Marine Insight: Anchor Handling Winch

Marine Industry Demand for Anchor Handling Winches

Anchor handling winches are critical components of deck machinery systems, particularly on offshore support vessels (OSVs), anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessels, and heavy-lift installation ships. These winches are engineered to deploy, retrieve, and manage anchors and mooring lines under extreme marine conditions, ensuring vessel stability, precise positioning, and safe operations during offshore drilling, subsea construction, and marine salvage. The reliability of an anchor handling winch directly impacts vessel safety, operational efficiency, and crew protection, especially in harsh environments such as deepwater fields or high-wave regions.

In offshore operations, anchor handling winches must withstand high tensile loads, dynamic stresses, and corrosive seawater exposure. They are typically hydraulically or electrically driven and designed to handle wire ropes or synthetic lines with high breaking loads. The integration of features such as automatic tension control, emergency brake systems, and fail-safe mechanisms enhances operational safety and reduces the risk of equipment failure during critical maneuvers. Given their role in maintaining vessel station-keeping and preventing drift, a malfunctioning or underperforming winch can lead to catastrophic consequences, including collisions, grounding, or environmental damage.

As global offshore energy exploration expands into deeper and more remote waters, the demand for robust, high-capacity anchor handling winches continues to grow. Maritime regulatory bodies such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and classification societies like DNV, ABS, and CCS enforce stringent design and performance standards, further emphasizing the need for certified, high-quality equipment.

Why Source from Hangzhou Star Marine Technology Co., Ltd.?

Hangzhou Star Marine Technology, a specialized manufacturer in marine deck machinery, offers anchor handling winches that meet international standards while providing significant cost advantages. By leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques, localized supply chains, and streamlined production processes in China, Star Marine delivers high-performance winches at competitive price points without compromising reliability or compliance.

The company’s anchor handling winches are engineered to customer specifications, supporting load capacities from 100 to 500 tons, with options for single or dual drum configurations, customized rope storage, and integration with vessel control systems. All products undergo rigorous testing, including load testing, salt spray resistance, and fatigue analysis, ensuring compliance with major classification societies.

Sourcing from Hangzhou Star Marine Technology not only reduces capital expenditure but also ensures timely delivery and responsive technical support. With a proven track record in global exports and adherence to ISO 9001 quality management systems, the company stands as a trusted partner for shipbuilders, offshore operators, and equipment integrators seeking high-value anchor handling solutions.

Technical Specs & Approval

Technical Specifications: Anchor Handling Winch
Hangzhou Star Marine Technology Co., Ltd. designs and manufactures anchor handling winches to stringent international maritime standards, ensuring optimal performance, safety, and durability across diverse operational profiles. Our winches are engineered for vessels ranging from offshore support vessels (OSVs) and anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessels to large commercial carriers. Key technical parameters are rigorously validated through finite element analysis (FEA) and real-world testing to comply with classification society requirements and operational demands in harsh marine environments. The following specifications represent standard configurations; all units are fully customizable to meet project-specific requirements and vessel integration criteria.

The core performance metrics for Hangzhou Star’s anchor handling winches are detailed in the table below. These parameters define the winch’s operational envelope, compatibility with vessel systems, and adherence to global regulatory frameworks. Selection must align with vessel deadweight tonnage (DWT), intended service profile (e.g., dynamic positioning, heavy towing), and environmental conditions.

Compliance with classification society rules is non-negotiable in our design philosophy. All winches undergo comprehensive load testing (125% of MBL) and dynamic simulation to verify structural integrity under shock loads, ensuring reliability during critical anchor deployment or recovery operations. The drive system selection directly impacts operational efficiency: electric drives offer superior energy recovery and precise low-speed control for DP operations, while hydraulic systems provide exceptional overload tolerance and compact power density for space-constrained decks.

Material specifications exceed minimum class requirements, utilizing impact-tested steels rated to -40°C for Arctic operations and proprietary surface treatments to resist saline corrosion. Chain wheel grooves are CNC-machined to exact chain manufacturer tolerances, minimizing wear and preventing chain jump during high-tension maneuvers. Control systems feature dual-redundant encoders for real-time chain tension monitoring and automatic slip detection, critical for personnel safety during heavy-weather anchoring. Hangzhou Star implements ISO 9001-certified quality control throughout manufacturing, with full traceability of all critical components. Final FAT includes no-load, partial-load, and full-rated load trials, documented for client and class surveyor review. For vessel-specific integration, our engineering team provides 3D model coordination and structural load analysis to ensure seamless deck reinforcement compatibility.

Shipbuilding Solutions

Anchor Handling Winch Solutions for Shipbuilding & Repair by Hangzhou Star Marine Technology

Hangzhou Star Marine Technology Co., Ltd. delivers comprehensive deck machinery solutions tailored for modern maritime operations, with a specialized focus on anchor handling winches for new vessel construction and retrofit projects. As a trusted provider in the marine equipment sector, we integrate engineering excellence, regulatory compliance, and rapid deployment to support shipyards and repair facilities worldwide. Our anchor handling winches are engineered to meet the rigorous demands of offshore support vessels, anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessels, and other workboats requiring high-capacity mooring and towing capabilities.

Each anchor handling winch system is designed in accordance with international standards including DNV, ABS, LR, and CCS, ensuring structural integrity, operational safety, and long service life. We utilize high-tensile steel drums, precision-machined gears, and robust hydraulic or electric drive systems to deliver consistent performance under extreme loads. Our in-house R&D team collaborates directly with ship designers and naval architects to customize drum capacity, line pull, and control integration based on vessel specifications and operational profiles.

For new shipbuilding projects, Hangzhou Star Marine Technology provides full-package delivery, including detailed engineering drawings, load calculations, FAT (Factory Acceptance Testing), and on-site commissioning support. Our streamlined production process enables fast turnaround without compromising quality, allowing shipyards to maintain tight construction schedules. In repair and retrofit scenarios, we offer rapid assessment, reverse engineering for obsolete units, and replacement component supply with compatibility assurance for existing deck layouts and power systems.

We pride ourselves on fast response times, critical for minimizing vessel downtime during repair operations. Our global logistics network ensures timely delivery of complete winch units or spare parts to major ship repair hubs across Asia, the Middle East, and West Africa. Technical support is available 24/7, with field service engineers deployable for emergency troubleshooting or installation supervision.

Below are key technical specifications representative of our standard anchor handling winch series:

All units undergo rigorous testing for dynamic load performance, brake holding capacity, and environmental resilience before shipment. Hangzhou Star Marine Technology ensures that every anchor handling winch not only meets but exceeds operational expectations in demanding offshore environments. With a commitment to innovation, reliability, and customer responsiveness, we remain a strategic partner in global shipbuilding and marine repair solutions.

Packaging & Logistics

Packaging & Logistics for Anchor Handling Winch Exports

Hangzhou Star Marine Technology implements rigorously engineered packaging protocols for all anchor handling winch exports, ensuring cargo integrity throughout global transit. Our methodology adheres strictly to International Maritime Organization (IMO) guidelines and International Convention for Safe Containers (CSC) standards, prioritizing protection against shock, vibration, moisture, and salt corrosion inherent in marine environments. As critical deck machinery operating under extreme loads, anchor handling winches demand packaging solutions that prevent structural deformation or component misalignment during multimodal transport. We utilize two primary systems: ISPM 15 certified wooden crates for modular components and reinforced steel pallet assemblies for monolithic winch structures, selected based on unit dimensions, weight distribution, and destination port handling capabilities.

Wooden packaging exclusively employs ISPM 15 compliant materials, mandating heat treatment (HT) to a minimum core temperature of 56°C for 30 minutes to eradicate wood-borne pests. Each crate is constructed from kiln-dried, knot-free plywood or solid wood planks with a minimum thickness of 18mm for primary structural members. Internal bracing utilizes dunnage beams secured with marine-grade galvanized bolts, while winch components are immobilized using custom-fabricated steel cradles lined with closed-cell polyethylene foam. All wood surfaces receive a moisture-resistant sealant application, and crates feature integrated ventilation slots covered with corrosion-resistant mesh. The mandatory ISPM 15 mark, including country code (CN), producer code, and HT certification symbol, is prominently branded on two exterior faces. This certification is non-negotiable for entry into EU, US, Australian, and most Asian markets, preventing costly port rejections or fumigation delays.

For winch assemblies exceeding 5 metric tons or possessing non-removable structural elements, heavy-duty steel pallets are deployed. These pallets are fabricated from ASTM A36 structural steel with a minimum yield strength of 250 MPa, featuring a welded I-beam substructure and perforated deck plate to facilitate drainage and lashing point integration. Load-bearing surfaces incorporate anti-slip coatings, and all sharp edges are ground smooth to prevent sling damage. Each pallet undergoes non-destructive testing (NDT) via magnetic particle inspection prior to shipment. Steel palletized units are secured using ISO-standard twist locks and 12mm diameter galvanized steel cables tensioned to 80% of breaking load, with critical lashing points reinforced per DNV-ST-N001 recommendations.

All export shipments originate through China’s premier deep-water ports, Ningbo-Zhoushan and Shanghai Yangshan. These facilities offer direct access to major global shipping alliances, specialized heavy-lift berths capable of handling 100+ ton deck cargo, and streamlined customs clearance under China’s AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) program. Hangzhou Star coordinates with pre-vetted freight forwarders experienced in project cargo, ensuring optimal stowage planning, real-time GPS tracking, and adherence to SOLAS VGM (Verified Gross Mass) regulations. Pre-shipment documentation includes certified packing lists detailing internal bracing specifications and comprehensive lashing diagrams approved by classification societies.

The following table summarizes key packaging specifications:

This integrated approach guarantees that Hangzhou Star’s anchor handling winches arrive at destination ports—whether Rotterdam, Singapore, or Houston—in operational readiness, minimizing commissioning delays and safeguarding our clients’ project timelines and investment value.

Contact Star Marine

For maritime operators, offshore support vessels, and shipbuilders seeking reliable, high-performance anchor handling winches, Hangzhou Star Marine Technology Co., Ltd. stands as a trusted global supplier of advanced deck machinery solutions. As a specialized manufacturer in the marine engineering sector, we deliver engineered-to-order anchor handling winches that meet rigorous international standards, including DNV, ABS, CCS, LR, and other major classification societies. Our systems are designed for optimal load control, durability in harsh offshore environments, and seamless integration with vessel deck layouts and mooring arrangements.

Our anchor handling winches are engineered with robust drum configurations, high-tensile wire rope compatibility, and advanced braking systems to ensure safe and efficient anchor deployment and retrieval under extreme operational conditions. Whether for anchor handling tug supply (AHTS) vessels, offshore platforms, or specialized marine construction units, our winches are built to deliver consistent performance, minimal maintenance requirements, and extended service life. Each unit undergoes comprehensive load testing, non-destructive testing (NDT), and factory acceptance testing (FAT) prior to shipment, ensuring compliance with project specifications and safety protocols.

To support our global client base, we offer full technical consultation, customization of pulling force, rope capacity, drum diameter, and control system integration (including remote HPU and PLC-based automation). Our engineering team collaborates closely with naval architects and vessel operators to ensure that every winch system meets the unique operational demands of the application.

For detailed technical specifications, project quotations, or engineering support, we invite you to contact our Product Manager, Kacher YE, directly. With extensive experience in marine deck machinery export and project coordination, Kacher serves as the primary technical liaison for international clients, ensuring clear communication, timely delivery, and full compliance with export documentation and logistics requirements.

Below are typical performance parameters for our standard anchor handling winch series:

To initiate a project discussion, request CAD drawings, or schedule a technical review, please reach out to Kacher YE via email at [email protected]. We respond to all inquiries within 24 hours during business days and provide multilingual support for English, Spanish, and Arabic-speaking clients. At Hangzhou Star Marine Technology, we are committed to delivering engineered excellence—contact us today to power your next offshore operation with a trusted anchor handling solution.