Anchor System

Based on the ship type, there can be up to two anchors installed. The anchors can be operated by either DC power on small ships or with the AC power bus on bigger ships. Each anchor is controlled by a anchor panel on the bridge console. There the anchor can be lowered or raised.

Anchor procedures

Be aware about the current water depth of the anchor point and slow down the vessel to a speed of <8kt. Lower the anchor chain around 1,5-2 boat length ahead of the planned anchor point.

Once the anchor touches the ground, the anchor panel will display “ground” on the display. Starting from this point the anchor needs to dig into the sea floor. This is only possible, when the ship has a low speed. Also, different sea floor conditions can lead to a different anchor set performance.

You will recognize the anchor drag more and more, the more the anchor is digging into the ground and there more chain length you give.

As soon as the anchor is able to keep the ship in position the anchor display shows “set”.

Keep in mind that a too strong force on the anchor chain can lead to a loose/broken anchor chain. A anchor chain force display gives you an indication about the present force at the anchor chain.

To raise the anchor slowly raise the chain. You need to be close to the anchor set point, to remove the anchor from the ground. Once the anchor is loose, the anchor panel display will show “float”.