Aquaculture Buoy Mooring Design Guide

Buoy Selection for Salt-Water Farms.

SMEOCEAN: Anchor Chain Manufacturer and Supplier

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Nov 29, 2025

Aquaculture Buoy Mooring Design Guide

Marine aquaculture buoy anchoring systems require a scientifically optimized solution that combines buoys, anchor chains, and mooring discs to achieve stable connections, load distribution, and corrosion resistance. 

I. Core Product List and Functions

Buoy:

Material: ABS engineering plastic buoy, UV resistant, impact resistant, and seawater corrosion resistant.

Connection Point: Pre-set high-strength circular ring (swivel shackle) at the top, serving as the system's starting point and allowing the buoy to rotate freely.

Anchor Chain:

Specifications: Φ24-32mm anchor chain, divided into an upper section (suspended buffer, 20-30 meters) and a lower section (seabed fixation, adjusted according to water depth).

Function: Transmits tension, balances buoyancy and anchor holding force, and resists wave impact.

Synthetic Fiber Rope:

Material: Polyester (Dacron) or Nylon, Φ≥20mm, breaking strength ≥1.5 times the design load.

Function: Connects the buoy to the anchor chain, utilizing elasticity to absorb wave energy and reduce dynamic load.

Thimble:

Function: Embedded into the end of the cable, preventing the chain link from cutting fibers and extending the cable's lifespan. 

Installation: Secured with a U-shaped cable clamp; the thmble's groove aligns with the cable's direction. 

Mooring Plate: 

Structure: Galvanized steel plate (thickness ≥ 20mm), with multiple connection points, compatible with anchor chains, cables, and shackles. 

Function: Distributes load and optimizes mechanical distribution (e.g., figure-eight mooring systems). 

Mooring Ring: 

Material: Hot-dip galvanized forged alloy steel, safety factor ≥ 4 times design load. 

Function: Distributes load, optimizes mechanical distribution, and can connect multiple anchor chains simultaneously. 

Shackles: 

Swivel Shackles: Release torque, prevent anchor chain kinking, and provide 360° rotation. 

Aquaculture Shackles: Connect the mooring line to the mooring disc, link the anchor chain and anchor, high-strength shackles, specifically designed for marine aquaculture. 

Material: Hot-dip galvanized forged alloy steel, safety factor ≥ 4 times design load.


Aquaculture Buoy Mooring Design Guide

II. Typical Connection Structure and Steps

Connection Scheme: Buoy → Cable → Mooring Plate → Anchor Chain → Anchor 

Buoy End Connection 

Process: Buoy top ring → Swivel Shackle → Thimble + Cable (secured with a U-shaped clamp at the end). 

Functions: Rotary shackles release torque, and ferrules protect the mooring line from wear. 

Intermediate Force Component System 

Flow: Mooring Line End → Aquaculture Shackle → Mooring Plate → Multiple Anchor Chains (force component design). 

Function: The mooring disc balances multi-directional tension, preventing single-point overload. 

Anchor Chain and Anchor Body Fixing 

Flow: Mooring disc connection hole → shackle → Lower anchor chain → Anchor shackle + anti-derailment spring hook → Anchor. 

Function: Aquaculture shackle reliably connects the anchor chain, and the anchor shackle ensures a secure connection with the anchor. 

III. Core Design Considerations 

Mechanical Balance: Buoy buoyancy, mooring line elasticity, anchor chain weight, and anchor holding force must be dynamically matched to avoid localized overload. 

Flexibility Design: Rotary shackles and bow shackles ensure the buoy rotates freely with wind and waves, adapting to dynamic sea conditions. 

Durability Guarantee: Hot-dip galvanized metal parts + UV-resistant mooring line, capable of withstanding high salinity, high humidity, and strong sunlight environments. 

IV. Product Integration Advantages 

Cost-Effectiveness: Cables replace part of the anchor chain, reducing weight and cost while maintaining cushioning. 

Installation Efficiency: Modular design (mooring disc, shackle) shortens offshore operation time. 

System Reliability: Collars reduce wear and electrochemical corrosion, extending maintenance intervals. 

VI. Summary

Marine aquaculture buoy anchoring systems require sea condition testing and regular maintenance to ensure long-term reliability. 

SMEOCEAN has nearly 20 years of anchoring technology experience and accepts product customization: adjusting anchor chain length and anchor weight according to water depth, currents, and seabed geology to provide you with the best technical advice.


More Links:

Deep-Sea Aquaculture Anchoring Solutions

Why Are Norwegian Aquaculture Semi-Submersible?

Mooring System in Marine Farming Industry



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