Marine Insight: Grade 2 Anchor Chain

Marine Industry Demand: Grade 2 Anchor Chain

In the maritime industry, the anchor chain serves as a critical component in ensuring vessel safety and operational reliability during anchoring operations. Among the various grades of anchor chains available, Grade 2 anchor chain is widely specified for medium-sized commercial vessels, offshore support vessels, and certain inland waterway craft. This grade offers a balanced combination of tensile strength, ductility, and resistance to environmental stress, making it suitable for a broad range of marine applications where high performance is required without the extreme load specifications of higher-grade chains.

Grade 2 anchor chain is manufactured in accordance with international standards such as ISO 1704:2013 and ASTM A415/A415M, ensuring compliance with rigorous testing protocols for load capacity, elongation, and impact resistance. Its minimum breaking load and consistent mechanical properties make it especially reliable in dynamic sea conditions, where sudden shifts in vessel position or weather can place significant strain on anchoring systems. The chain’s ability to absorb shock loads through controlled elongation reduces the risk of catastrophic failure, thereby enhancing overall maritime safety.

One of the primary reasons for the sustained demand for Grade 2 anchor chain lies in its cost-performance ratio. While Grade 3 and Grade R3 chains are designed for deepwater and offshore applications requiring higher strength, many standard commercial operations do not necessitate such specifications. Utilizing Grade 2 chain in appropriate applications allows shipowners and operators to maintain high safety margins while optimizing procurement and maintenance expenditures.

Hangzhou Star Marine Technology Co., Ltd. provides Grade 2 anchor chains that meet or exceed international certification requirements, including CCS, ABS, DNV, LR, and BV. Our manufacturing process incorporates controlled heat treatment and precision welding techniques to ensure uniformity and durability across every batch. Additionally, our in-house quality assurance laboratory conducts routine mechanical and metallurgical testing to guarantee compliance with global marine standards.

Sourcing Grade 2 anchor chain from Star Marine China offers significant cost advantages without compromising quality. As a vertically integrated manufacturer based in China, we benefit from efficient raw material sourcing, advanced production automation, and streamlined logistics, all of which contribute to competitive pricing. Our strategic location near major shipping ports in East China further reduces export lead times and freight costs, making our products an optimal choice for shipbuilders and marine equipment suppliers worldwide.

Below is a comparison of key mechanical properties for Grade 2 anchor chain as per ISO 1704:

By combining technical reliability with economic efficiency, Hangzhou Star Marine Technology supports the global maritime industry in maintaining safe, compliant, and cost-effective anchoring systems.

Technical Specs & Approval

Technical Specifications: Grade 2 Anchor Chain (ISO 1704 U2)

Hangzhou Star Marine Technology provides Grade 2 anchor chain manufactured strictly in accordance with ISO 1704:2013, designated internationally as Grade U2. This grade represents a critical standard for medium-duty anchoring applications on commercial vessels, workboats, and offshore support craft where a balance of strength, durability, and cost-effectiveness is required. It is essential to distinguish this from obsolete national designations; Grade 2 under ISO 1704 is synonymous with U2, not to be confused with ASTM G30 or older classifications. The chain is forged from high-quality non-alloy steel, subjected to rigorous heat treatment (quenching and tempering) to achieve the specified mechanical properties. Its primary function is to transmit the holding force from the anchor to the vessel, demanding consistent strength and resistance to wear throughout its service life in harsh marine environments.

The core technical parameters for Hangzhou Star Marine Technology’s ISO 1704 Grade U2 anchor chain are detailed in the following table. All values represent minimum requirements as per the standard and are verified through destructive and non-destructive testing on representative samples from each heat and production lot. Nominal diameter tolerance is +0% / -3%. Mass per meter is calculated based on the nominal diameter and density of steel (7.85 g/cm³), with an allowable tolerance of ±7%.

Weight considerations are paramount for vessel stability and handling. The mass per meter values provided are critical for calculating total chain weight in the locker and its impact on the vessel’s center of gravity. Hangzhou Star Marine Technology ensures precise dimensional control to maintain mass consistency, directly influencing stowage planning and windlass capacity requirements. It is crucial to understand that the holding power of the anchoring system is fundamentally determined by the anchor’s design and the seabed composition, not the chain grade itself. The chain’s role is to reliably transmit the anchor’s generated holding force; Grade U2 provides the necessary strength and fatigue resistance for this transmission under typical operational loads encountered by vessels utilizing this grade.

Surface integrity is non-negotiable for long-term performance and safety. Each link undergoes thorough visual and magnetic particle inspection (MPI) to detect surface and near-surface discontinuities. The specified smooth finish minimizes abrasion during deployment and retrieval, reducing wear on windlass components and extending chain life. All chains are supplied with clear, permanent grade and manufacturer markings (HSMT) on the joining shackles and at regular intervals along the chain length, as mandated by classification societies. Export shipments include full Material Test Certificates (MTCs) traceable to the heat number, confirming compliance with ISO 1704 U2 and relevant classification society rules (e.g., DNV, LR, ABS, CCS). Proper selection of chain grade must always align with the vessel’s Classification Society rules, anchor size, and intended operational profile; Hangzhou Star Marine Technology’s engineering team is available to support clients in verifying the suitability of Grade U2 for specific vessel applications prior to export.

Shipbuilding Solutions

Complete Anchoring Solutions for Shipbuilding and Repair – Grade 2 Anchor Chain by Hangzhou Star Marine Technology

Hangzhou Star Marine Technology Co., Ltd. delivers comprehensive anchoring solutions tailored for both new shipbuilding projects and vessel repair operations. As a trusted supplier of marine equipment, we specialize in high-quality Grade 2 anchor chains that meet international standards and ensure reliable performance in diverse maritime environments. Our focus on precision manufacturing, regulatory compliance, and rapid response makes us a strategic partner for shipyards and repair facilities worldwide.

Grade 2 anchor chain is widely used in commercial vessels, offshore support vessels, and inland waterway craft due to its balanced strength-to-weight ratio and cost-efficiency. Manufactured in accordance with ISO 1704, ISO 4565, and LR, DNV, ABS, CCS, and other classification society requirements, our chains are produced using controlled thermal processing and high-tensile carbon steel. Each chain undergoes rigorous mechanical testing, including load testing, hardness verification, and non-destructive examination, to guarantee structural integrity and long service life.

At Hangzhou Star Marine Technology, we understand the time-sensitive nature of shipbuilding and repair schedules. Our streamlined production and logistics network enable fast order processing, with standard delivery within 15–25 days depending on order volume and destination. We maintain strategic stock reserves of common chain sizes to support urgent repair needs, minimizing vessel downtime.

Our engineering team collaborates directly with shipyards and naval architects to provide customized chain assembly configurations, including precise length cutting, shackle integration, and certification packaging. We supply complete anchor chain assemblies, from stud-link chains to end shackles and swivels, ensuring compatibility with existing windlass systems and anchor handling arrangements.

For repair projects, we offer on-site technical support and replacement chain audits to assess wear, elongation, and corrosion. Our team provides documented inspection reports and recommends optimal replacement intervals based on operational profiles, helping operators maintain compliance with class renewal requirements.

The following table outlines key specifications for our Grade 2 anchor chain offerings:

Hangzhou Star Marine Technology ensures seamless integration of anchoring systems into both new construction and retrofit applications. With a commitment to quality, speed, and technical excellence, we support global maritime clients in achieving safe, efficient, and compliant vessel operations.

Packaging & Logistics

Packaging & Logistics for Grade 2 Anchor Chain Exports

Proper packaging and logistics execution are critical for the safe and compliant international shipment of Grade 2 anchor chain, a high-value, heavy marine component subject to significant mechanical stress and corrosion risks during transit. At Hangzhou Star Marine Technology, we implement rigorous, industry-standard protocols to ensure your anchor chain arrives at its destination in optimal condition, fully meeting international regulatory requirements and project specifications. Our approach prioritizes structural integrity, environmental protection, and seamless customs clearance.

All wooden packaging materials, including crates and dunnage used for securing chains, strictly adhere to the International Standards for Phytosanitary Measures No. 15 (ISPM 15). This mandatory global regulation requires wood packaging exceeding 6mm thickness to undergo approved heat treatment (HT) to eliminate pest risks, followed by the official ISPM 15 mark. We exclusively utilize certified heat-treated timber, never fumigated materials, ensuring compliance with destination country agricultural regulations and preventing costly delays or rejections at port. Wooden crates are constructed from robust, kiln-dried lumber, designed to withstand stacking loads and marine environments, with internal bracing and corrosion-inhibiting VCI (Vapor Corrosion Inhibitor) paper wrapping the chain links to prevent saltwater-induced degradation during ocean transport.

For heavier chain assemblies or specific customer requirements, we deploy reinforced steel pallets as the primary shipping platform. These pallets feature welded structural steel frames with substantial load-bearing capacity, designed to accommodate the concentrated weight and abrasive nature of anchor chain. Chains are meticulously secured to the pallet using high-tensile steel strapping and corner protectors, preventing movement during handling and voyage. Steel pallets offer superior durability for multi-modal transport and are inherently exempt from ISPM 15 regulations, providing a compliant alternative where wooden packaging is restricted.

The selection between wooden crates and steel pallets is determined by chain weight, length, and destination port infrastructure. The following table summarizes key specifications:

All shipments originate from China’s premier maritime gateways, Ningbo-Zhoushan Port or Shanghai Port. We maintain established relationships with major global carriers and freight forwarders specializing in heavy-lift and project cargo. Our export documentation package is meticulously prepared, including commercial invoice, detailed packing list specifying crate/pallet dimensions and gross/net weights, Certificate of Origin, and ISPM 15 certification where applicable. Pre-shipment inspections are coordinated per client or classification society requirements (e.g., ABS, DNV, LR). Our logistics team manages end-to-end coordination from Hangzhou factory loading through final port discharge, ensuring adherence to shipping schedules and providing real-time shipment visibility. This integrated approach guarantees that your Grade 2 anchor chain meets the highest maritime logistics standards for secure, compliant, and efficient global delivery.

Contact Star Marine

For global buyers and marine procurement specialists seeking high-performance anchoring solutions, Hangzhou Star Marine Technology Co., Ltd. stands as a trusted manufacturer and exporter of marine-grade anchoring equipment. Our Grade 2 anchor chain is engineered to meet rigorous international maritime standards, ensuring durability, safety, and optimal performance across a wide range of vessel types and operational conditions. As part of our commitment to quality and customer satisfaction, we invite you to connect directly with our dedicated Product Manager, Kacher YE, to discuss your specific requirements and receive expert technical guidance.

Grade 2 anchor chain from Star Marine is manufactured in strict compliance with recognized classification society standards, including CCS, ABS, DNV, LR, and NK. These chains are cold-drawn and heat-treated to achieve superior tensile strength and resistance to wear and corrosion, making them ideal for commercial fishing vessels, offshore support vessels, and medium-tonnage cargo ships. Our production facility integrates advanced quality control systems to ensure dimensional accuracy, consistent mechanical properties, and long service life under demanding marine environments.

We understand that selecting the right anchoring system involves careful consideration of vessel specifications, operational profiles, and regulatory compliance. That’s why we emphasize direct engagement with our clients—ensuring that every order is tailored to meet exact project needs. Whether you require standard lengths or customized configurations, our engineering team supports clients from specification to delivery with precision and professionalism.

Below are the standard specifications for our Grade 2 anchor chain offerings:

To initiate a quotation, request technical documentation, or discuss custom production runs, we encourage you to contact Kacher YE, Product Manager at Hangzhou Star Marine Technology. With extensive experience in marine hardware export and client technical support, Kacher provides responsive, accurate, and solution-driven communication for buyers worldwide.

For prompt assistance, email [email protected]. We respond to all inquiries within 12 business hours and offer virtual consultations to review project specifications, port of discharge requirements, and delivery timelines. At Star Marine, we don’t just supply anchor chains—we deliver engineered reliability backed by professional support. Partner with us for anchoring solutions you can trust, delivered on time, every time.