Anchor Chain News

Amid ongoing Middle East tensions, traditional shipping routes face continued uncertainty. Meanwhile, the Arctic route has seen several noteworthy developments in recent months. Here's what marine equipment professionals need to know.

​In Single Point Mooring (SPM) operations, a million-dollar synthetic fiber mainline can be instantly rendered unusable due to friction from the hull's edge. The chafe chain, located at the end of the mooring line, is the first line of defense protecting this "lifeline at sea." A chafe chain (also called a friction chain) is a short steel chain assembly installed at the end of a synthetic fiber mooring line, passing through the ship's guide wires and connecting to the hull structure. Chafe chains are designed for dynamic friction protection during SPM operations and are not suitable for long-term static mooring.

​In marine aquaculture mooring systems, the hot-dip galvanized mooring plate is a critical component that consolidates forces from multiple directions through shackles. Careful observation reveals two fundamental designs: one with a simple central bore hole, and another with a vertically welded reinforcing pipe inside that hole. Why these two designs exist is a key question for system reliability.

A Mandal Fairlead Shackle is a specialized marine and offshore connector engineered to optimize mooring and towing operations by enabling seamless integration of steel wire ropes and synthetic fiber ropes under extreme loads.

Single Point Mooring (SPM)—the "rotating socket" of deep-sea floating hulls, and also the "golden single point" with the highest concentration of anchor chain orders.

Aquaculture, the controlled cultivation of fish, shellfish, and seaweed, is revolutionizing global food security. In 2022, aquaculture produced 126 million metric tons of seafood—52% of total global supply—with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. Yet, the industry faces a stark reality: the cost of a single mooring failure during a storm can exceed USD 2 million, often due to a single failed shackle or link.

A Kenter Shackle is a detachable, bow-shaped chain link consisting of two interlocking half-rings, a crossbar, and a tapered pin. It is commonly used to connect two sections of anchor chain or to connect an anchor chain to the anchor body. Unlike ordinary chain links, Kenter Shackles can be quickly assembled and disassembled on-site, making it easier to change, replace, or repair anchor chain lengths.

In shipbuilding and marine engineering, anchor chains are core components connecting ships to the seabed and securing offshore facilities. The 12.5mm Stud Link Anchor Chain, with its compact size, high strength, and flexible applications, has become standard equipment for small vessels and specialized equipment. This article analyzes its core value from three aspects: specification positioning, application scenarios, and material manufacturing processes.

Xue Long is a Chinese icebreaking research vessel. "Xuelong 3": China’s Polar Research Flagship Advances Toward Global Leadership As of December 2025, China’s first nuclear-powered icebreaker, Xuelong 3, remains under construction at Jiangnan Shipyard, with no launch or delivery date confirmed. Building on the legacy of Xuelong 1 (China’s inaugural polar research vessel) and Xuelong 2 (its first domestically built icebreaker), Xuelong 3 represents a third-generation leap, integrating nuclear propulsion and cutting-edge icebreaking technology to position China as a leader in polar science.