What Is Mooring Chain? How to Suggest Mooring Chain Size Chart?
Modern maritime business activities range from aquaculture to sailing and energy explorations. An underlying theme of all these ‘blue technologies’ is the need for proper anchorage, usually via mooring chains. This, in turn, necessitates the creation of a reliable mooring chain size chart.
The ocean economy encapsulates sustainable marine and coastal economic activities (World Bank, European Commission). It is gaining traction as ocean-derived trade becomes more globally mainstream. Currently, this sector provides livelihoods for almost a billion people, with an economic value of approximately USD24 trillion.
This article provides a quick look at mooring chains, a necessary part of deep-water anchorage. We also offer essential information on chain sizes and why a chart can come in handy.
What is Mooring Chain?
A mooring chain is part of a line securing ships, vessels, and marine installations to anchor on the seabed. The entire anchoring system is known as the ‘anchor rode’, and it includes an anchor, chain, rope and warp. There are also connectors such as shackles, swivels, rings, egg links, slip hooks, etc.
A mooring line can consist of chains, synthetic fibres, or ropes, as well as a combination of these. Chains are the most common choice, especially for moorings that are permanent or in shallow waters. There are plenty of types and ranges of chains currently available for offshore mooring or installation. These include:
- Short Link Chains
- Mid Link Chains
- Long Link Chains
- Stud Link Anchor Chains
A grading system differentiates the strengths, materials, processes, and suitability for specific environments. Weight is as important as the strength and durability of chains and fittings. International standards include R3, R3S, R4, R4S and R5 (American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). Other grades include:
- (L) Grade 3: the lowest grade, consisting of mild steel and no heat treatment.
- (M) Grade 4: consists of low carbon steels, has heat treatment and is ideal for lifting applications.
- (T) Grade 8: highest strength with hardened and tempered alloy steel components.
Remember, the highest or most expensive strength grade may not be the best choice for a particular project. There is no ‘one size fits all’ solution, and expert opinion or feedback is the most sensible way forward. The most logical way to ascertain a suitable mooring solution is to get a mooring chain size chart.
Why Do You Need a Mooring Chain Size Chart?
It’s not always easy to gauge how many mooring chain your vessel or marine installation requires. Getting a mooring chain size chart with expert guidance is the best way to minimise risk. In instances where mishaps can result in significant damage or cost, it pays to be accurate and precise.
Professionals working in the industry will do the math and provide accurate and reliable size charts. As a rule, the aim is to align the direction of strain as parallel with the seabed as possible. Some of the data that factor into calculations include:
- The ratio of length that will maximise an anchor’s holding power.
- The grade of chain, its strength, and its impact on weight saving.
- The water depth, seabed characteristics, and any variables in this.
- Sizing of the working limit load.
- Weight and design of vessel or marine installation.
- Any secondary anchoring system.
- Other factors include inclement weather, etc.
The primary focus in creating the chart will be on getting an appropriate size of the chain. The anchor rode plays a vital part in working out the chart. Calculations of metres of rode for every metre of anchor depth provide a ‘scope’ ratio. The result is a guide with sufficient ‘scope’ ensuring the most efficient anchoring solution for your installation or vessel.
Recommended Singapore Provider for Mooring Chain
If you’re looking for the perfect partner to supply comprehensive mooring chain solutions, we’ve got your back. From project management expertise to mooring chain size chart, you’ll get the best only by working with the best. As industry leaders in this arena, S.E.A. Offshore Mooring Chain Pte Ltd. (SEAOMC) fits that profile seamlessly.
As a qualified supply and service provider, SEAOMC meets every industry standard impeccably. Adhering to IACS standards, SEAOMC also maintains Health, Safety, Quality and Environmental protocols rigorously. Their services range from mooring chain to offshore installations and project management. SEAOMC also works with fabricators of international renown, thereby procuring only the best products and materials for use.
Sealing the deal is SEAOMC’s continuously excellent stakeholder engagement, complementing its professional approach to all projects. Outcomes and solutions are always within time and budget, creating value-add to all stakeholders. Get in touch with S.E.A. Offshore Mooring Chain Pte Ltd. (SEAOMC) today for all your comprehensive mooring solution needs.
