Application
A marine anchor windlass is the primary deck machine responsible for raising and lowering the anchor and chain. It must deliver sufficient continuous duty pull to recover the anchor from the seabed under defined environmental conditions, while providing temporary overload capacity to break the anchor free from the ground. Because windlass failure directly compromises anchoring safety, IACS Unified Requirements and class society rules govern working load calculation, overload capacity, brake holding strength and hoisting speed.
HI-SEA Marine’s anchor windlasses are engineered against these requirements from the specification stage. We match the windlass’s chain wheel (gypsy) to your chain diameter and material grade, and supply the capacity calculations and test certificates needed for class submission.
Types & Drive Options
🔹Hydraulic Anchor Windlass: Runs smoothly and resists impact, but maintenance is complex and cumbersome.
🔹 Electric Anchor Windlass: Simple structure, easy maintenance.
🔹Combined Anchor & Mooring Windlass: Combined with gypsywheel and drum, combining anchoring and mooring functions.
Marine Electric Anchor Windlass |
Marine Hydraulic Anchor Windlass |
Marine Diesel Engine Driven Anchor Windlass |
Key Features
🔹 Gypsy customized by chain size
🔹 Reliable braking system + emergency stop
🔹 Independent clutch for each gypsy
🔹 Marine heavy anti-corrosion coating
🔹 Optional local /remote control
🔹 Combined type with drum and warping drum for anchoring & mooring
Technical Specifications
The table below shows representative ranges. Custom chain diameters, pull loads, and drive configurations are available on request.
| Parameter | Specification Range |
| Chain Diameter | 12.5 mm – 120 mm+ (AM1 / AM2 / AM3) |
| Drive Type | Hydraulic / Electric / Diesel Engine |
| Continuous Duty Pull (Pc) | Calculated per class rule based on chain diameter and grade |
| Temporary Overload Pull | ≥ 1.5 × Pc, for at least 2 minutes |
| Nominal Speed | ≥ 0.15 m/s (average, over two shots of chain) |
| Brake Holding Capacity | ≥ 45% of chain breaking load (with chain stopper) ≥ 80% of chain breaking load (without chain stopper) |
| Configuration | Single gypsy / Double gypsy; with or without warping head, combined with gypsy & drum |
| Certification | CCS / BV / RINA / RMRS, etc, as required |
Frequently Asked Questions
What chain diameter should I specify for my windlass?
The chain diameter is determined by the vessel’s anchoring equipment number and class rule requirements, not by the windlass alone. Provide your vessel’s equipment number, chain grade, and target class society, and we will confirm the required chain diameter and the corresponding windlass duty.
Will the windlass come with class certification?
Yes, when specified at the order stage. We supply a class certificate from the class society you nominate. The certificate covers the specific model and capacity range.
Can you supply a windlass for a vessel already in service or under retrofit?
Yes. For retrofit and dry-dock projects, provide the existing chain diameter and grade, deck layout constraints, and required class society. We will quote a compatible unit and supply the documentation needed for class survey.
Marine Anchor Windlass in factory