Anchor Loss, A Growing Concern

By
Mfame Editor
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2162

Lost anchors are among the top five reasons for claims costs, and DNV GL, Gard and The Swedish Club have responded to a negative trend in loss of anchors and chains and associated costs with a study into root causes.

The anchor and the anchoring mechanisms and procedures are crucial elements in securing a ship. Loss of anchor and chain damage is a serious matter. It affects ship seaworthiness. 

How many anchor lost per year?

DNV GL has observed a relatively high number of anchor losses with 8-10 anchors lost per 1000 ships per year and a negative trend in 2014/2015

According to Gard: One case of lost anchor per 200 ships. That is only the lost anchors reported for insurance claims.

According to Class Societes: One anchor lost per 100 ships per year. Class society should be informed each time an anchor is lost, for permission to sail with only one anchor until lost anchor is replaced. Some cases are probably not reported and real numbers are even greater.

Cost involved with loss of anchor

  • Direct cost to replace lost anchor and chain
  • Gard has seen increasing costs related to recovering lost anchors amounting up to USD 50 000
  • Delays and off-hire
  • Costs due to grounding/collision/damage to subsea equipment etc.

Reason of loss of anchor

Anchor loss due to failure of:

  • D-Shackle
  • Swivels
  • Chain
  • Kenter shackles

Anchor and chain lost due to technical failure of: 

  • Windlass motor
  • Windlass brakes
  • Chain stoppers

Anchor loss due to operational issues:

  • Dropping of anchor
  • Use of brake
  • Heaving the anchor
  • Securing the anchor
  • Anchor watch
  • Lack of attention to bad weather

When are anchor lost?

  1. During normal anchoring in port anchorages.

  • When vessel has too much speed during anchoring.
  • When dropped without control by the brake
  • When dropping anchor in too deep water
  • When dragging.

  1. When clutch disengages accidentally during anchoring operations
  2. When anchor is stuck or fouled
  3. When the hydraulic motor is engaged and the chain is pulled out by the vessel’s movements
  4. Breakdown of windlass motor and the anchor and chain needs to be cut
  5. On voyage, if the chain not properly secured
  6. In connection with emergency anchoring to avoid grounding & collisions

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Source: dnv.com

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