The anchor: a small giant of shipbuilding

An anchor is one of those pieces of ship equipment that – despite its small size compared to the entire vessel – plays an absolutely crucial role. As Joseph Conrad wrote in The Mirror of the Sea: “…no tool is so small in relation to the great work it has to do…”. And it’s hard to find a more accurate summary.

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05 june 2025   |   08:04   |   Source: Gazeta Morska   |   Prepared by: Kamil Kusier   |   Print

fot. Pixabay

The anchor: a small tool with a monumental role in maritime industry

An anchor is not just a piece of equipment – it is an absolute symbol of the entire maritime economy – emphasizes Marcin Ryngwelski, CEO of PGZ Naval Shipyard.

– Some enthusiasts tattoo anchors on their arms, others wear them on ties, pillowcases, even socks. That speaks for itself – he adds.

In shipbuilding, the anchor is not only a functional component – it is a mark of maritime identity, deeply rooted in the symbolism and everyday life of sailors. In practice, it is a strategic element of every vessel, its effectiveness depending on the precision of the designers, the quality of manufacturing, and compliance with rigorous classification standards.

– Its task is to securely immobilize a ship or naval vessel in a body of water. Anchors are typically made of forged steel, and their size directly depends on the vessel’s dimensions – Ryngwelski explains.

Anchors are most commonly manufactured from forged steel, with their mass individually calculated based on the vessel’s displacement and length. For ships over 250 meters in length, a single anchor can weigh up to 30 tons.

– On large vessels – those over 250 meters – each anchor can weigh as much as 30 tons. Its effectiveness is measured by the ratio of holding power to the anchor’s mass – Ryngwelski notes.

The anchor and its chain are ordered together by the shipyard, with selection and verification handled by the design office.

– The shipyard orders a complete anchor system, including the chain, and the entire specification process is carried out by designers from the Design Bureau – adds Ryngwelski.

However, today’s leading anchor manufacturers are mostly located in Asian countries – a result of global shifts in the shipbuilding supply chain.

– Unfortunately, the main producers of anchors are no longer based in Poland, and increasingly less so in Europe. This has become the domain of Asian countries – confirms Ryngwelski.

The anchor chain – the anchor’s critical partner

An anchor system cannot function without its chain – one that, as the saying goes, is only as strong as its weakest link. In practice, this means strict quality control and precise marking of connection points are essential.

– The anchor chain is an inseparable part of the system. As the old saying goes, a chain is only as strong as its weakest link – Ryngwelski reminds us.

– The length of the chain depends on the depth of the waters the vessel will operate in. On large vessels, it consists of multiple sections connected by links, with joining points marked with paint by the shipyard.

Anchor chains are measured not in meters, but in shackles, and like the anchor, their weight can reach several tons. They are stored in chain lockers, run through hawse pipes to the windlass, and then out through the hull.

The construction of the anchor system also includes a special swivel, which prevents the chain from twisting.

– A so-called swivel is mounted between the shackle and the chain, preventing the chain from twisting. After all, a chain isn’t a shoelace – you can’t just untie it – adds Ryngwelski with a smile.

The anchor in shipyard practice

What may seem like a simple process – installing the anchor and chain into the hull – is, in reality, a complex shipyard operation requiring precision, strength, and experience.

– The process of feeding the chain into the locker and seating the anchor in its pocket is complex and demands a high level of precision from the shipyard – explains Ryngwelski.

A rusting legacy that still inspires

It’s worth remembering that Poland once played a significant role in anchor and chain manufacturing. Until the early 21st century, Słupsk was home to one of Europe’s largest factories of this kind – SEZAMOR.

– Twenty years ago, Słupsk was the site of one of Europe’s largest anchor chain factories – SEZAMOR. Sadly, that plant has long since shut down – recalls Ryngwelski.

The legacy of those times still lives on in the memory of the maritime industry – as a symbol of a once-strong auxiliary manufacturing sector supporting shipyards. And the anchor itself, though it may rust, continues to inspire.

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