chain, connected with the anchor, starting from the anchor shackle, followed by end shackle, end link, enlarged link, swivel, enlarged link and common link.

(2) End link: the last link of the anchor chain, connected to the abandoned chain device.  Consisting of end link, enlarged link and common chain.

(3) Middle link: Commonly there are two link types as below:

Common link, enlarge link, end link, D type shackle, end link, enlarge link, common link

Common link,common link,common link, kenter shackle, common link, common link, common link.