Marine Anchor Chains: Stud Link & Studless

Powerful Machinery manufactures and supplies marine anchor chains for ship anchoring and related marine applications. Our range includes stud link and studless anchor chains in multiple nominal diameters and catalogue grades.
 
For an RFQ, specify the chain type, diameter, grade, required length, joining arrangement, end connections, and any testing or documentation requirements. Use the comparison below to narrow your selection, then open the individual product page for the full size and load tables.
 

For other industrial and marine chain products, browse our chain product range.

If you are comparing cable orders by section, see how long one shackle of anchor chain is before specifying the number of full lengths.

Anchor Chain Product Range

Stud Link Anchor Chain

Stud link anchor chain has a central stud across each link. Our catalogue lists AM1, AM2 and AM3 proof and breaking loads for nominal diameters from 17.5 to 130 mm, with chain weight stated per 27.5 m. See the stud link chain specifications for the complete size table. When requesting a quotation, confirm the required diameter, grade, length and joining arrangement.

Studless Anchor Chain

Studless anchor chain uses open links without a central stud. The catalogue lists BM1, BM2 and BM3 proof and breaking loads for nominal diameters from 16 to 50 mm, with weight stated in kg/m. See the studless anchor chain specifications for the full table. Chain type, grade and connection requirements should be checked together rather than selecting by diameter alone.

Stud Link vs Studless Anchor Chains

Specification Item Stud Link Studless Link
Link Geometry Central stud across each link Open link without a central stud
Catalogue Grades AM1, AM2, AM3 BM1, BM2, BM3
Listed Diameter Range 17.5–130 mm 16–50 mm
Catalogue Weight Unit kg per 27.5 m kg per m
Key Order Details Grade, diameter, length and joining form Grade, diameter, length and connections

The figures above are selected catalogue examples. Refer to the relevant product table when specifying your exact diameter and grade. For more information about grade terminology, see our anchor chain grades guide.

Anchor Chain Joining Forms and End Connections

Anchor chain assemblies may include different joining and end arrangements. Our catalogue illustrates Kenter-shackle and D-type joining-shackle arrangements and identifies components including the common link (C), enlarged link (EL), end link (E), swivel (SW), joining shackle (JS) and anchor shackle (AS).

When requesting a quotation, provide the required connection sequence, mating dimensions and any relevant drawing or specification. General shackle products are a separate product family and should not automatically be treated as replacements for anchor-chain joining components.

How to Specify an Anchor Chain

  1. Specify stud link or studless anchor chain and describe the vessel or marine application.
  2. Provide the nominal diameter, grade and applicable project specification or drawing.
  3. State the required total length, quantity and any specified proof or breaking load requirements.
  4. Provide the joining arrangement, end links, anchor connection and other mating components.
  5. List any inspection, testing and documentation requirements that must be agreed for the order.

For replacement chain, include clear photographs of existing markings and connections together with any available dimensional drawing. This helps us compare the requested chain and connection arrangement before quotation.

What to Include in Your Anchor Chain RFQ

A complete RFQ should include the chain type, nominal diameter, grade, required length, quantity, application, joining arrangement, and end connections. Attach any vessel drawing, project specification, or documentation requirements that apply to the order.

If specific inspection, witnessed testing, coating, documentation, or delivery requirements apply, state them in the RFQ so they can be reviewed against the requested configuration.

Anchor Chain Storage and Inspection

Anchor chains and connecting components should remain accessible for inspection during storage and service. Check accessible links and connections for corrosion, deformation, wear and other visible damage according to the applicable vessel or project maintenance procedure. For a more detailed discussion, see our anchor chain maintenance guide.

Anchor Chain Storage and Inspection

Anchor chains and connecting components should remain accessible for inspection during storage and service. Check accessible links and connections for corrosion, deformation, wear and other visible damage according to the applicable vessel or project maintenance procedure. For a more detailed discussion, see our anchor chain maintenance guide.

FAQ

Can stud link and studless anchor chains of the same diameter be used interchangeably?

No. Diameter alone is not enough to determine interchangeability. Chain type, grade, proof and breaking loads, link geometry, joining components and the applicable vessel or project specification should all be checked before selecting a replacement.

No. The proof load shown in the catalogue is a specified test value. It should not be treated as the working load limit of the complete anchoring system. The breaking load is also a separate value.

Provide the existing chain type, nominal diameter, grade if known, required length and connection arrangement. Clear photographs of chain markings, end connections and joining components, together with an available dimensional drawing, are also useful for specification review.

Not completely. Diameter and grade are key specifications, but the order should also define the chain type, required length, joining arrangement, end connections and any applicable testing or documentation requirements.

The catalogue presents stud link chain weight per 27.5 m and studless chain weight in kg/m. Use the unit shown in the corresponding product table when comparing sizes or preparing an RFQ.

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