Anchor Chain Explained

A Comprehensive Guide to Anchor Chains Explained: Ensuring Safety and Reliability for Marine Operations

When it comes to maritime operations, anchor chains are an essential component, providing the stability and security necessary to safeguard vessels in dynamic marine environments. Whether you manage a marina, oversee a busy harbour, or operate within the wind farm or fishing industries, understanding the key elements of anchor chain selection is crucial.

At EYE Marine LTD, we specialise in supplying premium-quality anchor chains designed to meet the rigorous demands of Europe’s marinas, boatyards, harbours, fish farms, and the lifting industry worldwide.

The Role of Anchor Chains in Marine Applications

Anchor chains are a vital link between your vessel and its anchor, ensuring reliable holding power in various seabed conditions. By acting as a weight that absorbs the force exerted by tides, currents, and wind, the chain prevents excessive strain on the anchor itself. This ensures optimal anchoring performance, extending the lifespan of both the anchor and the chain.

The silt on a river bed will wear the chain, while the chain normally suspended in the water will have less wear, but still affected by degradation from salt and even oxygen in the water.

Properly chosen anchor chains also enhance safety for vessels, their cargo, and crew—key priorities for industries such as port authorities, offshore wind farms, and commercial fishing operations.

Key Specifications for Anchor Chains

When selecting an anchor chain, several factors must be considered:

1. Material and Coating:
   Most anchor chains are constructed from galvanised steel, offering superior resistance to corrosion and wear. Galvanisation is especially critical for chains used in saltwater environments to prevent premature rusting.
2. Chain Grade:
   The chain grade determines its strength and durability. Higher-grade chains, such as Grade 40 or 70, are preferred for commercial applications where heavy loads and challenging conditions are common.
3. Chain Link Size:
   The link size should be appropriate for your vessel’s anchor system. Oversized or undersized chains can compromise functionality and safety.
4. Length Requirements:
   The length of the chain must match the vessel size and anchoring depth. For commercial and industrial use, longer chains may be necessary to ensure secure mooring.

Benefits of High-Quality Anchor Chains

Choosing the right anchor chain offers several advantages for commercial and industrial marine operations:

• Enhanced Stability: Ensures safe mooring even in high winds and strong currents.
• Improved Safety: Reduces the risk of anchor drag, which can endanger vessels and surrounding structures.
• Long-Term Durability: Minimises maintenance costs with corrosion-resistant materials and construction.

Applications Across Industries

At EYE Marine LTD, we cater to diverse sectors:

• Marinas and Boatyards: Supplying robust anchor chains for yachts and leisure vessels.
• Harbours and Port Authorities: Offering heavy-duty solutions for large vessels and cargo ships.
• Fish Farms and Offshore Wind Farms: Providing customised chains for secure mooring in dynamic offshore environments.
• Lifting Industry: Supporting heavy-load lifting with durable, high-tensile chains.

Non Calibrated Chain

This is chain that is generally manufactured on older type machinery and is only suitable for boats that do not have a windlass. Non Calibrated Chain is generally produced using Grade 30 materials.

Calibrated Chain

Is manufactured in a way which insures that every link is of the same diameter, modern chain making machines automatically calibrate the chain immediately after the link welding process is complete, the calibration is generally achieved by stretching a short section of chain (+-/30cm) in order to maintain a constant and precise link profile, this process is continued throughout the whole length of chain.

Grade 40 Calibrated Anchor Chain.

Grade 40 is currently the most popular grade, it is manufactured using a high carbon manganese alloy material. This higher tensile calibrated windlass chain is widely used because of its strength factor which is higher than the lower grade chain. Good quality grade 40 calibrated chain is generally link stamped at intervals of between one and two meters. Another plus for this grade of calibrated chain is that it tends to resist tangling in the chain locker. We have high quality Grade 40 Calibrated Chain available ex-stock from two manufactures.

Grade 43 Calibrated Anchor Chain.

A relative newcomer on the yachting scene, this grade in a long link format has previously been used as lashing chain on heavy vehicles carrying such things as logs. It has a higher strength factor than the previous grades. We have recently introduced Grade 43 to our Calibrated chain range. Available as part of our high quality ‘Titan’ High Quality chain range.

Grade 70 Calibrated Anchor Chain.

High strength Calibrated Anchor Chain is designed to help eliminate the additional wear, stresses and strains associated with long distance cruising. It is also a practical option for reducing the weight in the chain locker by stepping down the chain size whilst retaining the strength factor, alternatively, it gives the option to increase the chain length whilst retaining the same weight in the locker. For example; Grade 70 calibrated chain is manufactured to such a high specification that it is possible to substitute 10mm Grade 40 anchor chain with a far longer length of 8mm Grade 70 calibrated chain without losing any strength e.g. 100mtrs of 10mm chain would weigh 220kgs, 100mtrs of 8mm Grade 70 calibrated chain would weigh 140kgs and be stronger! Available as part of our best quality MF range of Calibrated Chains.

AISI 316 Stainless Steel Calibrated Anchor Chain.

Grade 316 Stainless Steel Calibrated Chain is for some yachtsman the ultimate choice for marine use, unfortunately it comes at a higher cost than steel chain but for longevity it is unsurpassed. The strength factor is marginally less than normal galvanised chain, it has excellent flaking characteristics in the chain locker and always looks expensive! Available as part of our high quality ‘Titan’ chain range.

Why Choose EYE Marine LTD?

With a commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, we deliver anchor chains that meet international safety and performance standards. Our extensive range includes chains in various sizes, grades, and coatings to suit every commercial need.

Contact Us Today

For expert advice on anchor chains tailored to your requirements, reach out to our team. Let us help you secure your operations with reliable, high-performance solutions.