VRYHOF

MANUAL
THE GUIDE TO ANCHORING
VRYHOF MANUAL

No part of this manual may be reproduced in any form, by print,

copy or in any other way without prior written permission of Vryhof.
Vryhof reserves all intellectual and industrial property rights such as any
and all of their patent, trademark, design, manufacturing, reproduction,
use and sales rights thereto. All information in this manual is subject to
change without prior notice. Vryhof is not liable and/or responsible in
any way for the information provided in this ­manual. All trademarks and
patents have been filed or registered in various countries worldwide and
are owned by Stevlos B.V.

Copyright©Vryhof 2018. All rights reserved.

First published 1984. Eight edition published March 2018 .
 
ISBN / EAN: 978-90-9028801-7
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
1. General
Introduction8
Mooring systems 9
Mooring components 11
Mooring line 11
Chain 12
Wire rope 12
Synthetic fibre rope 12
Connectors 13
Shackles 13
Connecting link kenter type 13
Connecting link pear shaped 13
Connecting link C-type 13
Swivels 14
Rope connector 15
Wire clamp 15
Subsea connectors 15
Anchoring point 16
Dead weight 17
Pile17
Drag embedment anchor 17
Suction anchor 18
Gravity installed anchor 18
Vertical load anchor 18
History of drag embedment anchors 19
Characteristics of anchor types 20
History of Vryhof anchor designs 22

2. Theory
Introduction28
Criteria for anchor holding capacity 28
Streamlining of the anchor 28
Shank shape 29
Mooring line 29
Criteria for good anchor design 30
Aspects of soil mechanics in anchor design 31
Soil classification 32
Fluke/shank angle 34
Fluke area 35
Strength of an anchor design 36

VRYHOF MANUAL
 During proof loading 36
While embedded in the seabed 36
During anchor handling 36
Strength of the shank 37
Strength of the fluke 37
Strength in extremely hard soils 38
Anchor loads and safety factors 39
Anchor behaviour in the soil 41
Drag embedment anchors 41
The set-up and consolidation effect 41
The rate effect 42
Vertical load anchors 42
Proof loads for high holding power anchors 43
Certification 45
Quality assurance 47
Anchor tests 48
Introduction 48
Reading test curves 49
Test results 50
Norwegian Contractors (1984) 50
Large scale anchor tests in the Gulf of Mexico 51
Uplift  51
Cyclic effect factor 52
Tests with STEVMANTA® anchors 52
Soil table 54

3. Practice
Introduction57
Soil survey  58
Pile or anchor 59
Assembly instructions STEVPRIS®Mk5 / STEVSHARK60
Assembly instructions STEVPRIS®Mk662
Setting the fluke/shank angle 64
Changing the fluke/shank angle on the
STEVPRIS®Mk564
Rigging for assembly STEVPRIS®Mk6 65
Connecting a swivel to the STEVPRIS® anchor 66
Chasers68
Chasers and their application 68
Chaser types 69
The J-chaser 69
The permanent chain chaser 69
The detachable chain chaser 69
The permanent wire chaser 70
The J-lock chaser 71
4. Installation
STEVPRIS® installation 74
Introduction 74
STEVPRIS® deployment for modus 74
Laying anchors 74
Retrieving anchors 76
Anchor orientation 77
Decking the STEVPRIS® anchors 77
What not to do! 79
Racking the STEVPRIS®80
Deploying the STEVPRIS®Mk5 from the anchor rack 80
Boarding the anchor in deep water 81
Ballast in fluke 82
Chaser equilibrium 83
Deployment for permanent moorings 84
Piggy-backing 85
Introduction 85
Piggy-back methods 86
Piggy-backing involving hinging anchors 86
Piggy-backing with two STEVPRIS® anchors 87
Piggy-backing by using a chaser 88
STEVMANTA® installation 89
Introduction89
Single line installation procedure 89
Installation procedure 90
STEVMANTA® retrieval 91
Double line installation procedure 92
STEVMANTA® retrieval 93
Single line installation procedure
with STEVTENSIONER®94
Double line installation procedure
with STEVTENSIONER®97
The STEVTENSIONER®101
Introduction 101
The working principle of the STEVTENSIONER®101
Measurement of the tensions applied 103
Umbilical and measuring pin 104
Umbilical cable 104
ROV connection 104
Acoustic data transmission 104
Local storage and data display 105
Duration of pretensioning anchors and piles 105
Handling the STEVTENSIONER®106
STEVTENSIONER® product range 107

VRYHOF MANUAL
 Stevtensioning modes 108
Cross tensioning 108
Tensioning against a reaction anchor 108
3-way Tensioning 108
Required installation vessel 108
Supply vessels/anchor handling vessels 109
Pre-installation of a mooring system 110

5. Product data
Introduction113
Dimensions of Vryhof anchor types 114
The STEVIN®Mk3 anchor 114
The STEVSHARK anchor
®
115
The STEVPRIS®Mk5 anchor  116
The STEVPRIS®Mk6 anchor  118
The STEVMANTA® anchor 120
The STEVSHARK REX anchor 
®
122
Dimensions of other anchor types 123
Proof load test for HHP anchors 126
Dimensions of the STEVTENSIONER®  129
Proof load/break load of chains 130
Chain components and forerunners 132
Connecting links 134
Swivels 135
Shackles 136
Wire rope sockets 138
Chasers 140
Mooring line catenary 142
Wire rope 144
Synthetic rope 146
The STEVIN®Mk3 UHC, drag & penetration 148
The STEVPRIS®Mk5 UHC, drag & penetration 150
The STEVPRIS Mk6 UHC, drag & penetration
®
152
The STEVMANTA® UHC, drag & penetration 153
Comparison various mooring lines 154
Conversion table 155
Terminology 156
Subject & keyword index 163
 1

GENERAL
 GENERAL
08

A stone and something that looked like a rope. For

millennia this was the typical anchor.

The use of the anchor changed with the requirements that

shipping had over the centuries, more particular with the
requirements of the Navies of this world in the late 1800s, early
1900s. Their lumpy war ships required larger and heavier, mostly
casted anchors.
­­­­­
The true revolution in anchor design came in the late
1960s with the first oil discoveries offshore, first to steady
rigs and work vessels, two decades later to moor floating
production units.

Established in 1972, Vryhof Anchors was amongst the first

anchoring pioneers in an industry building on great technical
achievement. Likewise, Vryhof built on its experience
developing anchors with staggering holding power and
handling characteristics.

Vryhof became the world leader in its field, working alongside

leaders in engineering, ­manufacturing and installation of
mooring systems for all kinds of ­floating structures. In doing
so, the company has secured numerous anchor and ancillary
equipment patents. The ­company understands that industry
needs can not be met by the supply of standard hardware only.
Their universal and tailored solutions are r­ ooted in proven
engineering and based on long, practical experience. With their
products, advice and this manual, Vryhof shares its knowledge
with those who are faced daily with complex mooring situations.

This manual is intended as a means of reference for all who

purchase, use, maintain, repair or are in any way involved
with anchoring. Though written from an anchor designer’s
standpoint, the information provided is applicable to many
types of anchors. Total objectivity is, of course, impossible.

It is hoped this manual will contribute to the work and success

of all who work with anchors. They are the only fixed reference
point for many of the ­floating structures on the world’s often
turbulent waters.

VRYHOF MANUAL
 MOORING
SYSTEMS
09

Mooring systems have been around for as long as man has felt
the need for anchoring a vessel at sea. These systems were
used, and are still used, on ships and consist of one or more
lines connected to the bow or stern of the ship. Generally the
ships stayed moored for a short duration of time (days).

When the offshore exploration and production of oil and

gas started, a need for more permanent mooring systems
became apparent. Numerous different mooring systems
were developed over the years, of which a short selection is
presented here.

Semi-submersible drilling rig - generally, a semi-submersible is

typical semi-sub mooring
moored using an eight point mooring. Two mooring lines come
together at each of the columns of the semi-submersible.

CALM buoy - generally, the buoy will be moored using four

or more mooring lines at equally spaced angles. The mooring
lines generally have a catenary shape. The vessel connects to
the buoy with a single line and is free to weathervane around
the buoy.

Spread mooring - generally used on FPSOs and FSOs in milder

environments. The mooring lines are directly connected to the
FPSO or FSO at both the stern and bow of the vessel.

Turret mooring - this type of mooring is generally used on

FPSOs and FSOs in harsher environments. Multiple mooring typical turret mooring
lines are used, which come together at the turntable built into
the FPSO or FSO. The FPSO or FSO is able to rotate around the
turret to obtain an optimal orientation relative to the prevailing
weather conditions.

Tendon mooring - used in extreme deep water to

semi-permanently moor production units, generally called
Tension Leg Platforms, on suction or driven piles.

tendon mooring

Courtesy Vryhof Anchors

 MOORING
SYSTEMS
10

Catenary mooring
When oil and gas exploration and production was conducted
in shallow to deep water, the most common mooring line
configuration was the catenary mooring line consisting of
chain or wire rope (fig. M-1). For exploration and production
in deep to ultra-deep water, the weight of the mooring line
started to become a limiting factor in the design of the floater.
To ­overcome this problem, new solutions were developed
consisting of synthetic ropes in the mooring line (less weight) M-1
and/or a taut leg mooring system.

Taut leg mooring

The major difference between a catenary mooring and a taut
leg mooring is that where the catenary mooring arrives at the
seabed horizontally, the taut leg mooring arrives at the seabed
at an angle (fig. M-2). This means that in a taut leg mooring the
anchor point has to be capable of resisting both horizontal and
vertical forces, while in a catenary mooring the anchor point
is only subjected to horizontal forces. In a catenary mooring, M-2
most of the restoring forces are generated by the weight of
the mooring line. In a taut leg ­mooring, the restoring forces are
generated by the elasticity of the mooring line.

An advantage of a taut leg mooring over the catenary mooring

is that it has a smaller footprint, i.e. the mooring radius of the
taut leg mooring will be smaller than for a catenary ­mooring for
a similar application. This reduces the material quantity, cost
and weight of the total mooring system.
M-3

Tendon / Tension leg mooring

This mooring system was developed to moor extremely large
production units in very deep water. More recently it is also
used for small TLP unit moorings. Generally, suction anchors are
applied, however with the availability of gravity-installed vertical
load anchors (VLA), this system might become more popular
for relatively small floating units that are unable to carry large
weight from the deep water mooring system (fig. M-3).

VRYHOF MANUAL
 MOORING
LINE COMPONENTS
11

THE MOORING LINE

A typical mooring system can be divided into three main

components:

• The mooring line

• The connectors
• The anchor point

There is a large variety of each of these main components

available in the industry, each to match project specifications for
a certain application, capacity, its size or weight. In the overview
that follows we describe the most commonly used components
(fig. M-4).

M-4
 MOORING
LINE COMPONENTS
12

MOORING LINE

Chain
The most common product used for mooring lines is chain,
which is available in different diameters, grades and designs
(studlink and studless chain). The studlink chain is most
commonly used for moorings that have to be reset numerous
times during their lifetime, for instance on semi-submersibles,
while studless chain is often used for permanent moorings M-5
(FPSOs, buoys, FSOs). A chain mooring line can be terminated
in either a common link or an end link (fig. M-5).

Wire rope
When compared to chain, wire rope has a lower weight for the
same breaking load and a higher elasticity. Common wire ropes
used in offshore mooring lines are six strand and spiral strand.
The wire rope is terminated with a socket -for instance open
spelter, closed spelter, CR socket (chain rope)- for connection
to the other components in the mooring system. Generally, M-6
wire rope is more prone to damage and corrosion than chain
(fig. M-6).

Synthetic fiber rope

The use of synthetic fiber ropes in the mooring line has become
common practice in deep water mooring. Typical materials
that can be used are polyester and high modulus polyethylene
(Dyneema). The major advantages of synthetic fiber ropes are
the light weight and elasticity of the material. The synthetic
M-7
fiber rope is generally terminated with a special spool (thimble)
and shackle for connection to the other components in the
mooring system (fig. M-7).

VRYHOF MANUAL
 MOORING
LINE COMPONENTS
13

CONNECTORS

Shackles
The shackle is a connector that is very common in the offshore
industry. It consists of a bow, which is closed by a pin. Many
different types of shackles are available. The shackle can be
used in both temporary and permanent moorings (fig. M-8).

Connecting link Kenter type M-8

The connecting link Kenter type is most commonly used for
the connection of two pieces of chain mooring line, where the
terminations of the two pieces have the same dimensions. The
connecting link Kenter type has the same outside length as
a chain link of the same diameter. Generally, connecting links
Kenter type are not used in permanent mooring systems, as
they have a shorter fatigue life than the chain (fig. M-9).

Connecting link pear shaped

The pear shaped connecting link is similar to the M-9

connecting link Kenter type, except that it is used for

the connection of two pieces of mooring line with
terminations that have different dimensions. Like the
connecting link Kenter type, the pear shaped connecting links
are not used in permanent mooring systems (fig. M-10). In
Norway the Kenter and Pear link are replaced by the Trident
anchor shackle (fig. M-11).

Connecting link C-type

M-10
Like the connecting link Kenter type, the connecting link
C-type is used for the connection of two pieces of mooring line
with terminations that have the same dimensions. The major
difference between the Kenter type and the C-type is the way
that the connector is opened and closed. This connector is
generally not used in permanent moorings (fig. M-12).

M-11

M-12
 MOORING
LINE COMPONENTS
14

Swivels
A swivel is used in a mooring system, generally of a temporary
type, to relieve the twist and torque that builds up in the
mooring line. The swivel is often placed a few links from the
anchor point, although it can also be placed between a section
of chain and a section of wire rope. There are two basically
different groups of chasers available.

A. Roller bearing swivels M-13

These are applied to anchor/chain connections and to connect
ground chain and torque neutral fiber rope. This type of swivel
is ideally used to install and tension prelaid mooring systems.

B. Slide bearing swivels

These serve wire rope connections, both in buoy-off
operations and complete mooring operations that involve wire
connections.

M-14
Mooring swivels
A new generation of mooring swivels can be supplied in either
forged or cast versions. This swivel type is mostly applied to
compensate for torque in chain/wire rope or rope connections
(fig. M-13).

Anchor handling swivels

The anchoring swivel (fig. M-14) withstands the largest load
impact during handling and serves all types of connections.
The slim geometry allows the swivel to run through a fairlead,
M-15
chaser ring or over an anchor handler stern roller under high
load, without damage to the bearing system or any other swivel
part.

The ball anchoring swivel (fig. M-15) combines a wire socket,

swivel and chain connector in one unit. The device absorbs the
torque built up in the line. This is especially suited for use in a
MODU anchoring line and runs through the fairlead.

VRYHOF MANUAL
 MOORING
LINE COMPONENTS
15

M-Link synthetic rope connector

A new generation of connectors has been introduced to replace
time costly handling of bulky synthetic rope thimbles. They
serve to connect two lengths of synthetic rope in deep water
mooring lines as well as to connect a buoy to a line without
damaging the line (fig. M-16).

Wire clamps
A new compact design of wire clamps serves to add buoyancy M-16

bodies to a wire rope assuring loads are spread over a length

of wire to prevent bending damage. The clamp can be adjusted
to fit a large variety of wire rope diameters (fig. M-17).

Subsea connector tools

With the increase of water depths in which floating units were
moored it became a requirement to connect or disconnect
mooring lines or their connecting components without the
assistance of divers. A large variety of these tools exists, mostly
purpose-built. Some designs accommodate all end-connectors M-17

commonly used in any combination of chain, wire and

synthetic mooring lines. They are either operated mechanically,
hydraulically or deployed with assistance of an ROV unit (fig.
M-18 & M-19).

M-18

M-19
 MOORING
LINE COMPONENTS
16

THE ANCHORING POINT

The basic choice of the type of anchoring point is mostly

determined by a combination of the water depth in which
it is to be applied, the condition of the soil and the load
that the anchor point needs to withstand. With the increase
of water depth, remoteness of the mooring location from
shore, environmental conditions, sea and soil behaviour, the
practicality of an anchor point or the cost of its transportation
and installation become important selection criteria. In the
illustration below we show the typical mooring point types
ranged by water depth (shallow to ultra deep water) and soil
type (hard to soft soil). In the following subject we describe
each of the typical anchor points (fig. M-20).

1.

2.

3.

4.
5.

6.

typical mooring points

1. dead weight
2. driven pile
3. drag anchor
4. suction pile
5. gravity-installed (drop) anchor
6. vertical load anchor

M-20

VRYHOF MANUAL
 MOORING
LINE COMPONENTS
17

Dead weight
The dead weight is probably the oldest anchor in existence.
The holding capacity is generated by the weight of the material
used and partly by the friction between the dead weight and
the seabed. Common materials in use today for dead weights
are steel and concrete (fig. M-21).

Pile  
The pile is a hollow steel pipe that is installed into the seabed
by means of a piling- or vibrohammer. The holding capacity of
the pile is generated by a combination of the friction of the soil
along the pile and lateral soil resistance. Generally, the pile has
to be installed at a great depth below the seabed to obtain the
required holding capacity. The pile is capable of resisting both M-21

horizontal and vertical loads (fig. M-22).

Drag embedment anchor

This is the most popular type of anchoring point available today.
The drag embedment anchor has been designed to penetrate
into the seabed, either partly or fully. The holding capacity of
the drag embedment anchor is generated by the resistance of
the soil in front of the anchor. The drag embedment anchor is
very well suited for resisting large horizontal loads, but not for
large vertical loads, although there are some drag embedment
anchors available on the market today that can resist significant
vertical loads (fig. M-23).

M-22

M-23
 MOORING
LINE COMPONENTS
18

Suction anchor
Like the pile, the suction anchor is a hollow steel pipe. But
unlike the pile the suction anchor is closed at the top and
generally has a much larger diameter than the pile. The
suction anchor is forced into the seabed by means of a pump
connected to the top of the pipe. When the water is pumped
out of the suction anchor, it creates a pressure difference
between the outside of the pipe and the inside, forcing the
anchor into the seabed. After installation is complete, the
pump is removed. The holding capacity of the suction anchor is
generated by a combination of the friction of the soil along the
suction anchor and lateral soil resistance. The suction anchor is
capable of withstanding both horizontal and vertical loads M-24
(fig. M-24).

Gravity-installed anchor
This anchor type is a hybrid system that combines significant
vertical and horizontal load capacity. It installs itself due to its
drop weigth and requires no external energy or mechanical
handling. It is therefore ultimately suited for ultra deep water
moorings (fig. M-25).

Vertical load anchor

The vertical load anchor is installed like a conventional drag
embedment anchor, but penetrates much deeper. When the
anchor mode is changed from the installation mode to the
vertical (normal) loading mode, the anchor can withstand both
M-25
horizontal and vertical loads. Although designed to suit deep
water mooring applications, its omnidirectional load capacity
allows mooring objects in confined subsea infrastructures such
as in vicinity of pipeline and cables (fig. M-26).

M-26

VRYHOF MANUAL
 HISTORY OF DRAG
EMBEDMENT ANCHORS
19

History traces the use of anchors to China as far back as

2000 BC, though it is quite probable that they were used even
earlier than this. At that time people used large stones, baskets
of stones, bags of sand or even logs of wood loaded with lead
which were then fastened to lines. It was this weight as well as a
certain degree of friction on the bottom which secured a vessel
in position.

With the introduction of iron into anchor construction, teeth or

flukes were built on the anchor, ­allowing penetration into the
seabed, thus offering additional stability. Yet, these primitive
anchors were of poor construction and often broke under
pressure. Curved arms were introduced in 1813, and from
1852, the so-called ‘Admiralty Anchor’ was used for ships of
the Royal Navy. Another refinement in the 19th ­century was the
elimination of the stock, the crosspiece at the top of an anchor
which ensured that the ­positioning of the anchor would allow
the flukes to penetrate the soil. A stockless anchor was invented
in 1821 and became popular, primarily as a result of the ease of
handling and stowing, qualities still valued today.

A large number of anchor types were designed and

commercialised over the years. Some have prospered, others
not. The most recent designs are the result of vast experience
and extensive testing, and are far more efficient than their
historical predecessors. A short overview of the anchors in use
today is presented on the following pages.

1.
1. anchor shackle
1. 2.
4. 2. 2. shank

3. 3. fluke
3.
4. stabilisers
4.
M-27
 CHARACTERISTICS OF
ANCHOR TYPES
20

Based upon certain charateristics such as fluke area, shank,

stabilisers, it is possible to classify the various anchor types.
To allow a rough comparison of anchor type efficiency, an Class AA 
indication (*) is provided for a 10 T anchor as Efficiency well in excess
(holding capacity = weight *efficiency).
of 50 STEVPRIS®Mk6

CLASS A   efficiency range *33 to 50

slender anchors with ultra-penetration.

Class A STEVPRIS®Mk5
CLASS B   efficiency range *17 to 25
anchors with ‘elbowed’ shank, allowing for improved
penetration.

CLASS C   efficiency range *8 to 15 Class B Bruce SS

anchors with hinge and stabilisers at the rear and relatively long
shanks and stabilisers.

CLASS D   efficiency range *8 to 11

anchors with very short, thick stabilisers; hinge at the rear and a
relatively short, more or less square-shaped shank. Class C Danforth

CLASS E   efficiency range *4 to 6

anchors with square shank, no stock stabilisers. The stabilising
resistance is built in the crown.

Class D
AC14
CLASS F   efficiency range *<6
anchors with small fluke area and stabilisers
at the front of the shank.

Class E US Navy Stockless

Class F
Single Fluke Stock

VRYHOF MANUAL
 CHARACTERISTICS OF
ANCHOR TYPES
21

STEVSHARK®REX STEVMANTA®

STEVSHARK® Bruce FFTS

Bruce TS Hook

STEVIN®Mk3 STEVMUD® Flipper Delta

LWT Moorfast - Stato - Offdrill Boss

Stokes Snugstow Weldhold

Beyers Union Spek

Stock Dredger Mooring Anchor

 HISTORY OF
VRYHOF ANCHOR DESIGNS
22

A brief chronological summary of the types of anchors Vryhof

has designed for use in the offshore and dredging industries: STEVIN®

• 1972 - The STEVIN® anchor: The original design. The wing

was not yet enlarged. The anchor had a square shank. It
is no longer manufactured.

• 1974 - The STEVHOOK® anchor: originally designed for STEVHOOK®

permanent moorings. This design was surpassed in
1980 by the STEVPRIS®Mk3 design and is no longer
manufactured.

STEVIN®Mk3
• 1977 - The STEVIN Mk3 anchor: is the improved version
®

of the original STEVIN® anchor. It was equipped with

an enlarged crown and fluke area and a streamlined
shank for more efficient penetration. This anchor is
still manufactured and in use in offshore and dredging
activities. It has approvals from all the classification
societies.

STEFIX®
• 1978 - The STEFIX anchor: this anchor was designed with
®

special fluke points for harder soils and a larger fluke

area than the STEVIN®, but has been surpassed by the
STEVPRIS®Mk3 anchor. It is no longer manufactured.

VRYHOF MANUAL
 HISTORY OF
VRYHOF ANCHOR DESIGNS
23

• 1979 - The STEVMUD® anchor: the STEVMUD® anchor is

essentially the STEVIN® anchor with a considerably STEVMUD®
enlarged fluke area. This anchor type was also
surpassed by the STEVPRIS®Mk3 anchor and is no
longer manufactured.

• 1980 - The introduction of the STEVPRIS®Mk3 and STEVPRIS®Mk3

STEVSHARK®Mk3 anchors. The STEVPRIS®Mk3 anchor
is a deep-penetrating anchor with a plough-shaped
shank, surpassing the performance of all earlier designs
in the Vryhof range, and incorporating the latest
experience, research and knowledge of the anchor
designer. The STEVSHARK®Mk3 anchor is a specially
reinforced STEVPRIS®Mk3 anchor, equipped with a
serrated shank and cutter teeth for better penetration
in hard soils, such as coral types or sandstone. The fluke
points are specially reinforced to withstand high point
loads.

• 1990 - The STEVPRIS®Mk5 anchor and STEVSHARK® anchor, STEVSHARK®

improved versions of the original STEVPRIS®Mk3
anchors and STEVSHARK®Mk3 anchors were
introduced. The STEVSHARK® anchor is an adapted
version of the STEVPRIS®Mk5 anchor. In extremely
hard soils an anchor will not penetrate very deeply.
Consequently, the fluke tips and a small portion of
the fluke need to withstand extremely high loads and
bending forces for which the STEVSHARK® anchor has
been strengthened in critical places. The STEVSHARK®
Mk5 anchor is based on the STEVPRIS®Mk5 anchor
design and has been widely used both for permanent
and semi-permanent moorings and as reaction anchor
in the dredging and marine construction industries.
 HISTORY OF
VRYHOF ANCHOR DESIGNS
24

• 1996 - Introduction of the STEVMANTA®VLA (Vertical Load

Anchor). Based on industry demand for an anchor STEVMANTA®
that could withstand vertical loads, the STEVMANTA®
was developed. The STEVMANTA® is a new design in
which a traditionally rigid shank has been replaced by
a system of wires connected to a plate. The anchor is
designed to accept vertical (or normal) loads and is
installed as a conventional drag embedment anchor
with a horizontal load to the mudline to obtain the
deepest penetration possible. By changing the point
of pulling at the anchor, vertical (or normal) loading
of the fluke is obtained, thus mobilising the maximum
possible soil resistance. As a VLA is deeply embedded
and always loaded in a direction normal to the fluke,
the load can be applied in any d ­ irection. Consequently,
the anchor is ideal for taut-leg mooring systems.

• 2004 - Introduction of the STEVPRIS®Mk6 anchor

The STEVPRIS®Mk6 anchor was developed on the STEVPRIS®Mk6
back of extensive experience of anchor installations.
It combines the geometry of the STEVMANTA® fluke
design with an improved robust shank and shank head
configuration which prevents interference with the
chaser. The fluke shape minimizes soil disturbance and
its large surface provides a more than 30% increase
in holding power over that of the STEVPRIS®Mk5
anchor. The STEVPRIS®Mk6 anchor has considerable
uplift capabilty so that it has also greater water depth
tolerance in combination with suitability for a wide
range of soil conditions. The STEVPRIS®Mk6 anchor can
be equipped with data acquisition systems to monitor
its position on the seabed and during penetration.

VRYHOF MANUAL
 HISTORY OF
VRYHOF ANCHOR DESIGNS
25

• 2017 - For the STEVSHARK®REX design Vryhof took the

previous STEVSHARK® as the starting point to develop STEVSHARK®REX
an even better anchor for challenging seabeds,
using design parameters based on the STEVSHARK®
family’s inherent strong points but with improvements
from a better understanding of anchor design and
STEVSHARK®’S track record over the last decades.
The overall anchor geometry is a combination of
improvements that give anchor penetration, handling
and efficiency that all exceed previous versions
of the STEVSHARK® with Type Approval from main
Classification Societies upon finalizing the design for
production. The all-new STEVSHARK®ReX has been
tested in traditionally challenging soil conditions on
both sides of the world and is now the go-to anchor for
hard soil seabeds, consistently behaving as predicted
and proving its superior performance.
 2

THEORY
 CRITERIA FOR
ANCHOR HOLDING CAPACITY
28

Anchor design used to be based solely on the practical

experience of the anchor manufacturer. Nowadays, science has
become a major factor in the design p ­ rocess, complementing
the experience of the anchor manufacturer. Based on test
results, both in the laboratory and in the field, a much better
understanding of anchor behaviour has been achieved.

The performance of an anchor is influenced by many different

factors, of which the following are only a few: fluke area and
T-1
design, shank design, soil conditions, load conditions, type of
mooring line.

This chapter presents a short overview of how these parameters

influence the ­performance of the anchor. It is by no means
complete, but it will give a better understanding of how an
optimal anchor design can be achieved. In the last part of this
chapter, a few relevant test results are presented.

The holding capacity of an anchor is governed by the

T-2
following parameters:
• The fluke area, which is limited by the strength of the design02.eps
anchor design.
• The penetration of the anchor. The penetration of the anchor
is governed by the soil type (deep penetration in very soft clay
and shallow penetration in sand), the anchor type (design), the
type of mooring line that is used (chain or wire rope) and the
applied load.
An increase in fluke area or an increase in the penetration depth
of the anchor usually results in a higher holding capacity. T-3

In the following paragraphs, the influences on the anchor design03.eps

penetration are further clarified.

Streamlining of the anchor

A streamlined anchor is very important for optimal penetration
in the soil. As can be seen in fig. T-1 and fig. T-2, an anchor
which has protruding parts will encounter much more soil
resistance and consequently will not penetrate as deeply as a
more streamlined anchor with the same fluke area. T-4

design04.eps

VRYHOF MANUAL
 CRITERIA FOR
ANCHOR HOLDING CAPACITY
29

Shank shape
A square shank, which is common for most older type single
shank anchors, will cause penetration resistance due to the
fact that the soil cannot pass easily past the shank. A clod of
soil will form underneath the shank, effectively increasing the
resistance of the soil (fig. T-3). Bevelling the shank allows deeper
penetration. When the single shank is replaced by a twin shank
construction (for instance STEVPRIS®Mk6, FFTS), usually two
thin parallel steel plates, the soil can pass through and past the
T-5
shank more easily, and consequently the twin shank anchor can
penetrate deeper (fig. T-4). design05.eps

Mooring line
An anchor connected to a wire rope mooring line will penetrate
deeper than the same anchor connected to a chain mooring
line (fig. T-5 and fig. T-6). This is because of the higher lateral
resistance (penetration resistance) along the chain mooring line.
This effect is noticeable in all soil conditions, but especially in
very soft clay where very deep penetration can be obtained. T-6
The holding capacity of a chain mooring line, due to friction in
and on the seabed, is larger than the h ­ olding capacity of a wire design06.eps
rope mooring line.

When an anchor reaches its Ultimate Holding Capacity, i.e. it

B
will not resist any higher loads, at shallow penetration a wedge E
shaped piece of soil (in front and above the anchor) it will fail.
The holding capacity of the anchor can then be described as a D C
A
combination of the following parameters (fig. T-7 and fig. T-8):
• The weight of the anchor (A). T-7
• The weight of the soil in the failure wedge (B).
design07.eps
•T he friction of the soil in the failure wedge along fracture
lines (C).
• Friction between fluke surface and soil (fluke area) (D).
• The bearing capacity of shank and mooring line (E).
• The friction of the mooring line in and on the soil (E).

T-8

design08.eps
 CRITERIA FOR
GOOD ANCHOR DESIGN
30

Anchor parameters can be scaled from geometrically

proportional anchors using the scale rules in table A. Scale influence

There are several attributes of an anchor which are Model Reality Related
crucial in assuring its effective performance: to Weight

• The anchor must offer a high holding capacity; a result Length L n W 1/3
of the fluke area and shank design in combination with Fluke area A n2 W 2/3
penetration and soil type. Weight W n3 W
• The design of the anchor should be such that the anchor Penetration P n W 1/3
is capable of being used successfully in practically all soil
conditions encountered over the world, ranging from very Moment M n4 W 4/3
soft clay to sand, corals and calcarenites. Moment of iner­tia I n4 W 4/3
• The fluke/shank angle of the anchor should be easily Section Modulus S n3 W
adjustable, allowing the anchor to be quickly deployed in Bend­ing ­stress M/S n4/n3=n W 1/3
different soil conditions. Shear ­strength F/A n3/n2=n W 1/3
• The design must be so conceived and produced that the
high loads common in practice can be resisted. table A
• The anchor must be designed so that it can be easily
handled, installed, retrieved and stored.
• The penetration of an anchor depends upon its shape
and design. Obstructing parts on the anchor should be
avoided as much as possible.
• The stability of an anchor encourages its penetration and,
consequently, its holding capacity. Efficient stabilisers are
an integral part of a good anchor design.
• The shank must permit passage of the soil.
• The surface area of an anchor fluke is limited by the
required structural strength of the anchor.
• The anchor design must have optimal mechanical
strength to fulfil requirements and stipulations of the
classification societies.
• The anchor should be designed to ensure an optimum
between structural strength of the anchor and holding
capacity.
• The anchor should be streamlined for low penetration
resistance.

Until the 1970s, anchor design was largely an empirical

process. There was not much science involved, mainly
experience. It is not easy, for instance, to calculate the
Ultimate Holding Capacity (UHC) of an anchor from the
commonly known soil mechanics formulas. The main
problem is the prediction of the volume of soil mobilised
by the anchor. To a large degree, it is this volume which
determines the UHC. Detailed understanding of soil
characteristics and behaviour is essential in the anchor

VRYHOF MANUAL
 ASPECTS OF SOIL MECHANICS IN
ANCHOR DESIGN
31

design process and of increasing benefit in handling at sea. It is

this understanding which is the hallmark of a competent anchor
designer and builder.

For anchor design and installation, the availability of good soil

data is of utmost importance as the soil has great influence on
anchor behaviour. The following elements are influenced by the
soil conditions encountered:

Anchor type - some anchors are more suited for soft soil
conditions (soft clay), while others are more suited for hard soils
(sand and hard clays), although there are a number of anchor
types on the market that are suited for most soil conditions
encountered.

Holding Capacity - in hard soil, like sand and clay, the

maximum attainable Ultimate Holding Capacity with a certain
anchor type and size, is higher than the attainable Ultimate
Holding Capacity in very soft clay.

Penetration and drag - in very soft clay the anchor

will penetrate deeper than in harder soil like sand. As a
consequence, the drag length of the anchor will also be longer
in very soft clay than in hard soil.

Retrieval forces - when an anchor is installed in very soft clay,

the required retrieval forces will be higher than in hard soil, like
sand. For example, in very soft clay the required retrieval force
of an anchor can be equal to 80%-90% of the installation load,
while in hard soil (sand) the retrieval force might only be 20%-
30% of the installation load.
 SOIL
CLASSIFICATION
32

Soil strength is generally expressed in terms of the shear

Undrained Shear Strength (kPa)
strength parameters of the soil. The soil type is classified mainly
by grain size distribution. Consistency ASTM BS
of Clay D-2488 CP-2004
Grain size Soil descrip­tion Very soft   0 -  13   0 -  20
< - 2 µm Clay Soft   13 -   25   20 -   40
2 - 6 µm Fine Silt Firm   25 -   50   40 -   75
Stiff   50 - 100   75 - 150
6 - 20 µm Medium Silt Very stiff 100 - 200 150 - 300
20 - 60 µm Coarse Silt Hard 200 - 400 300 - 600
Very hard    > 400    > 600
60 - 200 µm Fine Sand
200 - 600 µm Medium Sand
0.6 - 2 mm Coarse Sand table B
2 - 6 mm Fine Gravel
6 - 20 mm Medium Gravel
Su UU SPT CPT
20 - 60 mm Coarse Gravel kPa kPa N MPa
60 - 200 mm Cobbles
> - 200 mm Boulders    0 -   13    0 -   25   0 -   2 0.0 - 0.2
  13 -   25   25 -   50   2 -   4 0.2 - 0.4
  25 -   50   50 - 100   4 -   8 0.4 - 0.7
In general, the soil types encountered in anchor design are   50 - 100 100 - 200   6 - 15 0.7 - 1.5
sand and clay (Grain diameter from 0.1 µm to 2 mm). However, 100 - 200 200 - 400 15 - 30 1.5 - 3.0
   > 200    > 400   >-30    >3.0
mooring locations consisting of soils with grain sizes above
2 mm, such as gravel, cobbles, boulders, rock and such,
also occur. Clay type soils are generally characterised by the table C
undrained shear strength, the submerged unit weight, the water
content and the plasticity parameters. The c­ onsistency of clays
is related to the undrained shear strength. However, American
(ASTM) and British (BS) standards do not use identical values
(table B).

The undrained shear strength values Su can be derived in the

laboratory from unconfined unconsolidated tests (UU). On site
the values can be estimated from the results of the Standard
Penetration Test (SPT) or Cone Penetrometer Test (CPT). An
approximate relation between shear strength and the test
values are shown in table C.

VRYHOF MANUAL
 SOIL
CLASSIFICATION
33

The mechanical resistance of sandy soils is predominantly

Descriptive Relative Angle SPT CPT
characterised by the submerged unit weight and the angle of term Density ϕ N MPa
internal friction, ϕ. These parameters are established in the
Very loose      < 0.15    < 30   0-   4   0 -   5
laboratory. An approximate correlation between the angle
Loose 0.15 - 0.35 30 - 32   4 - 10   5 - 10
ϕ and the relative density of fine to medium sand is given in Medi­um dense 0.35 - 0.65 32 - 35 10 - 30 10 - 15
table D. The undrained shear strength of clayey soil can also be Dense 0.65 - 0.85 35 - 38 30 - 50 15 - 20
estimated based on manual tests. Very dense      > 0.85    > 38    > 50    > 20

• In soft clay the thumb will easily penetrate several inches, table D
indicating an undrained shear strength smaller than 25 kPa.
• In firm (medium) clay the thumb will penetrate several inches
with moderate effort, indicating an undrained shear strength Descriptive term Compressive
between 25 kPa and 50 kPa. strength qu [MPa]

• Stiff clay will be easily indented with the thumb but Very weak < 1.25
penetration will require great effort, indicating an undrained Weak    1.25 –    5
shear strength between 50 kPa and 100 kPa. Moderately weak    5 –   12.5
• Very stiff clay is easily indented with the thumbnail, indicating Moderately strong   12.5 –   50
Strong   50 – 100
an undrained shear strength between 100 kPa and 200 kPa.
Very strong 100 – 200
• Hard clay is indented with difficulty with the thumbnail, Extremely strong      > 200
indicating an undrained shear strength larger than 200 kPa.

The rock strength can generally be described by its table E

compressive strength (table E).

A classification system for soil based on the carbonate content

and grain size of the soil (Clark and Walker), is shown on page
54 of this chapter.
 FLUKE/SHANK ANGLE
34

The penetration of an anchor into a certain soil type is greatly

influenced by the selected fluke/shank angle. For hinging
anchor types ( STEVIN®, Danforth etc.) the fluke/shank angle
is the angle between the anchor shackle, the hinge and the
fluke tip. The method for measuring the fluke/shank angle
for fixed shank anchors (STEVPRIS®, STEVSHARK®, etc.) is
not well defined. Often it is the angle between the anchor
shackle, the rear of the fluke and the fluke tip, but not all anchor
manufacturers use the same definition. T-9

The recommended fluke/shank angles for different soil design09.eps

conditions are presented in table F.

Some modern anchors, like the STEVPRIS®Mk6, have an

additional intermediate fluke/shank angle of 410, which can
be used in intermediate or more complex soil conditions. For
instance at a location where the anchor has to pass through
a layer of soft clay before penetrating into a layer of sand. If
an anchor is used with an incorrect fluke/shank angle, it will T-10
negatively influence performance. This is the case for all anchor
design10.eps
types.

In hard soil, an anchor with a fluke/shank angle of 32° will give

the highest holding power. If an anchor is used with the fluke/
shank angle set at 50°, the anchor will fail to penetrate into
the seabed and will begin to trip, fall aside and slide along the
seabed (fig.T-9 and fig. T-10).

If an anchor is used in very soft clay (mud) with the fluke/shank sand angle
angle set at 32°, the anchor will penetrate into the seabed,
however the penetration will be less than when a fluke/shank
mud angle
angle of 50° is used. Consequently the holding capacity will
be lower when the fluke/shank angle is set at 32° and the drag
T-11
length longer (fig. T-11).
design11.eps
Soil type Approximate
fluke/shank angle

Very soft clay 50˚

Medium clay 41˚
Hard clay and sand 32˚

table F

VRYHOF MANUAL
 FLUKE AREA
35

Because the fluke area of an anchor is of great influence on the

holding capacity, it can be useful to compare the fluke area of
different anchor types that are available on the market today. In
general, it can be stated that two anchors of the same weight
but of different type (for instance a STEVIN® anchor and a
STEVPRIS®Mk6 anchor), do not necessarily have the same fluke
area. Consequently, two anchors of the same weight but of a
different type, will have different holding capacities.

Some examples:

Fig. T-12 shows a STEVPRIS®Mk5 anchor and a Moorfast

anchor, both of identical weight. It demonstrates that in spite of
having the same weight, the fluke areas differ substantially. The T-12
Ultimate Holding Capacity of the STEVPRIS®Mk5 anchor is 4 to
design12.eps
8.5 times higher than that of the same weight Moorfast anchor.

Fig. T-13 illustrates the difference in fluke area of the

STEVPRIS®Mk5 anchor in comparison with the Bruce FFTS Mk4
anchor, both of which have identical weight.

T-13

design13.eps
 STRENGTH OF
AN ANCHOR DESIGN
36

Anchors should be designed to withstand the loads applied

on them in the different loading situations. Typical loading
situations and areas of special attention for anchors are:

During the proof loading of the anchors in the factory,

after construction has been completed.
• On basis of the proof load results, the classification societies
issue the approval certificate.

While embedded in the seabed

• Depending on the soil conditions, different loading situations
can occur on the anchor. In sands and clays, the load tends to
be spread equally over the anchor, which generally presents
no problems. Retrieval is also very simple, without excessive
loads placed on the anchor.
• In very hard soils, the anchor has to be able to withstand the
load with only one or two of the fluke tips buried in the soil, as
penetration in very hard soil conditions is generally shallow.
• In very soft clays (mud) penetration of the anchor is
uncomplicated. However, recovery of the anchor can cause
high loads, sometimes exceeding the load that was used to
install the anchor.
• Sidewards forces on the top of (shallowly) buried anchors can
be so extreme that no anchor is capable of resisting them.

During anchor handling

• Care should be taken during the handling of the anchors,
as the loads exerted by the winches, vessels and chain can
sometimes exceed the structural strength of the anchor
and cause damage. Anchor designers attempt to design
the anchors for these high loads, however this is not always
possible due to variations in the magnitude of the loads
during handling operations.
• Large forces can be exerted on the anchor when high winch
power is used, the anchor is caught on the anchor rack or
caught behind the stern roller of the AHV.

VRYHOF MANUAL
 STRENGTH OF
AN ANCHOR DESIGN
37

• The use of an improper anchor/chaser combination. When a

chaser is used that is either too small or too large, the chaser
could jam on the shank of the anchor and cause damage.

In light of the points above, the STEVPRIS® range of anchors are

now more closely examined below.

Strength of the shank

The prismatic shape of the STEVPRIS® range of anchors not
only ensures optimal penetration of the soil but also guarantees
maximum strength. Although the STEVPRIS® designs also have
limitations, they are more able to withstand sideward forces
on the shank, a frequent occurrence in practice. When using
an anchor in very soft clay (mud), the bending moment on the
shank is low during the installation and when the anchor is in
the soil. However, during the breaking-out of the anchor, high
bending moments could be introduced in the shank due to
the high retrieval forces required in very soft clay. In extremely
sticky soils, the breaking-out force of the anchor can rise to
80% or 90% of applied anchor load; in certain instances, it can
even exceed 100%. To reduce these forces the breaking-out
procedure is undertaken at low speed to allow time for the
anchor to break out.

Strength of the fluke

The strength of the fluke and especially the fluke points of an
anchor are very important when working in extremely hard soils
such as coral, limestone and other rock types. It is possible in
such instances that the total holding capacity of the anchor
will have to be sustained by the fluke points alone. This means
the structure must be strong enough to withstand extreme
bending forces. Loading in normal soil conditions is not usually
a problem due to the fact that the load is equally spread over
the fluke.
 STRENGTH OF
AN ANCHOR DESIGN
38

In fig. T-14, the different force points are shown for varying soil
conditions. The location on the fluke where the proofload is
applied, is also indicated.

Strength in extremely hard soils

clay sand proofload
In very hard soils such as calcarenite, coral and limestone,
rock
an anchor will not penetrate very deeply. Consequently the
load applied to the anchor has to be held by the fluke tips of
the anchor and a small portion of the fluke. This means that
T-14
extremely high loads will be applied to the fluke tips, compared
to normal soil conditions such as sand and clay. design14.eps

For use in very hard soil conditions, Vryhof has designed the
STEVSHARK® anchor, a modified version of the STEVPRIS®
anchor. To create the STEVSHARK®, the STEVPRIS® anchor
has been strengthened, consequently a STEVSHARK® anchor
having the same outside dimensions and holding capacity as a
STEVPRIS® anchor will be heavier.

Strength calculations of the STEVSHARK® design have been

made to guarantee sufficient strength in the fluke points. The
STEVSHARK® anchor is designed to withstand the application
of the main part of the load on just its fluke tips.

To promote penetration, the STEVSHARK® anchor has a

serrated shank and can be provided with cutter points on the
fluke tips. Ballast weight can also be added inside the hollow
flukes of the anchor, up to 35% of the anchor weight. This is
important when working in very hard soil, where the anchor
weight pressing on the fluke tips promotes penetration, i.e.
increased bearing pressure.

VRYHOF MANUAL
 ANCHOR LOADS AND
SAFETY FACTORS
39

The loads in a mooring system are caused by the wind, waves 4000
3895
and current acting on the floater. Depending on the location Total dynamic
of the floater in the world, different metocean conditions will 3000
Quasi static

Load in kN
prevail. In table G below, some extreme metocean conditions 2342
are presented for different areas. 2000

1000
The loads induced in the mooring system can be divided into
quasi-static loads and total dynamic loads. The quasi-static
0
loads are the loads resulting from statically offsetting the vessel 8300 8500 8700 9800
T-15 Time in seconds
position by wave induced motions, but does take into account
dynamic forces. For quasi-static loads, the systems tend to design15.eps
move at a low frequency, generally with a period of 140 to 200
seconds.

On top of this quasi-static load there are the forces caused by

dynamic effects such as momentum, inertia and fluid effects.
High frequency motion can cause dynamic shock loads with
a period of 10 to 14 seconds due to the rolling of the vessel
and the movements of the anchor lines through the water. The
quasi-static load plus the individual dynamic forces is called
the total dynamic load. Generally the quasi-static loads will be
equal to 50% to 90% of the total dynamic load. See fig. T-15 for
an example of the difference between the quasi-static load and
the total dynamic load.

Location Wave height Wave period Wind speed Current

m s m/s m/s

Campos Basin   8 – 10 12 - 15     25       1

Gulf of Mexico      11      14 44 - 48       1
Northern North Sea 15 - 16 15 - 17 38 - 39 0.9– 1.2

Porcupine Basin 16 - 18 16 - 20 39 - 41 1.0 – 1.5

Vorine Basin 14 - 15 16 - 17 37 - 39 1.0 – 1.5
West of Africa   4 -   6 10 - 16     20 0.3 – 0.6
West of Shetlands 15 - 17 16 - 19 39 - 41 1.0 – 3.0

table G
 ANCHOR LOADS
AND SAFETY FACTORS
40

The quasi-static and total dynamic loads are generally

Permanent Quasi-static Total dynamic
calculated for the intact and damaged load condition. The mooring load load
intact load condition is the condition in which all the mooring
lines are intact. The damaged load condition is the condition in Intact load condition 1.8 1.5
Damaged condition 1.2 1.0
which one of the mooring lines has broken.
table H
From the quasi-static load and the total dynamic load, the
required Ultimate Holding Capacity of the anchor can be
calculated. This is called the Ultimate Holding Capacity
(UHC) for drag embedment anchors and the Ultimate Pull- Temporary Quasi-static Total dynamic
out Capacity (UPC) for VLAs. The required holding capacity is mooring load load
calculated by applying the factors of safety specified by the Intact load condition 1.0 0.8
classification societies. Damaged condition Not required Not required

In the tables H and I, the factors of safety are presented for table I
the different load conditions for drag embedment anchors (for
instance the STEVPRIS®Mk5 anchor), according to API RP 2SK.
The factors of safety used by the major classification societies
are generally similar to those given in API RP 2SK (2005). VLA Total dynamic
load

For VLAs, the recently used factors of safety suggested by ABS, Intact load condition 2.0
are presented in table H. Damaged condition 1.5

table J
The factors of safety for VLAs are higher than the factors
of safety required for drag embedment anchors, due
to the difference in failure mechanisms. When a drag
embedment anchor reaches its Ultimate Holding Capacity,
Mooring line Quasi-static Dynamic
it will continuously drag through the soil without generating safety factors load load
additional holding capacity, i.e. the load will stay equal to the
Intact load condition 2.00 1.67
UHC. When a VLA exceeds its ultimate pullout capacity, it will
Damaged load condition 1.43 1.25
slowly be pulled out of the soil. Transient load condition 1.18 1.05

In table K the safety factors according to API RP 2SK for the table K
mooring line are presented for comparison purposes.

VRYHOF MANUAL
 ANCHOR BEHAVIOUR
IN THE SOIL
41

Drag embedment anchors

Classification Required duration of
Drag embedment anchors are generally installed by applying a society maintaining tension
load equal to the maximum intact load. For permanent mooring
systems the installation load should be held for the period Lloyd’s Register of Shipping 20 minutes
specified by the classification societies (see table L). The anchor American Bureau of Shipping 30 minutes
will then have penetrated to a certain depth, but will still be Det Norske Veritas (NMD) 15 minutes
capable of further penetration because the Ultimate Holding
table L
Capacity has not been reached. The anchor will also have
travelled a certain horizontal distance, called the drag length.
After installation, the anchor is capable of resisting loads equal
to the installation load without further penetration and drag.
When the installation load is exceeded, the anchor will continue
to penetrate and drag until the soil is capable of providing
sufficient resistance or the Ultimate Holding Capacity has been
reached. However, there are certain effects which allow the
anchor to withstand forces larger than the installation load
without further penetration and drag. These are:

The set-up and consolidation effect

Set-up and consolidation mainly occur in clayey soils. The
penetrating anchor disturbs the soil and the soil temporarily
loses strength. With time, the disturbed clay reconsolidates
to its initial shear strength, this takes from a few hours up to
1 month, depending on the soil type. Because not all the soil
around the anchor is disturbed, the set-up effect factor is less
than the sensitivity index indicates. The disturbance mainly
reduces the soil resistance parallel to the fluke. On reloading,
the parallel soil resistance gains strength, it takes a larger
load to move the anchor again. Equilibrium dictates that also
the normal load, i.e. the bearing soil resistance to the fluke,
increases; consequently, the load at the shackle increases also
with the set-up factor. Observations on anchors for drilling rigs
and theoretical considerations for a 3 to 4 week consolidation
time demonstrate a typical set-up effect factor =1.5.
 ANCHOR BEHAVIOUR
IN THE SOIL
42

The rate effect 0

Rate effect factor

An increased rate of loading increases the soil r­ esistance, 1.2

consequently, the anchor holding capacity increases. This must 1.1

be taken into account with respect to total dynamic loads. For 1

anchor behaviour the rate effect factor indicates how much 0.9

higher the dynamic high frequency load may be without causing 0.8
0 200 400 600 800 1000
extra movement of the anchor once installed at the installation
Time factor St
load. The rate of loading influences pore pressure variations,
viscous inter-granular forces and inertia forces. Typical rate T-16 Su=10 kPa Su=50 kPa

effect factors are 1.1 to 1.3 for total dynamic loads, see fig.
design16.eps
T-16 where the rate effect is presented for two different soil
conditions (Su = 10 kPa and Su = 50 kPa).

Using the rate effect and set-up factors, the behaviour of the
anchor after installation can be predicted more accurately.

Vertical Load Anchors (VLA)

For a drag embedment VLA, installation is just like any
conventional drag embedment anchor. During installation
(pull-in mode) the load arrives at an angle of approximately 45°
to 60° to the fluke. After triggering the anchor to the normal
load position, the load always arrives perpendicular to the fluke.
This change in load direction generates 2.5 to 3 times more
holding capacity in relation to the installation load. This means
that once the required UPC of the VLA is known, the required
installation load for the VLA is also known, being 33% to 40% of
the required UPC.

As a VLA is deeply embedded and always loaded in a direction

normal to the fluke, the load can be applied in any direction.
Consequently, the anchor is ideal for taut-leg mooring systems,
where generally the angle between mooring line and seabed
varies from 25° to 45°.

VRYHOF MANUAL
 PROOF LOADS FOR HIGH
HOLDING POWER ANCHORS
43

Proof loading typically takes place at two moments in an

Anchor Proof Load Anchor
anchors life time: post-manufacturing or after installation weight fac­tor weight
offshore.
  1 t   26 t 26 x
  5 t   79 t 15 x
Post-manufacturing, the proof load according to Classification   7 t   99 t 14 x
Societies’ rules (table M) is applied at 1/3rd of the fluke 10 t 119 t 12 x
15 t 155 t 10 x
length from the fluke tip and is c­ arried out immediately upon
20 t 187 t   9x
completion of manufacturing of the anchor. It is obtained by
placing the anchor in a test yoke in which a hydraulic cylinder table M
applies the test loads, controlled by a calibrated system (fig.
T-17).

Post-installation, the proof load is applied to the anchor in the

soil (fig. T-18) for a given period of time that may vary slightly
per Society (table L).

The Vryhof anchor types have been approved by the following

Classification Societies:
• The American Bureau of Shipping
• Bureau Veritas
• Det Norske Veritas - GL
• Lloyd’s Register of Shipping
• Registro Italiano Navale
• USSR Register of Shipping T-17

• Nippon Kaiji Kyokai

design17.eps
• Norwegian Maritime Directorate
• Biro Klasifikasi Indonesia

In the early days there were no specific regulations regarding

the holding power and strength of mooring anchors. The rules
which did exist were often followed regardless of the type of
vessel.

Some anchors were approved as ‘high holding power’ anchors.

This so-called HHP approval was obtained after carrying out
field tests in various types of soil in which it had to be shown
that an anchor provided a holding power of at least twice that
of a standard stockless anchor. If an HHP anchor was requested T-18
by the owner, the anchor has proof-tested in strict accordance
with the rules, nothing more. See table M for some examples 3 .....
of HHP anchor proof loads. A more detailed overview of HHP
anchor proof loads is given in the product data section.
 PROOF LOADS FOR HIGH
HOLDING POWER ANCHORS
44

The use of the specified proof loads for HHP anchors can lead Proof load HHP anchors, UHC=250 t

to situations where different types of anchors with the same

holding capacity are proof loaded at different loads, see fig. 29 t Danforth

T-19. From this figure it can be concluded that the proof load of 10 t STEVIN®Mk3

the anchors should preferably be related to the break load of

4.5 t STEVSHARK®
the mooring line on the vessel.
4 t STEVPRIS®Mk5

Nowadays the rules and regulations are far more rigid, and 0 50 100 150 200 250

the requirements have been substantially increased. There are T-19 Proof load in t
now special rules for ‘mobile offshore units’ and ‘permanently
design18.eps
moored structures’. Balanced mooring system API RP 2SK
Break load chain

Ultimate holding
If anchors need mobile offshore units certification, the following capacity anchor
Damaged load floater
properties may be required: Proof load chain
Pretension
load anchor

• Proof load of the anchors at 50% of the breaking load of the Intact load floater

chain. Proof load anchor

• Submission of a strength calculation of the anchor to the 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100

T-20 Load in %
Classification Society prior to commencing anchor production:
this includes determining the mechanical strength of the design19.eps
anchor as well as proving that the applied material can
withstand the proof ­­load.
• A statement of documented holding power from the anchor
supplier.
• Submittal of a data book.

In fig. T-20 a mooring system is shown in which all of the

components are balanced. The strength of the mooring line,
holding capacity of the anchor and strength of the anchor are
all in the correct proportion and comply with the rules.

VRYHOF MANUAL
 CERTIFICATION
45

Requirements for offshore moorings

Offshore mooring anchors and anchoring equipment such as CLASSIFICATION RULES FOR ­
connectors have to be designed and fabricated in accordance ANCHORS - MOBILE MOORING / LONG
with the requirements laid down by the Classification TERM MOORING
Authorities, such as ABS, DNV-GL, LR, BV etc. (table O). These
requirements apply to the design, materials, manufacture and 1. Design Approval - Type Approval
testing of the products. • Anchor Drawings
• Structural Strength Calculations
The Classification Authorities follow procedures in order to • Fatigue Calculations
establish compliance with the requirements and consequently
approval and certification of the approval. The approvals can 2. Material Approval
be issued for a ‘type design’ or any ‘individual design’ and • Plate material and round bar
furthermore for ‘materials approval’ and ‘production approval’. • Shackles
The Materials shall be manufactured and
Classification type approval / design approval tested according to Class Rules at works
In order to obtain a design approval the Class will review the full which have been approved by Class
set of drawings, calculations and documentation upon which it according to EN-10204-3.2
will decide on conformity to the rules before issuing approval.
For a type approval, special conditions will apply such as for 3. Fabrication Approval
the maximum capacity the approval is certified for. After this Fabrication of anchors shall be in
approval, Class will issue a type approval or design approval accordance with Classification Rules for
and certification for the anchors or connectors. Production
•A pproved Welding Procedure
In general, the main, hi-end design anchors and components Qualifications and Welders Qualifications
for offshore mooring systems will have a Class Type Approval, •A pproved Non-Destructive Testing
whether for mobile or permanent application. This applies to Procedures
a lesser extent for the large variety of general use connectors
available in the market. 4. Requirements for Testing Anchors
and Shackles
For permanent systems , such as the mooring of floating According Classification Rules for Testing
production units, a specific Project Design Approval will be Anchors and Shackles for Mobile Mooring
issued, which for example includes a 25-years design life and Long Term Mooring. Testing of anchors
condition. and shackles have to be witnessed by
Classification Authorities

5. The Marking of Anchors

According Classification Rules for
Identification and Marking of Anchors.
Anchors have to be hard stamped by
Classification Authority Stamp. Also the
certificate numbers have to be hard
stamped in the anchors

6. Anchor certificate
Anchor certificate has to be made by
Classification Authority for each anchor

table O
 CERTIFICATION
46

Certification of materials and manufacturing

The materials, manufacturing process and testing or proof
load will have to be approved by Class wich will issue
material certificates for all materials or components used.
The material requirements will then be mentioned in the
Class Type or Design Approval of the relevant product. For
the manufacturing, an approval is required on the welding
procedures and specifications, on welder qualifications, NDE
inspection on all products and proof-load test (FAT) when
applicable.

Generally, inspection is based on review of the documentation

and where deemed required by incidental audits or inspections
of the materials or product. During the manufacturing surveys
may apply. Proof loading or testing will at all times be witnessed
by a representative of the Class. After approval of the anchors
and other components, the Classification Authority will issue a
Class certificate with all details mentioned.

How to read the Certificate

A. A  ssure that the numbers correspond between the certificate
and the inspection documents.
B. Product names STEVPRIS®, STEVSHARK®, STEVIN®,
STEVMANTA® can only be carried on certificates made out
to Vryhof.
C. T  ype Approval specifies the anchor range covered by the
Certificate.
D. Specs of certified materials for plate, pins and shackle.

TYPE APPROVAL CERTIFICATE INSPECTION CERTIFICATE

A

VRYHOF MANUAL
 QUALITY ASSURANCE
47

The application of more advanced and complex technology

in anchor construction has brought about requirements for a
systematic approach to quality. Vryhof is fully aware of the vital
importance of managerial aspects and their influence on the
total product quality.

Vryhof’s quality management system according to ISO 9001

was certified by DNV already in 1992 for ‘Design, Manufacture
of anchors, and Sales of anchors and mooring components’.
Continual improvement, evaluation and maintenance of the
quality management system is essential for reliable and timely
delivery of products.

Quality Control
Design and fabrication of anchors for mobile and permanent
moorings are performed in accordance with applicable Class
rules. Fabrication and workmanship must guarantee the best
performance and quality and give full confidence to all clients
and users. Quality control and inspections on all components in
every stage of the production process ensure compliance with
the high quality standards expected in the offshore industry.

Tests and inspections are witnessed by Class surveyors and

documentation of every single item is reviewed and stamped.
A compilation of certificates is presented to a client upon
delivery. All production data is stored and saved digitally. Even
after many years all information of every component must be
traceable and retrievable.

HSE
With more than 40 years of anchor production and over 10,000
units sold, Vryhof is aware of its responsibility not only to deliver
products of good quality and in time, but also produce safely
with care for health of its employees and protection of the
environment. This is also expected from all sub-contractors and
suppliers, that are monitored and audited on a regular basis to
ensure compliance to these standards.

An integrated HSE system provides all means for safe

and responsible execution of the work and prevention of
personal harm, material damage and environmental damage.
Involvement of all employees, but also of the management is
indispensable.
 ANCHOR
TESTS
48

Introduction
In addition to prac­ti­cal expe­ri­ence of users and asso­ciates,
­anchor tests are one of the most reli­able means of fore­cast­ing
­anchor per­for­mance and thus mak­ing a prop­er c­ hoice of a­ nchor
type and size.

Examining anchor tests that have been car­ried out in the past,
cer­tain con­clu­sions can be made:
•M  any tests were under­tak­en in which the r­ esults were record­
ed accu­rate­ly.
• Detailed ­reports, how­ev­er, have not been very c­ om­mon.
•A  nchor tests of the past are not ­always easy to inter­pret or
com­pare ­because of dif­fer­ent soil and a­ nchor types.
• Test ­results have not ­always been inter­pret­ed inde­pen­dent­ly.
• The more tests ­results are strict­ly com­pared to prac­ti­cal
­results, the bet­ter one can fore­cast the hold­ing power and
gen­er­al beha­vi­our in prac­tice.

Vryhof is in the per­fect sit­ua

­ ­tion of hav­ing d
­ etailed test data
avail­able togeth­er with exten­sive prac­ti­cal data ­obtained dur­ing
instal­la­tion and use of ­anchors on pro­jects on site.

Research into ­anchor beha­vi­our and the Ulti­mate Hold­ing

Capac­ity of ­anchors is often car­ried out by test­ing a model
­anchor, pref­er­ably fol­lowed by a full-scale test in the field. The
opti­mal ­anchor test con­sists of model tests with 10 kg a ­ nchors,
fol­lowed by full-scale tests with 1 t and 10 t a­ nchors. The
­anchors ­should be ­pulled until the Ulti­mate Hold­ing Capac­ity is
­reached.

It is obvi­ous that full-scale test­ing of a

­ nchors can be ­
expen­sive. Large AHVs, ­strong winch­es and s­ trong moor­ing
lines are ­required, which are not ­always avail­able. For exam­
ple, a 5 t STEVPRIS®Mk5 anchor, d ­ eployed in sand, is c­ apable
of stop­ping a mod­ern AHV at its full bol­lard pull. Testing a 10 t
STEVPRIS®Mk5 anchor to its Ulti­mate Hold­ing Capac­ity in sand
would ­require a hor­i­zon­tal pull­ing capac­ity of approx­i­mate­ly
600 t.

VRYHOF MANUAL
 ANCHOR
TESTS
49

If a ­ nchor tests are to be com­par­able, the test­ing pro­gram

­should pref­er­ably meet, as a min­i­mum, the fol­low­ing
A G B

Holding Capacity
cri­te­ria:
C
• An accu­rate and sophis­ti­cat­ed meas­ur­ing ­system ­should be
used. D
•T  he ­anchors ­should be test­ed up to their Ulti­mate Hold­ing E
Capac­ity.
•D  rag and pen­e­tra­tion of the a­ nchor s­ hould be record­ed ­ F
­dur­ing test­ing. T-21 Drag
•T  he ­anchor ­should be held under ten­sion with a ­blocked
winch for 15 min­utes, to inves­ti­gate any drop in hold­ing design20.eps
capac­ity.

Reading test ­curves

The beha­vi­our of an ­anchor dur­ing ten­sion­ing can be ­
accu­rate­ly inter­pret­ed from the hold­ing capac­ity ver­sus drag
curve. Sample test ­curves are pre­sent­ed in fig. T-21. Properly
inter­pret­ed per­for­mance ­curves can e­ xplain a lot about a­ nchor
beha­vi­our.

• Curve A is very steep and rep­re­sents a stream­lined a ­ nchor in

very stiff soil.
•C  urve B is a nor­mal curve for a ­ nchors in sand and medi­um
clay.
•C  urve C is a curve of an ­unstable a ­ nchor. This can be c­ aused
by a wrong fluke/shank angle set­ting, a short stab­il­is­er or a
fluke that is too long.
•C  urve D is a nor­mal curve for an a ­ nchor in very soft clay.
• Curve E is an ­anchor with a 32° fluke/shank angle in very soft
clay.
•C  urve F rep­re­sents an ­anchor that is turn­ing con­tin­u­ous­ly. This
can be ­caused by the ­absence of stab­il­is­ers, a too large fluke/
shank angle or a low effi­cien­cy a ­ nchor at con­tin­u­ous drag.
•C  urve G rep­re­sents an ­anchor pen­e­trat­ing in a layer of stiff
clay over­lain by very soft clay.
 ANCHOR
TESTS
50

Curves A, B, D, E and G show a very ­stable ris­ing line, which 150

Holding capacity in T
indi­cates that the ­anchor ­builds up its hold­ing capac­ity con­ Sand
8 m soft clay
stant­ly until the Ultimate Holding Capacity has been r­ eached, on rock
100
after which the ­anchor shows con­tin­u­ous drag. The other c­ urves
are large­ly self-explan­a­to­ry.
50
soft clay
Test ­results 25
0 10 20 30 40
Vryhof’s exten­sive data­base of test r­ esults with dif­fer­ent ­anchor
types, sizes and soil con­di­tions, has been fre­quent­ly used in T-22 Drag in meters
­anchor ­design. Data has been ­obtained from prac­tice, scale
design21.eps
Full scale Gullfaks A anchors
mod­els and from third par­ties. The data has been inter­pret­ed
and after­wards incor­po­rat­ed in the Ulti­mate Hold­ing ­
800
­Capac­ity, drag and pen­e­tra­tion g­ raphs of the STEVIN®Mk3
and STEVPRIS®Mk5 ­anchor as well as in the ulti­mate pull-out ­

Holding capacity in T
600
capac­ity graph of the STEVMANTA®. A B* C

Norwegian Contractors (1984) 400

In 1984 Norwegian Contractors car­ried out tests at

Survival load = 1500 tonne
Digernessundet, Stord, Norway. The pur­pose of these tests was 200 A = 40 T STEVPRIS® in sand

to deter­mine the cor­rect ­anchor type and size for the moor­ B = 60 T STEVSHARK® in mud on rock
C = 65 T STEVPRIS® in mud
ing ­system of the Gullfaks A plat­form dur­ing the con­struc­tion * Final pretension load on site
0
of the plat­form at Digernessundet. Although the con­struc­tion 20 40 60 80

would took place at one loca­tion, it was known that three dif­fer­ T-23 Drag in meters
ent types of soil con­di­tions would be encoun­tered: sand, soft
mud and an 8 m mud layer on rock. After the ­initial t­ rials the
design22.eps
STEVPRIS®Mk5 ­anchor was select­ed for fur­ther test­ing.

The 3 T STEVPRIS®Mk5 ­anchor that was used for the tests at a

3.3° pull­ing angle, pro­duced a max­i­mum hold­ing capac­ity of
150 T in the sand, 102 t in the very soft clay and 150 T in the
layer of mud on rock. As the moor­ing s­ ystem r­ equired a sur­
vi­val load of 1500 t, a 65 T STEVPRIS®Mk5 (mud loca­tion), 40
T STEVPRIS®Mk5 (sand loca­tion) and 60 T STEVSHARK® (mud
on rock loca­tion) were select­ed for the final moor­ing. Fig. T-22
shows the test ­results of the 3 T STEVPRIS®Mk5 ­anchor, while
fig. T-23 shows the ­result of the ten­sion­ing of the final a
­ nchors
with a load of 820 t.

VRYHOF MANUAL
 ANCHOR
TESTS
51

Large scale ­anchor tests in the Gulf of Mexico 700

Large scale anchor test jip - 7 & 2 T
In 1990, tests were per­formed with 2 t and 7 T STEVPRIS®Mk5

Horizontal load in kips

600

­anchors, as part of an ­anchor test Joint Industry Project (JIP). 7-3

500

The a
­ nchors were test­ed using a wire rope fore­run­ner. 400
7-2 7-4
7-1
300
2-1
The 2 T STEVPRIS®Mk5 ­anchor was test­ed up to its Ultimate 200

Holding Capacity of 107 T (235 kips). Due to insuf­fi­cient pull­ing 100

2-2
capac­ity, the 7 T STEVPRIS®Mk5 ­anchor could not be p ­ ulled up
0 100 200 300 400 500
to its Ultimate Holding Capacity. Based on the r­ esults of tests, T-24 Drag distance in feet
the Ultimate Holding Capacity of the 7 T STEVPRIS®Mk5 ­anchor
was cal­cu­lat­ed to be larg­er than 338 T (745 kips) (fig. T-24). design23.eps

Uplift
STEVPRIS® anchors are well c­ apable of resist­ing u ­ plift loads
when they are deep­ly embed­ded. Anchors in sand and firm to
hard clays do not pen­e­trate very deeply and only take small
­uplift loads. STEVPRIS® ­anchors i­nstalled in very soft clay and
mud pen­et­ rate deeply, a typ­ic­ al pen­et­ ra­tion for a 15 T a ­ nchor
is 15 to 25 ­meters. Due to the ­inverse cat­en­ary in the soil, the
­anchor line ­arrives at the ­anchor shack­le at an angle of 20°
to 30° with the mud line. Once the ­anchor is i­nstalled, a load
mak­ing an angle up to 20° with the hor­iz­ on­tal at mud line will
not ­change the load­ing direc­tion at the a ­ nchor! A STEVPRIS®
­anchor has been test­ed in the Gulf of Mexico with grad­u­al­ly
increas­ing pull angle (fig. T-25). The max­i­mum resis­tance was
­obtained for 18o ­uplift at mud line.

35 000 60
Line angle vs mudine

= dyn load
= pull angle
Line load in lbs

25 000
40

15 000
20
18˚
5 000

0 0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300

T-25 Line length pulled in feet

design24.eps
 ANCHOR
TESTS
52

Cyclic ­effect fac­tor

The load­ing at the ­anchor is c­ yclic. Exxon per­formed c­ yclic tests
on ­anchors report­ed by Dunnavent and Kwan, 1993. Although
the max­im ­ um ­cyclic load was less than the i­nitial instal­la­tion
load, the stat­ic load ­applied after the c­ ycling phase r­ evealed
25 to 50% larg­er ­anchor resis­tance than the i­nitial instal­la­tion
load (fig. T-26). This ­effect is e
­ xplained by fur­ther pen­e­tra­tion of
the ­anchor. Applying this knowl­edge to the ­anchors, the stat­ic
­anchor resis­tance after some storm load­ing i­mproves by the
­cyclic ­effect fac­tor of 1.25 to 1.5.

Tests with STEVMANTA® ­anchors

Tests have been per­formed in the Gulf of Mexico and offshore
Brazil. The STEVMANTA® ­anchor being p ­ ulled in with a load
equal to F, accept­ed a ver­ti­cal load to the a­ nchor of up to 2
times F! Amongst the many tests, the a ­ nchor relax­a­tion was
meas­ured. The ­anchor with a fluke area of 0.13 m2 was ­pulled in
at 0° pull angle (fig. T-27), then load­ed ver­ti­cal­ly to a load equal
to 1.6 times the max­i­mum instal­la­tion load. At this load the
winch was ­blocked.
Anchor resistance in kN

Increased capacity
Initial static capacity vs initial static
0.15

0.1
Cycling

0.0
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350

T-26 Time in seconds

200 design25.eps
Block winch
150 90 0 pulling
Line load in %

angle with
100
Change mode seabed in
normal
50 loading
mode
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35

T-27 Line length pulled in feet

design26 .eps

VRYHOF MANUAL
 ANCHOR
TESTS
53

This per­mit­ted the mon­i­tor­ing of the anchor load over time

(fig. T-28) as what would be expect­ed in real cir­cum­stanc­es with
a con­stantly load­ed ­anchor line. The ­results show that the hold­
ing capac­ity of the ­anchor does not c­ hange sig­nif­i­cant­ly dur­ing ­
con­tin­uo­ us load­ing, as the ­observed d­ ecrease in ten­sion was
due to move­ment of the winch. The sub­se­quent pull­ing at
7:00 AM ­showed that for only a small move­ment, the full plate
capac­ity (2 x instal­la­tion load) could be r­ eached. Continuous
pull­ing ­caused the ­anchor to loose resis­tance and break out.

To dem­on­strate that the fea­ture of these ­anchors is not that of

only a ver­ti­cal resis­tance, the ­anchor was ­installed with a hor­
i­zon­tal pull, the mode ­changed to the n ­ or­mal (ver­ti­cal) mode
and the a ­ nchor sub­se­quent­ly p­ ulled with an u ­ plift angle of 30o
(fig. T-29). The beha­vi­our is sim­il­ar to the ear­li­er ver­ti­cal pull test.
However, for the 30o pull angle the a ­ nchor did not break out
but moved slow­ly through the soil in the direction of the pulling
force. The ­graphs clear­ly show this ­effect and that the a ­ nchor
can be used for ­sub­stan­tial hor­i­zon­tal loads.

200

150 Block winch

Line load in %

100
Change from
pull-in to normal mode
50

0
20.00 22.00 0.00 2.00 4.00 6.00 8.00

T-28 Time in hours

200 design27.eps
0
150 30 pulling
Line load in %

angle with
100 seabed in
Change from normal
50 pull-in to normal mode loading
mode
0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40

T-29 Line length pulled in feet

design28.eps
 SOIL
TABLE
54

Increasing lithification

strength strong

Increasing grain size of
particulate deposits
Cementation of Very weak to firmly Well cemented soil

Approx. Rock Very weak Weak to moderately weak Moderately strong to strong
soil cemented soil

0.002 mm 0.063 mm 2 mm 60 mm

Carbonate silt Carbonate sand Carbonate gravel 90

TOTAL CARBONATE CONTENT %

Carbonate clay Siliceous carbonate Siliceous carbonate
silt sand Mixed carbonate and
non-carbonate gravel 50

Calcareous clay Calcareous silica silt Calcareous silica sand
10

Clay Silica silt Silica sand Silica gravel


Calcilutite Calcisiltite (carb. Calcarenite (carb. Calcirudite (carb.
90
(carb. Claystone) Siltstone) Sandstone) Conglom. Or Breccia

Conglomeratic
Clayey calcilutute Siliceous calcisiltite Siliceous calcarenite calcirudite 50


Calcareaous claystone Calcareous siltstone Calcareous sandstone Conglomerate 10
calcareous

Claystone Siltstone Sandstone Conglomerat or breccia

Fine-grained limestone Detrital limestone Conglomerat

limestone
90

Fine-grained Fine-grained siliceous Siliceous detrital Conglomerate

agrillaceous limestone limestone limestone limestone 50

Calcareous
Calcareous claystone Calcareous siltstone Calcareous sandstone conglomerate 10
(well cemented)
rock

Conglomerate of
Claystone Siltstone Sandstone Breccia

Strong to extemely

Crystalline limestone or marble

50

Conventional metamorphic nomenclature applies in this section

VRYHOF MANUAL
 55

PRACTICE
VRYHOF MANUAL
 PRACTICE
57

Although theoretical knowledge of anchors is essential for good

anchor design and selection, the practical issues are just as
important. The handling of an anchor and the selection and use
of appropriate support equipment is of equal importance.

Anchor handling is a critically important and often complicated

process. It is influenced by such factors as the weight and
shape of the anchor, the nature of the soil, the depth of
the water, the weather conditions, the available handling
equipment and the type and weight of mooring line. It is for
these reasons that anchor handling is a subject which requires
careful consideration. Without proper anchor handling, optimal
performance of an anchor is not possible.

In the process of handling anchors, various types of support

equipment are necessary or beneficial. An anchor manual would
be incomplete without consideration of these auxiliary items,
the reasons for their use, their operation and the advantages
and drawbacks involved.

This chapter gives an overview of the recommended

procedures that should be followed for anchor handling and the
types and use of the support equipment during the handling
operations.

The following handling procedures are by no means complete,

but they do give some suggestions which can be applied
to each anchor handling procedure and adapted for specific
circumstances and locations.

Some of the topics covered in this chapter are:

• Requirements for a soil survey
• Connection of the anchor to the mooring line
• Chasers
• Handling the STEVPRIS® and STEVMANTA® anchors
• Handling the STEVTENSIONER®
• Anchor handling/supply vessels.
 SOIL
SURVEY
58

For the dimen­sion­ing of drag embed­ment a ­ nchors, the ­avail­

Typical contents survey report
abil­ity of site-spe­cif­ic soil data is impor­tant. For a
­ dvice on
spec­i­fy­ing drag embed­ment ­anchor type/size and cal­cu­lat­ing • Cone pen­e­tra­tion resis­tance.
expect­ed beha­vi­our, the site-spe­cif­ic soil data s­ hould be com­ • ­Sleeve fric­tion.
pared with soil data of pre­vi­ous drag embed­ment a ­ nchor (test) • Pore pres­sure.
sites. • SPT val­ues.
• Gra­nu­lom­e­try and per­cent­age fines.
The soil sur­vey require­ment for the d ­ esign of drag embed­ • Wet and dry den­sities.
ment ­anchors usu­al­ly con­sists of only shal­low bore­holes, while • Water con­tent.
in anchor pile ­design deep bore­holes are r­ equired. For suc­tion • Drained and u ­ ndrained tri­ax­al tests.
­anchor ­design a more exten­sive soil inves­ti­ga­tion is generally • Undrained shear s­ trength, also remould­ed.
­required when com­pared to drag embed­ment anchors. When • Uncon­fined com­pres­sion tests.
choos­ing ­between ­anchor pile, suc­tion a
­ nchor and drag • Plas­tic­ity lim­its.
embed­ment ­anchor the finan­cial impli­ca­tions of the soil sur­vey • Spe­cif­ic grav­ity.
• CaCO3 con­tent.
­should be taken into ­account.
• Shell grad­ing.
• Angu­lar­ity and poros­ity.
A typ­i­cal soil sur­vey for drag embed­ment a ­ nchor d
­ esign
• Com­press­ibil­ity.
­requires a sur­vey depth of twice the ­length of the fluke in sand
• Cemen­ta­tion.
and 8 times the fluke ­length in very soft clay. In most cases a • Nor­mal­ised rock hard­ness test (point load test).
depth of 8 to 10 m ­ eters is suf­fic­ ient, a
­ lthough in very soft clay • RQD index, rock qual­ity des­ig­na­tion.
a survey depth of 20 to 30 ­meters s­ hould be con­sid­ered. For
opti­mal drag embed­ment ­anchor dimen­sion­ing, each ­anchor table P
loca­tion ­should ideal­ly be sur­veyed. The soil inves­ti­ga­tion can
con­sist of bore­holes, vib­ro­cores, cone pen­e­tra­tion tests or a
com­bi­na­tion of these. Cone pen­e­tra­tion tests includ­ing ­sleeve
fric­tion are pre­ferred, but they s­ hould be accom­pa­nied by at
least one vib­ro­core or sam­ple bore­hole per site to o ­ btain a
descrip­tion of the soil. Depending upon the type of sur­vey per­
formed and the soil con­di­tions encoun­tered, the sur­vey r­ eport
­should ­present the test ­results o ­ btained on site and in the
labor­a­to­ry includ­ing the points as shown in table P .

It is pos­sible to dimen­sion the drag embed­ment a ­ nchors based

on lim­it­ed soil infor­ma­tion (for i­nstance fewer bore­holes). The
‘lack’ of soil data can be com­pen­sat­ed by choos­ing a con­ser­va­
tive ­(larger) anchor size.

VRYHOF MANUAL
 PILE
OR ANCHOR
59

The ­choice ­between piles and a ­ nchors is only pos­sible for

Description Pile Suction Anchor
per­ma­nent ­systems. Piles are not a good invest­ment when an pile
­anchored ­entity must be moved. But the c­ hoice is often made
for piles subjectively; a pile does not drag! However, a ­ nchors Soil survey - - +
that are prop­er­ly pre-ten­sioned on site will also not drag. Procurement + - -
Installation spread - - +
Installation time - - +
Expe­ri­ence has shown that a reliable choice b ­ etween a­ nchor Piling hammer - + +
and pile is mere­ly a mat­ter of eco­nom­ics. The r­ equired pile Follower - + +
­weight for a ­system is equal to the ­required w ­ eight of a Pump unit + - +
STEVPRIS® ­anchor. Piles cost about 40% of equiv­a­lent capa­bil­ity Pretensioning + - -
­anchors. However, the instal­la­tion costs for piles are much high­ Extra chain + + -
Rest value pile/anchor - + +
er. Piles ­require a fol­low­er and a piling hammer. The instal­la­tion
Removal of anchor point - + +
­spread for piles is much more sig­nif­i­cant; a crane barge with ROV + - +
sup­port ­spread ver­sus the two a ­ nchor han­dling ves­sels. The
weath­er downtime for a ­spread involv­ing a crane ves­sel is much + less expensive - more expensive
long­er than when AHVs are used. To allow drag of the a ­ nchors
dur­ing pre­ten­sion­ing, extra chain ­length is r­ equired. Sometimes table Q
the pre­ten­sion load for piles is much less than for ­anchors. The
sur­vey work for ­anchors is gen­er­al­ly much sim­pler than for piles.
When aban­don­ing a field, a ­ nchor remov­al is much cheap­er
than remov­al of i­nstalled piles. The c­ hoice b ­ etween piles and
­anchors strong­ly ­depends upon the cir­cum­stanc­es. The table Q
can help in esti­mat­ing the costs for the two alter­na­tives.

Suction piles are an alternative for drag embedment anchors

and piles, also for MODU applications. The advantage is the
accurate positioning of the suction piles. The disadvantage is
the cost of the pile itself and the cost of the installation.
 ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
STEVPRIS®Mk5 / STEVSHARK®
60

A1 A2
pin 1 pin 2

B1 B2
Forward fluke-shank connection pin 3 pin 4

Remove the locking plates A1 and A2 which are tack-

P-1
welded to the fluke. Move pins 1 and 2 to the outer side.
mk5-fluke topview.eps

plate
A1 & A2
pin
1&2

P-2

Mk5 & Mk 6 forward fluke connection

Aft fluke-shank connection
Remove the split-pins and open the locking plates B1 and B2. Move pins 3 and 4 to the outside
(please assure to fully weld the locking plates back into position).

plate
B1 & B2 pin
3&4

P-3

Mk5 Aft Fluke Connection

Attention
Make sure the serial number of the shank corresponds with the serial number of the fluke for
reason of identification and certification.

serial number
serial number

P-4 P-5

mk5-hangen
mk5-fluke serial 1.eps
number.eps mk5-fluke serial number.eps

VRYHOF MANUAL
 ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
STEVPRIS®Mk5 / STEVSHARK®
61

Fit the rear shank lugs into the fluke by means of a crane.
Manoeuvre the rear shank lugs with the notch into the gap in
the flukes, as indicated in the figures. When in position, rotate
the shank forward to align the front pins with the shank.

Align pins 1 and 2 with the forward shank eyes. Move pins 1
and 2 back into position. Place the shank in the sand, middle or sand angle middle angle mud angle
mud position. Align pins 3 and 4 with the rear shank lugs. Move (320) (410) (500)
pins 3 and 4 back into position. Fit and weld the locking plates P-6
A1 and A2 on the fluke. See welding detail below. Close the
locking plates B1 and B2 and secure with split-pins.

mud

middle
sand

notch

P-7

Vryhof recommended welding procedure for locking

plates A1 and A2

Fillet weld with electrode acc. AWS.E7018

Welding process SMAW electrode
full weld
Welding position 2F
Material S355J2G3 (St52-2N)
locking plate
Preheat material 50 C°
Interpass temp max 250° C

P-8
 ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
STEVPRIS®Mk6
62

A1 A2
pin 1 pin 2

pin 3 pin 4
Forward fluke-shank connection
Remove the locking plates A1 and A2 which are tack-
P-9
welded to the fluke. Move pins 1 and 2 to the inner side.
mk6-fluke topview.eps

plate
A1 & A2
pin
1&2

P-10

Mk5 & Mk 6 forward fluke connection

Aft fluke-shank connection
Remove the split-pins and nuts from pins 3 and 4 and move pins 3 and 4 to the outside (please
assure to fully weld the locking plates back into position).

1 2 3 4
P-11

Attention
Make sure the serial number of the shank corresponds with the serial number of the fluke for
reason of identification and certification.

serial number serial number

P-12 P-13

Mk6 hangen mk6-fluke topview.eps

VRYHOF MANUAL
 ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS
STEVPRIS®Mk6
63

Fit the rear shank lugs into the fluke by means of a crane.
Manoeuvre the rear shank lugs into the gap in the flukes, as
indicated in the figures. When in position, rotate the shank
forward to align the front pins with the shank.

Align pins 1 and 2 with the forward shank eyes. Move pins 1 and
2 back into position. Place the shank in the sand, middle or mud sand angle middle angle mud angle
position. Align pins 3 and 4 with the rear shank lugs and insert (320) (410) (500)
them in the lugs. Tighten the bolts and insert split pins 3 and P-14
4. Fit and weld the locking plates A1 and A2 on the fluke. See
welding detail below.
mud eye

Locking strip mid eye

Before deploying the anchor, the anchor shackle pin needs to
sand eye
be secured by welding the locking strip parallel (5mm max.
alowance) to a flat edge of the anchor shackle pin nut (fig. P-17).

Vryhof recommended welding procedure for locking plates

A1 and A2, and the locking strip P-15

Fillet weld with electrode acc. AWS.E7018

Welding process SMAW electrode
full weld
Welding position 2F
Material S355J2G3 (St52-2N)
locking plate
Preheat material 50° C
Interpass temp max 250° C

P-16

5 mm max.

locking strip
P-17

Locking strip mk6

 SETTING THE
FLUKE/SHANK ANGLE
64

In soil such as sand and medium to hard clay, an anchor with a

fluke angle too large in hard soil !
fluke/shank angle of 32° will give the highest holding power. An
anchor with a 50° fluke/shank angle in this soil will not penetrate
but will drag along the seabed. If used in mud a 50° fluke/shank
angle is appropriate. An anchor with a 32° fluke/shank angle will
penetrate less and generate lower holding capacity in mud (fig.
P-18).
no penetration !
Changing the fluke/shank angle on the Stevpris Mk5 P-18
This operation can usually be carried out within 30 minutes with
the anchor upside down on AHV deck (fig. P-19). DAHC0033.pit
change fluke/shank angle Stevpris Mk5
Secure the anchor on deck. Connect a tugger wire or winch
wire (C) to the holes (D) in the fluke underside ribs. To change
fluke angle, first remove the rear pins as shown in fig. P-20.
Remove the split pins and open the locking plates B1 & B2,
then slide the pins out of engagement. Pull on the wire (C) to
pivot the fluke about the front pins (A) until the required fluke
angle is achieved. Re-insert the rear pins and lock in place with
the locking plates and split pins. Do not weld the plates or P-19
pins.
DAHC0035.pit
change fluke/shank angle Stevpris Mk6

Changing the fluke/shank angle on the Stevpris Mk6

Changing the fluke angle on the Stevpris Mk6 is similar to that
of the Stevpris Mk5. The anchor is placed upside down on
Mk6
deck (fig. P-21) and wire (C) connected to the holes in the fluke
underside ribs. The rear pins are bolts with nuts and split pins
(fig. P-22). These are removed and the fluke pivoted about the
front pin (D) as above, then the pins re-inserted and the nuts
and split pins fastened at the required fluke angle. P-21

DAHC0036.pit

plate
B1 & B2 pin
3&4

P-20

Mk5 Aft Fluke Connection

1 2 3 4
P-22

VRYHOF MANUAL
 RIGGING FOR
ASSEMBLY STEVPRIS Mk6
65

Rigging set for anchors

A special set of rigging components will help to safely and
efficiently assemble the STEVPRIS®Mk6 anchor. The same set
can be utilized for the bridle installation method. B. C.

The example concerns a 15 mT STEVPRIS®Mk6 anchor, but is in

principle the same for every anchor weight. The set
consists of:
A.

A. Lifting shackles (17 mT WLL Bow shackle)

B. Sling, 26 mT, 2-leg, 4.75m long with ferrule secured soft eyes
and master link at top. Proof load 39 mT.
C. Grommet, 6 mT, 6m EWL.
P-23
The set shown in the example is for an anchor to be set at sand Assembly rigging Mk6
angle, but will serve all 3 fluke angles as well as for assembly.
The sling is applied at full length, while the grommet is applied
at half length (fig. P-23), choked for sand and
basketed for mud angle and anchor assembly. Once the set B. C.
has been rigged, the anchor can be lifted and held in position
as to safely allow the mounting of the angle setting pins (see
previous page).
To prepare the anchor for lifting, the lifting set is applied. A.
Carefully start lifting to allow the anchor to adjust to the centre
of gravity (see fig. P-24).

The lifting sling (B), also serves the deployment of the anchor
by means of the bridle installation method. In this case the sling P-24
is mounted by means of the shackle to the reinforced eye in the Assembly rigging Mk6
fluke to ensure capacity to lift the anchor including forerunner
and tail piece (fig. P-25).

For mobile or rig applied anchors a special set is required to

B.
withstand extra chain weight and wear.

A.

P-25
Assembly rigging Mk6
 CONNECTING A SWIVEL
TO THE STEVPRIS® ANCHOR
66

­­­­ connect a swivel to the STEVPRIS®Mk6 anchor, several

To
different configurations are possible. These are:

Type I - In some industries the swivel is connected J C B A

directly to the anchor head, thus omitting
the anchor shackle (fig. P-26).
J swivel shackle, C end link, B enlarged
link, A common link
Type II - In the offshore industry the swivel is not P-26
connected directly to the anchor head, but
to the anchor shackle (fig. P-27). J swivel
shackle, C end link, B enlarged link, A
common link
Type III - The swivel is connected to the anchor J C B A
shackle via a special design end link (fig.
P-28). K special end link, J swivel, ­C end
link, B enlarged link, A common link
Type IV - The swivel is part of a forerunner
connected to the anchor shackle, for P-27
instance the forerunners VA02, VA04
and VA06 described in the product data
section (fig. P-29). PL pear link, A common
link, E kenter shackle, H anchor swivel, E
kenter shackle, A common link K J C B A
Type V - The most commonly used composition of
the forerunner fully in accordance with the
regulations is to connect the swivel to
a 5-link adaptor (in some cases 3-link
adaptor). (fig. P-30). C end link, B enlarged P-28

link, 3x A common link, E kenter shackle,

I anchor swivel, E kenter shackle,
A common link (ground chain).

PL A E H E A

P-29

5-link adaptor
C B A A A E I E A A Ground chain

P-30

Always consult Vryhof for alternative methods or specific applications.

VRYHOF MANUAL
 CONNECTING A SWIVEL
TO THE STEVPRIS® ANCHOR
67

When a chaser is used in combination with the STEVPRIS® and damage possible!
swivel, some of the configurations mentioned above are more
suitable than others. In general, swivels are only designed to
withstand longitudinal forces, and are usually not designed NO !
for use in combination with chasers. The design of the chaser
tends to stop it at the swivel. Consequently, there will be high
bending forces on the swivel, which can result in damage or
even breakage.
P-31
Generally, it is best when the swivel is fitted some distance from
the anchor when a chaser is used. The chaser can then pass the damage possible!
swivel and stop on the anchor shank. When a load is applied to
the chaser, the swivel is only loaded longitudinally. This means
that in combination with the use of a chaser, the configuration
NO !
type III and type IV are preferred.

When the swivel (or swivel forerunner) is connected to the

anchor shackle by means of an end shackle and a chaser
is used, the end shackle and the anchor shackle should be P-32
connected bow through bow instead of pin through bow as is
normal practice. This minimises the chance of damage to the
shackles.

The illustrations fig. P-31 through fig. P-35 show how and how
not to connect the swivel to the STEVPRIS® anchor when using
a chaser.

The best method for chasing with a swivel in the system is to

maintain the tension of the anchor line as much as possible P-33
during chasing. This will make the chaser pass more easily over
the swivel. damage possible!

NO !

P-34

P-35

Always consult Vryhof for alternative methods or specific applications.

 CHASERS
68

Chasers and their application

To facilitate handling, pendant wires may be applied to
retrieve the anchor. These wires are connected to a pendant
eye situated on the anchor and equipped with a buoy for
picking up. In deeper water higher anchor break-out forces are
encountered, resulting in the need for longer, heavier pendant
wires and consequently larger buoys. Due to wear caused by
the continuous movement of the buoy by the waves, these
pendants may break close to the buoy. The buoys would then
float free and the anchors would be much more difficult to
recover.

To overcome this, chasers were introduced. These are rings

‘chased’ along the cable towards the anchor and back again
to a rig or handling vessel. Their function is to ensure both
installation and break-out of the anchor without having to use
a pendant line/buoy. The chaser system thus totally eliminates
buoys, partly eliminates cables and reduces wear on the system.
The cost of a chaser is small when compared to the cost of
a mooring line. It is therefore extremely important from an
operator’s viewpoint that chasers do not inflict damage to the
mooring lines.

Towing a chaser along mooring lines with, at times, high

interface pressures, will result in wear. It is thus essential that
such wear is taken by the chaser and not by the mooring line.
The chasers Vryhof recommends are manufactured in a material
that is softer than the steel used for the mooring line. Chaser
wear is induced by the application of high interface pressure
between the mooring line and the chaser. High interface
pressure can arise from:
• Pulling the chaser along a slack mooring line.
• Maintaining high tension in the chaser work wire when
chasing a tensioned mooring line.

Chasing operations are best carried out on mooring lines which

are fully tensioned. There is little need for the application of
high interface pressure while chasing, the permanent chaser is
captive on the mooring line and, unlike the J-chaser, will not
become disengaged due to a slack work wire. For optimum
chasing operations, the length of the chaser pendant line
should be at least 1.5 times the water depth.

VRYHOF MANUAL
 CHASER
TYPES
69

There are many different types of chaser available on the

market today. A selection of the different chaser types is
described in more detail on this and the following pages. For
the main dimensions of these chasers reference is made to the
table on page 140.

The J-chaser
The J-chaser (fig. P-36) is used on mooring lines where the
anchor has to be recovered and no permanent chaser has P-36
been installed, or the normal recovery mechanism has failed.
In other cases the J-chaser is used simply to keep a chain free Chaser 3-15.eps
from a pipeline during deployment of the anchors. The chaser
is deployed over the stern roller of an AHV at approximately
1/3 of the water depth. The chaser is towed across the mooring
catenary until it catches the chain. It is then towed into contact
with the anchor shank/fluke for anchor break-out and retrieval.

The permanent chain chaser

As a practical alternative to the buoy and pendant, the P-37
permanent chain chaser (fig. P-37) was introduced. Originally,
simple shackles were used; these were followed by special cast Chaser 3-16.eps
oval rings which were attached to a pendant by a ‘bight’ of
chain and shackle. Very soon afterwards the pear-shaped chaser
with shackle eye was introduced. The design of these chasers
offers superior sliding and penetration properties.

The detachable chain chaser

For rigs in service it is sometimes preferred to equip the
mooring with a chaser which does not require the anchor chain P-38
to be broken and re-made. Detachable chain chasers (fig.
Chaser 3-17.eps
P-38) were introduced to satisfy this need. The withdrawal and
replacement of the single bolt permits easy assembly of the
chaser on the mooring cable.
 CHASER
TYPES
70

The permanent wire chaser

The permanent wire chaser (fig. P-39) was introduced when rigs
moved to deeper waters, and composite wire/chain mooring
systems became necessary. The chaser incorporates a ‘rocker’
which is centrally mounted on a hinge bolt. The rocker has two
opposing grooves, and when the chaser is engaged with the
mooring line, the wire slides through one of these grooves
irrespective of the angle which the chaser makes with the
mooring. The large radius at the base of the groove assists in P-39
reducing wear of the rocker and avoids severe ‘opening’ of the
lay of the wire if a loop of wire is pulled during the handling Chaser 3-18.eps
process. The material of the rocker is not as hard as the material
of the wire. This means that wear is taken by the rocker without
damage to the wire and, because the rocker is easily removable,
replacement is relatively inexpensive. The permanent wire
chaser is easily detachable by removal and re-assembly of the
hinge bolt and rocker.

Some designs of wire chaser incorporate fully rotating rollers

over which the mooring wire passes. To be effective, such rollers
need to be of a large diameter and require to be supported by
bearings. They are consequently larger, heavier and much more
costly than the permanent wire chasers discussed above, and
because of their size, they require more power at the AHV to
penetrate the seabed and reach the anchor.

VRYHOF MANUAL
 CHASER
TYPES
71

The J-lock chaser

The J-lock chaser (fig. P-40) has been designed so that it can
slide along the chain in one direction and when the pulling
direction is reversed, the chaser locks on the chain and does
not slide any further. This means that the tension in the mooring
line can be wholly transferred from the rig to the chaser. The
J-shape permits catching the anchor chain after the anchor has
been installed. This means that this chaser can be used to assist
in unforeseen circumstances. The well-balanced and P-40
‘guiding’ design of the chaser enables catching the chain when
the chaser approaches a mooring at a point where the catenary Chaser 3-19.eps
angle is as high as 450.

When a normal permanent chaser is used under unforeseen

conditions, there is the chance that the AHV cannot break out
the anchor by means of the chaser The J-lock chaser can help
in such an instance. It is released from a second AHV and slides
along the chain towards the anchor. The design prevents the
J-lock chaser from sliding back. The J-lock chaser is stopped
at the permanent chaser. If the winch pull of both tugs is now
increased, the J-lock chaser prevents the permanent chaser
from sliding away from the anchor. Consequently, the forces
required do not increase, and the anchor can easily be broken
out. After this operation, the J-lock chaser can be released
again.

This chaser can also be used when a very heavy chain has to be
installed. It assists during installation by lifting the chain.
 MOORING
LINE COMPONENTS
72

VRYHOF MANUAL
 MOORING
LINE COMPONENTS
73

INSTALLATION
 STEVPRIS®
INSTALLATION
74

Introduction
Typical methods for deployment and retrieval of STEVPRIS® chaser
anchors with an anchor handling vessel (AHV) are described
below, focusing on the use of chasers for handling the anchor
(fig. Mk6-1). This is the most common practice on mobile
drilling rigs (MODUs). Handling using permanent pendant lines
is similar.

Deployment procedures for the STEVPRIS® anchor will also be Mk6-1

given for permanent moorings where chasers are normally not
used. DAHC0001-2.pit

STEVPRIS® DEPLOYMENT FOR MODUS

Laying anchors
The following method focuses on the use of chasers for always deck anchor with chain between flukes
handling the anchor. Mk6-2

DAHC0009.pit
It is preferred and by some operators required, to deck the
anchor before run out to check the jewelry. Run the anchor line
out the full distance with anchor on deck or on roller, with the
chain between the flukes (fig. Mk6-2).

Boat increases power until anchor line tension rises on rig winch
tension meter. When rig gives order to lower the anchor, veer
quickly pass drum
pendant till anchor arrives at roller. Allow the anchor some
speed to negotiate the bump at the change-over from the deck Mk6-3

on to the roller (fig. Mk6-3). DAHC0014.pit

If the anchor is kept on roller, keep triangular p

­ lates below
the main shackle on the drum for stability of the anchor.
Alternatively the chaser can be kept on deck/roller. In this
situation the propeller thrust passes underneath the anchor and
does not influence the fluke (fig. Mk6-4). This also gives stability
to the anchor when the AHV strips the chaser back or buoys off
shank plates on drum
the pendant. Now the AHV can retrieve the chaser and return to
Mk6-4
the rig. If circumstances allow, the rig can tension up to the full
pretension load directly. DAHC0015.pit

VRYHOF MANUAL
 STEVPRIS®
INSTALLATION
75

Reduce propulsion momentarily when anchor passes the

propeller thrust, keep chaser on anchor head for control of
anchor orientation and lower anchor (fig. Mk6-5).

Once below the propeller wash zone, reactivate and maintain

propeller thrust to well above 30 mT. Keep constant tension in
order to ensure anchor does not fall through chaser, i.e. anchor STOP !
remains in the chaser and orientation of the anchor is correct
(fig. Mk6-6). Mk6-5

Note: In some circumstances AHVs prefer to run the anchor DAHC0016.pit

hanging from the pendant line below the ­propeller wash
approximately 60 to 80 meter above the seabed. This method
requires less power on the winch during the actual laying of the
anchor. If this method is employed, make sure that at all times
the anchor is correctly oriented in the chaser. Keep constant
tension in the pendant line to prevent the anchor from falling
through the chaser and possibly turning.
Mk6-6
Stop lowering when anchor hangs 10 to 15 meter above the
DAHC0017.pit
bottom and advise rig. Rig now instructs AHV to pay out until
pendant line is 1.4 to 1.5 times the water depth in shallow water
(100m) and 1.3 to 1.4 times in deeper water. AHV increases
power till tension is again seen to rise at the rig, i.e. the load in
the line is larger than the chain-soil friction (fig. Mk6-7).

Rig commences to pull in slowly. AHV further increases power

until tension rises further at rig winch. At this moment rig orders wait for signal rig
AHV to lay the anchor. AHV immediately stops the propulsion Mk6-7

and is consequently pulled backwards. AHV pays out pendant

and maintains paying out pendant after anchor has landed on DAHC0018.pit
the bottom till a wire length of 1.5 to 2 times the water depth
is out. Enough slack wire must be paid out not to disturb the
anchor during buoying off or waiting stay above or behind the
anchor.
 STEVPRIS®
INSTALLATION
76

Rig continues heaving the cable to a sufficient load, equal to

the total chain/soil friction plus 50 T to embed the anchor fully
and create confidence in good setting This also gives stability
to the anchor when the AHV strips the chaser back or buoys off
the pendant. Now the AHV can retrieve the chaser and return to
the rig. If circumstances allow, the rig can tension up to the full
pretension load directly (fig. Mk6-8).
rig hauls AHV slacks
No extra pull after landing! Mk6-8

DAHC0019.pit
It is customary with older anchors such as Danforth, Moorfast,
etc. to give another pull once the anchor is on bottom. Do
not do this with STEVPRIS® anchors. Once the anchor hits the
bottom, the AHV should not pull again. The pendant line must
remain slack, otherwise anchor could land upside down! (fig.
Mk6-9).
Suggestion: pre-load the anchors to the maximum required
pretension load as soon as the chaser is 100 metre or more do not pull after landing !
ahead of the anchor, i.e. do not wait. If anchor has not been laid Mk6-9
correctly, a rerun can be made immediately.
DAHC0020.pit

Retrieving anchors
The chaser should be brought to the anchor with a pendant of wrong ! keep cable
under tension
at least the length of 1.5 to 2 times the water depth, measured
from the stern roller. The chaser should hang freely down
from the anchor line till the bottom is reached, i.e. slack in the
pendant line. A too short ­pendant and/or too little tension in
the cable results in a situation as sketched (fig. Mk6-10).
Mk6-10

While chasing, the rig should maintain a tension of 60 to 70% DAHC0023.pit

of the pre-load tension. No tension should be in the pendant
line to ensure its smooth passing over the chain. When the
patience in very soft soils !
chaser is pulled into contact with the anchor shank, increase the
AHV thrust and keep thrust while heaving, especially in rough
water (fig. Mk6-11).

Mk6-11

DAHC0024.pit

VRYHOF MANUAL
 STEVPRIS®
INSTALLATION
77

The motion of the vessel itself now helps to gradually break the
anchor loose. Sequentially with the vessel’s motion the pendant
is shortened gradually. Anchors in very soft clay can be buried
very deep. Have patience, take your time and be gentle with
the equipment; the anchor will come. The rig can help and keep
rig pulling
speed-up the operation by hauling the anchor line at the same
hauls
time! Once the anchor is off the bottom, keep the chaser in
contact with the bow shackle by maintaining sufficient vessel
thrust (fig. Mk6-12). Mk6-12

Anchor orientation DAHC0025.pit

DAHC0024.pit
The anchor flukes are always oriented towards the rig, on deck
the anchor lays on its back with the shackle towards AHVs bow
and the cable between the upwards directed fluke points.
Check jewelry (fig. Mk6-13).

It is important to control the anchor orientation at all times for

easy racking, laying and decking of the anchor, i.e. keep the always deck anchor with chain between flukes
pendant line under tension while working with the anchor. If the Mk6-13
anchor slides through the chaser, the anchor has to be pulled
DAHC0009-2.pit
back to the stern roller and orientation checked (fig. Mk6-14).

Decking the STEVPRIS® anchor

If anchor is not correctly oriented, reduce propulsion and let
anchor slide down through the chaser. Rotation is easier while
near the rig where all loads are lower (fig. Mk6-15).

keep tension !
To aid visual inspection of the anchor’s orientation, the shank
heads of the STEVPRIS® anchors are colored red and green, Mk6-14

where starboard is green when the anchor rests on its back on

deck. DAHC0010.pit

wrong ! anchor cannot deck !

Mk6-15

DAHC0004.pit

Always consult Vryhof for alternative methods or specific applications.

 STEVPRIS®
INSTALLATION
78

Turn the anchor with a shot of propeller wash. Then pay out
the pendant, make sure the anchor is below the propeller wash
away from the ­propeller influence zone (fig. Mk6-16).

Increase propulsion moving the AHV forward ­pulling chaser

in contact with the anchor. Make sure the stern roller is
perpendicular to the chain, the chain directing between the
fluke points (fig. Mk6-17).
Mk6-16 turn
With sufficient bollard pull haul the pendant, stop /reduce
thrust for only a few seconds when anchor passes the propeller DAHC0005.pit
wash onto the stern roller. Pull anchor on the stern roller, allow
the anchor to turn with its back on the roller, fluke points up.
Then pull further onto the deck (fig. Mk6-18).

With a little tension in the line, the chain hangs steep against
the fluke points and anchor cannot rotate easily (A). Before
rotating the anchor, pull on the cable, the anchor will be free to
turn (B) and (C) (fig. Mk6-19). Mk6-17

DAHC0028.pit
With the anchor on the stern roller, reactivate propulsion.
For inspection the anchor can be pulled on deck. If required,
change the fluke angle to 32° for hard soil or to 50° for very soft
soil. Note that every anchor type will be unstable and drag in
hard soil, stiff clay or sand with a fluke angle set for mud!
(fig. Mk6-20). STOP !

stop / reduce
propulsion
Mk6-18

DAHC0006.pit

Mk6-19

DAHC0008.pit

Mk6-20

DAHC0007.pit

VRYHOF MANUAL
 STEVPRIS®
INSTALLATION
79

What not to do!

When the anchor is approaching the drum, if the AHV maintains
thrust, the water flow will push the fluke (fig. Mk6-21).

If the propeller is not stopped, the thrust risks turning the

anchor around the cable which acts as a shaft (fig. Mk6-22).

The relative weight of the anchor increased by the thrust force thrust on anchor makes it swing !
on the fluke may cause the anchor and the cable to slide down Mk6-21
through the chaser and control of anchor orientation is lost (fig.
Mk6-23). DAHC0029.pit

When the thrust is maintained while hauling in the chaser, the

cable prevents the anchor to turn on its back at the stern roller.
Boarding will be difficult now. The anchor could pass the stern
roller on its side and get damaged! (fig. Mk6-24)

So stop/reduce the thrust just before the anchor passes the and rotate !
propeller wash. Mk6-22

DAHC0030.pit
To aid visual inspection of the anchor’s orientation, the shank
heads of the STEVPRIS® anchors are colored red and green,
where starboard is green when the anchor rests on its back on
deck.

anchor slides through chaser

Mk6-23

DAHC0031.pit

damage !
Mk6-24

DAHC0032.pit

Always consult Vryhof for alternative methods or specific applications.

 STEVPRIS®
INSTALLATION
80

Racking the STEVPRIS®

The rig heaves in anchor line, pulling the AHV towards it. AHV
keeps sufficient tension in the pendant, the chaser remains in
tight contact with anchor, anchor remains correctly oriented (fig.
Mk6-25).

At some distance from the rig, AHV pays out winch wire while
maintaining sufficient bollard pull (at least 1.5 times anchor keep tension !
weight) to keep the chaser on the anchor head. Anchor flukes Mk6-25
point towards the rig. The rig hauls, the AHV veers while
keeping some tension in the pendant line transferring the DAHC0013.pit
anchor to the ­bolster. The direction of the anchor cable must
now be perpendicular to the rack (fig. Mk6-26).

When the anchor arrives at the bolster, reduce tension to 15 mT.

As soon as anchor is resting on ­the bolsters, slack the pendant
wire completely. If the tension is not sufficient, anchor will fall
out of the chaser and may rotate the anchor and make racking keep tension !
difficult (fig. Mk6-27). If this occurs, bring the anchor to the Mk6-26
stern of the AHV, rotate the anchor with fluke points directing
DAHC0011.pit
outwards and keep the chaser tight on the anchor.

Deploying STEVPRIS® from the anchor rack

The AHV receives pendant from the rig and connects to the
AHV winch wire. The AHV moves to a position to a good
distance (but less than the water depth, for instance 50 meter
wrong !
dependent on weather) from the rig. Stop the winch and keep risk losing control
sufficient tension, 20 to 30 mT or more as required to maintain over anchor orientation
the chaser on the head of the anchor. The rig pays out the Mk6-27

cable while the AHV hauls in on the winch. The AHV maintains
sufficient tension while pulling the anchor to the stern roller.
Reduce the power of the propeller as the anchor passes the
wash zone and bring the anchor onto the roller for inspection
and reactivate thrust (fig. Mk6-28).­

keep tension !
Mk6-28

DAHC0011.pit

VRYHOF MANUAL
 STEVPRIS®
INSTALLATION
81

Boarding the anchor in deep water

In deep water the weight of the anchor line becomes of
predominant importance. For line loads larger than 8 times the
anchor weight, the anchor could be pulled against the chaser
as illustrated, it could even position itself upside down! In such
cases, boarding the anchor is difficult and damage might occur
(fig. Mk6-29). anchor weight
high tension
The best and preferred solution is to pull the anchor from the Mk6-29
bottom and have the rig haul the anchor line, allowing the
boarding of the anchor near the rig where loads are smaller. DAHC0037.pit

If this is not possible or not allowed for some reason, another

solution is to reduce the weight that is hanging from the anchor.
This can be done by lifting the anchor line using a lock chaser lock chaser
or grapnel handled by a second vessel (fig. Mk6-30).

It is recommended to board the anchor with the chain between

the fluke tips. The anchor fluke is generally designed to Mk6-30
withstand loads up to 8 times the anchor weight (fig. Mk6-31).
DAHC0038.pit

If the anchor were to be to be accidentally ­pulled over the roller

on to its side, due to the large forces, damage might occur to
the shank and fluke when the chain is hanging over the anchor
(fig. Mk6-32).

To aid visual inspection of the anchor’s orientation, the shank

heads of the STEVPRIS® anchors are colored red and green, 8 x anchor weight
where starboard is green when the anchor rests on its back on Mk6-31

deck. DAHC0036.pit

large weight

Mk6-32

DAHC0039.pit

Always consult Vryhof for alternative methods or specific applications.

 STEVPRIS®
INSTALLATION
82

If boarding the anchor on its side is inevitable, make sure that

before boarding, the vessel is turned to free the anchor line
from the anchor and haul gently. The chain will pass the stern
roller next to the anchor. However, this situation should be
avoided as damage may occur (fig. Mk6-33).

Ballast in fluke
Using a wire rope forerunner and ballast material placed inside
the hollow fluke, the anchor may not topple over with the fluke Mk6-33
points directed downwards. A wire anchor line might be too
light to position the anchor correctly and the anchor may not DAHC0040.pit
wire
topple over, the anchor could skid over the seabed and prevent
penetration.

Even if the fluke is ballasted, the weight of a chain forerunner chain

will cause the shackle to topple and bring the fluke in
penetration position (fig. Mk6-34).
with ballast in fluke use chain forerunner
Mk6-34

DAHC0034.pit

VRYHOF MANUAL
 STEVPRIS®
INSTALLATION
83

Chaser equilibrium
pendant line force
To control the anchor, the chaser collar must always be on the
anchor head. The tension in the anchor cable must be equal or
larger than 1.5 times the weight of the anchor. If not, the anchor
slides through the chaser and the orientation is not controlled
(fig. Mk6-35). anchor line tension

Equilibrium forces determine if chaser is in contact with the anchor weight

anchor. Near bottom, the vertical load at the chaser from the Mk6-35
anchor line Flv is small. The chaser remains only in contact with
the anchor if the bollard pull Fph is larger than the horizontal Fp Fpv DAHC0002.pit
line load Flh, which in turn must be larger than the anchor
weight W (if not, the anchor will slide down). The angle of the
pendant line must be larger than 45° (fig. Mk6-36).
Flh
Fph
Recommendation: bollard pull must always be equal or larger
than the line tension, i.e. use a minimum bollard pull of 20 to Flv Fl

30 mT for a 12 to 15 mT anchor. Use a minimum pendant line

length of 1.4 to 1.5 times the water depth in shallow water Mk6-36 W
(100m) and 1.3 to 1.4 times the depth in deeper water
DAHC0003.pit
(fig. Mk6-37).
chaser

Mk6-37

DAHC0001-2.pit
 STEVPRIS®
INSTALLATION
84

DEPLOYMENT FOR PERMANENT

MOORINGS

The simplest deployment procedure for the STEVPRIS® anchor

is to lower the anchor to the seabed using the mooring line.
When the anchor is nearly on the seabed, the AHV should start
moving slowly forward to ensure that the anchor lands correctly
on the seabed (fig. Mk6-38).
Mk6-38
Another option for the deployment of the STEVPRIS® anchor is
to connect a temporary installation bridle (wire rope) to the rear SP-PER001
temporary bridle
of the anchor. The bridle is connected to the padeyes situated
at the back of the shank of the anchor. The AHV then lowers the mooring line
anchor overboard while paying out the mooring line and the
bridle simultaneously (fig. Mk6-39).

To recover a STEVPRIS® anchor after it has been installed, the

AHV should take the mooring line and pull it in the opposite
direction that the anchor was i­nstalled in, generally away Mk6-39
from the centre of the mooring. The AHV should recover the
SP-PER005.eps
mooring line till a length of approximately 1.5 times the water
depth is still overboard.

When only 1.5 times the water depth of mooring line is left
overboard, the AHV should block the winch and keep a
constant tension on the mooring line equal to the pre-load
tension. Once the anchor starts to move in the soil, a lower
tension in the mooring line can be used (fig. Mk6-40).
Mk6-40

VRYHOF MANUAL
 PIGGY-BACKING
85

Introduction
Piggy-back is the practice of using two or more anchors in order
to obtain holding power greater than can be achieved with one
only. Piggy-backing is used when:
• Insufficient hold capacity is achievable by a single anchor.
• Anchor size or weight is limited by available installation
equipment.
• As remedial action if an anchor has been improperly
designed or sized for a particular environment.
• Soil conditions permit a limited burial depth permitting only
smaller than required anchors.

Considerations to remember on piggy-backing:

• Installing a piggy-back system is more costly than the
installation of a single anchor.
• If the mooring line of the second anchor is connected to the
rear of the first anchor, the stability, penetration and holding
capacity of the first anchor may be less than is the case for a
single anchor. The force from the second anchor may tend to
pull the fluke of the first anchor closed (hinging type anchors).
• If the piggy-back anchor is connected to the first anchor by
means of a chaser, the chaser may obstruct penetration of the
first anchor.
• Both anchors must be exactly in line with the mooring line
load. The lead anchor may become unstable if a lateral load
is applied.
• Two hinging anchors in piggy-back do not provide 2 times
but only 1 to 1.6 times the individual holding capacity of the
two anchors, for reasons described in second point above.
• If the first anchor is not influenced by the pull from the
second anchor, and the second anchor (fixed fluke/shank type
anchors) is connected at 3 to 4 shank lengths distance from
the first anchor, the holding capacity of the 2 anchors may be
up to 2.5 times the holding capacity of the individual anchors,
due to the extra penetration of the second anchor.
 PIGGY-BACK
METHODS
86

Piggy-backing involving hinging anchors

Since there is little difference between h
­ andling one hinging
anchor or two, the first method is described with a STEVIN®
anchor (hinging) in combination with a STEVPRIS® anchor
(non-hinging).
Here, the STEVPRIS® is the main anchor and the STEVIN® is
the back-up. This is the best solution when using a fixed shank
anchor as the fluke of the STEVPRIS® anchor can not be pulled
closed. The pendant line is connected to the padeye near the
anchor shackle so, performance is not reduced.

Note: if the piggy-back anchor can not be laid in line with the
mooring load, the piggy-back anchor makes the main anchor
unstable. In such a case, the STEVPRIS® can better be placed as
the second anchor.

For optimal performance of the combination, the pendant line

between the two anchors should be wire rope, to promote
penetration and obtain better holding capacity (fig. Mk6-41).

The installation procedure is described as follows:

•  Pay out the main anchor as usual.
•  Tension the mooring line until the anchor slips.
•  Connect the second anchor to the ­pendant line.
•  Bring the anchor to its location.
• Lower the piggy-back anchor and tension the mooring line
again.
• Provide the pendant of the second anchor with a buoy for
easy retrieval.

Mk6-41

piggyback01.eps

VRYHOF MANUAL
 PIGGY-BACK
METHODS
87

Piggy-backing with two Stevpris anchors

When two STEVPRIS® anchors are used in piggy-back, the
holding capacity of the combination may be equal or higher
than the sum of the individual holding capacities of the anchors.
The installation procedure of two STEVPRIS® anchors in piggy-
back is as follows:
• Pay out the main STEVPRIS®anchor with the mooring line
connected to the anchor shackle and the pendant line (wire
rope for optimal performance and approximately three times Mk6-42
the shank length of the first STEVPRIS® anchor) connected to
the padeye behind the anchor shackle. piggyback02a.eps
• Connect the other end of the pendant line to the anchor
shackle of the second STEVPRIS® anchor (fig. Mk6-42).
• To lower the second STEVPRIS® anchor to the seabed,
a second pendant line is connected to the padeye behind the
anchor shackle.
• Using the second pendant line, the STEVPRIS® anchors are
lowered to the seabed and positioned and buoyed off.
• The STEVPRIS® anchors are then tensioned by pulling on the
mooring line (fig. Mk6-43).

Mk6-43

piggyback02b.eps
 PIGGY-BACK
METHODS
88

Piggy-backing by using a chaser

Sometimes chasers are used to connect the piggy-back
anchor to the first anchor (fig. Mk6-44), although a pendant
line connected directly to the padeye behind the main anchor
shackle of the first anchor is preferred.

The installation procedure described for two STEVPRIS®

anchors is also applicable when a chaser is used for the
connection.

During the deployment of the piggy-back ­combination, care

must be taken that anchors are installed in line with the load.

Mk6-44

piggyback03b.eps

VRYHOF MANUAL
 STEVMANTA®
INSTALLATION
89

Introduction
installation mode
The STEVMANTA® consists of an anchor fluke which is
connected with wires (or chains) to an angle adjuster. The shear pin
angle adjuster is responsible for changing the anchor from the
installation mode to the vertical (or normal) loading mode.

There are many options to install STEVMANTA® anchors. The

most efficient methods are based on two different principles:
• Double line installation method using the fixed angle adjuster. STEVMANTA®-1
• Single line installation method using the shear pin angle
adjuster. 1AHV01.eps
normal mode

The double line installation method is typically used when it is

preferable to install the anchor with a steel wire rope installation
line instead of using the actual mooring line (for example
polyester).

The following three typical methods for installing the

STEVMANTA® are discussed: STEVMANTA®-2
• Single line installation method.
1AHV02.eps
• Double line installation method.
•D ouble line installation method using the STEVTENSIONER®

It is also possible to use the STEVTENSIONER® with the

single line installation method, however because this is
very similar to the double line installation method with
STEVTENSIONER®, it is not presented here.

SINGLE LINE INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

This procedure requires only one AHV for installation of

the STEVMANTA®. The STEVMANTA® is deployed with the
shearpin angle adjuster. The mode of the anchor changes when
the shearpin breaks at a load equal to the required installation
load. When the shear pin breaks, the STEVMANTA® changes
from the installation mode to the normal (vertical) loading
mode (fig. STEVMANTA®-1 and fig. STEVMANTA®-2).
 STEVMANTA®
INSTALLATION
90

Installation procedure
In the installation procedure an optional tail has been included
on the STEVMANTA®. The tail assists in orientation of the
STEVMANTA® on the seabed.

Connect the installation/mooring line to the angle adjuster

on the STEVMANTA® on the AHV. Lower the STEVMANTA®
tail for
overboard. The STEVMANTA® will descend tail first, i.e. the tail orientation
will be the first part to reach the seabed (fig. STEVMANTA®-3). recovery

When the STEVMANTA® is on the seabed, an ROV can

optionally inspect the anchor (position and orientation). The
AHV starts paying out the installation/mooring line while slowly
STEVMANTA®-3
sailing away from the STEVMANTA® (fig. STEVMANTA®-4).
1AHV03
When enough of the installation/mooring line has been paid
out, the AHV starts increasing the tension in the installation
line. The STEVMANTA® will start to embed into the seabed (fig.
STEVMANTA®-5).

ROV

STEVMANTA®-4

1AHV04

STEVMANTA®-5

1AHV05

VRYHOF MANUAL
 STEVMANTA®
INSTALLATION
91

When the predetermined installation load has been reached

with the AHVs bollard pull, the shearpin in the angle adjuster
parts, triggering the STEVMANTA® into the normal (vertical)
loading mode. This can be clearly noticed on board the AHV, as
the AHV will stop moving forward due to the sudden increase
in holding capacity. Now that the STEVMANTA® is in the normal
(vertical) loading mode, the AHV can continue to increase the
tension in the (taut-leg) installation/mooring line up to the
required proof tension load (fig. STEVMANTA®-6).

After the STEVMANTA® has been proof tensioned to the

required load, the installation/mooring line can be attached to
the floater. In case of a pre-laid mooring, the mooring line can
STEVMANTA®-6
be buoyed off, for easy connection later (fig. STEVMANTA®-7).
1AHV06
STEVMANTA® retrieval
The STEVMANTA® is easily retrieved by pulling on the ‘tail’.
Connection to the tail can be achieved either with a grapnel or
by using an ROV (fig. STEVMANTA®-8).

STEVMANTA®-7

1AHV07

STEVMANTA®-8

1AHV08
 STEVMANTA®
INSTALLATION
92

DOUBLE LINE INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

installation mode

This procedure requires two AHVs. The STEVMANTA is ®

mooring line
deployed with the fixed angle adjuster. The mode of the anchor installation line
(installation mode or normal (vertical) loading mode) is chosen
by pulling on either the installation line or the mooring line.

The STEVMANTA® is in the installation mode when the

installation line is tensioned, i.e. the line on the front of the STEVMANTA®-9
angle adjuster (fig. STEVMANTA®-9).
2AHV01.eps
normal mode
The STEVMANTA is in the normal (vertical) loading mode
®
mooring line
when the mooring line is tensioned, i.e. the line on the rear of
the angle adjuster (fig. STEVMANTA®-10).

During the installation AHV1 handles the steel installation line

and AHV2 handles the mooring line, for instance polyester (fig. installation
line
STEVMANTA®-11).
STEVMANTA®-10
In the installation procedure, an optional subsea recovery
2AHV02.eps
buoy can be included in the installation line. The recovery AHV2 AHV1
buoy is connected to the installation line via a delta
plate at approximately 90m from the STEVMANTA® (fig.
STEVMANTA®-12).

In the double line installation, the STEVMANTA® is installed

by connecting the installation line to the angle adjuster on the
STEVMANTA® on board AHV1. Passing the mooring line from
AHV2 to AHV1 and connecting it to the angle adjuster. STEVMANTA®-11

2AHV03
 owering the STEVMANTA® overboard by keeping tension on
L AHV2 AHV1
both the installation line (AHV1) and the mooring line (AHV2).

When the STEVMANTA® is on the seabed, an ROV can inspect

the anchor’s position and orientation. AHV2 slackens the
tension in the mooring line and AHV1 starts paying out the
installation line while slowly sailing away from the STEVMANTA®
(fig. STEVMANTA®-13).
STEVMANTA®-12

AHV2 2AHV04
AHV1

STEVMANTA®-13

2AHV05

VRYHOF MANUAL
 STEVMANTA®
INSTALLATION
93

When enough of the installation line has been paid out, AHV1 AHV2 AHV1
starts increasing the tension. The STEVMANTA® will start to
embed into the seabed. AHV2 keeps the mooring line slack
by keeping the same distance from AHV1. If more bollard pull
is required than one AHV can deliver, AHV2 can buoy off the
break
mooring line and pull with AHV1 in tandem. link
breaks
When the predetermined installation load has been reached,
the breaking device in the installation line parts (break shackle STEVMANTA®-14
connecting the installation line to the delta plate), freeing the
installation line from the STEVMANTA® (fig. STEVMANTA®-14). 2AHV06
AHV2

If the optional recovery buoy is used, the breaking device

is placed on the delta plate connecting it to the installation
line and AHV1. AHV1 is now no longer connected to the pretension load
STEVMANTA® and the installation line can be recovered on
deck (fig. STEVMANTA®-15). recovery
line

AHV2 can now start increasing the tension in the mooring line. STEVMANTA®-15
If AHV2 can not generate enough bollard pull to reach the
2AHV07
required proof tension load, AHV1 can be connected in tandem AHV2
to AHV2 to generate additional bollard pull.

After the STEVMANTA® has been proof tensioned to the

required load, the mooring line can be attached to the floater.
In case of a pre-laid mooring, the mooring line can be buoyed
off, for easy connection later on (fig. STEVMANTA®-16).

STEVMANTA® retrieval STEVMANTA®-16

The STEVMANTA® is recovered from the seabed by returning
AHV2 2AHV08
to ‘installation mode’ instead of the normal (vertical) loading
mode. The AHV picks up the recovery buoy from the
seabed and by pulling on the installation line at an angle
of approximately 45° with the seabed, the anchor is easily
retrieved (fig. STEVMANTA®-17).

Always consult Vryhof for alternative methods or specific

applications.
STEVMANTA®-17

2AHV09
 STEVMANTA®
INSTALLATION
94

SINGLE LINE INSTALLATION WITH

STEVTENSIONER®

The STEVMANTA® is deployed with the shear pin angle

adjuster. The mode of the anchor changes when the shear
pin breaks at a load equal to the required installation load.
When the shear pin breaks, the STEVMANTA® changes from
installation mode to the normal (vertical) loading mode.

In the installation procedure, a tail (approximately 30m length,

consisting of a length of wire with approximately 5m of chain
on the end) has been included on the STEVMANTA®. The tail
STEVMANTA®-18
assures correct orientation of the STEVMANTA® on the seabed.
Connect the tail to the rear of the fluke of the STEVMANTA® 1ahv20
#1. Connect the forerunner to the angle adjuster of the
STEVMANTA® on the AHV.

Lower STEVMANTA® #1 overboard (fig. STEVMANTA®-18). The

STEVMANTA® will be going downwards tail first, i.e. the tail will
be the first part that reaches the seabed.

Connect the tensioning chain to the forerunner, on

STEVMANTA® #1 using the subsea connector and pass the
other end through the STEVTENSIONER®. This end of the chain
is terminated with a male part of the subsea connector.

Connect the forerunner of STEVMANTA® #2 to the passive side STEVMANTA®-19

of the STEVTENSIONER®. As part of the forerunner a tri-plate is
included with the male part of the subsea connector between 1ahv21
the STEVTENSIONER® and the tri-plate. The male part of a
subsea connector is connected to the third hole of the tri-plate.
Connect the AHV work wire to the tail of STEVMANTA® #2 using
a subsea connector.

Deploy the STEVTENSIONER® and STEVMANTA® #2 overboard

by slacking the AHV work wire (fig. STEVMANTA®-19 and fig.
STEVMANTA®-20).

STEVMANTA®-20

1ahv23

VRYHOF MANUAL
 STEVMANTA®
INSTALLATION
95

When the tail of STEVMANTA® #1 touches the seabed, the

resistance of the tail will orient the STEVMANTA® in the
heading of the AHV which is moving forward slowly. The AHV
places the STEVMANTA® on the seabed and continues with the
deployment of the rest of the system (STEVTENSIONER® and
STEVMANTA® #2) (fig. STEVMANTA®-21).

When STEVMANTA® #2 is near the seabed, the AHV stops the

winch and increases the tension in the mooring system (fig.
STEVMANTA®-22). This will start to embed STEVMANTA® #1.
When a tension of approximately 1,000 kN has been reached,
the AHV can lay down STEVMANTA® #2 on the seabed. The
purpose of the applied tension is to ensure that STEVMANTA®
STEVMANTA®-21
#1 is embedding properly and to take the slack out of the
system. 1ahv24

When STEVMANTA® #2 has been placed on the seabed, the

AHV continues to deploy the work wire until the tail and the
subsea connector are on the seabed. When this has been
accomplished, the AHV stops paying out the work wire and the
ROV is sent down to disconnect the subsea connector from
the tail on STEVMANTA® #2. The female part of the subsea
connector (connected to the work wire) is then moved to the
male part of the subsea connector connected to the tensioning
chain above the STEVTENSIONER® (fig. STEVMANTA®-23).

Always consult Vryhof for alternative methods or specific STEVMANTA®-22

applications.
1ahv25

STEVMANTA®-23

1ahv26
 STEVMANTA®
INSTALLATION
96

With the work wire now connected to the tensioning chain,

the AHV can start the tensioning operation. This will generally
consist of 5 to 7 yo-yo procedures to reach the required
tension at the anchors. (fig. STEVMANTA®-24 and fig.
STEVMANTA®-25).

When the tension in the system reaches the break load of the
shear pins in the angle adjuster of the STEVMANTA®'s, these
will break and trigger the STEVMANTA®'s to their normal STEVMANTA®-24
loading mode (fig. STEVMANTA®-26). When the AHV continues
1ahv27
to increase the tension in the system, the anchors will be proof
loaded in their normal loading mode. After the proof loading of
the anchors, the tensioning of the anchors is now complete.

With the tensioning of the anchors completed, the ROV

disconnects the subsea connector between STEVMANTA®#1
and the STEVTENSIONER® (fig. STEVMANTA®-27), as well as
that between the STEVTENSIONER® and STEVMANTA® #2.
The anchor forerunners are now no longer connected to STEVMANTA®-25
the STEVTENSIONER®. The AHV can start recovering the
1ahv28
STEVTENSIONER® with the tensioning chain by winching in
the work wire (fig. STEVMANTA®-28). The ROV can be used to
connect the mooring lines (with separate female connectors) to
the male connectors on the anchor forerunners.

STEVMANTA®-26

1ahv29

STEVMANTA®-27

1ahv30

STEVMANTA®-28

1ahv31

VRYHOF MANUAL
 STEVMANTA®
INSTALLATION
97

Double line installation with STEVTENSIONER®

installation mode
The STEVMANTA® is deployed with the fixed angle adjuster.
The mode of the anchor (installation mode or normal (vertical) mooring line
loading mode) is chosen by pulling on either the installation installation line
line or the mooring line. The STEVMANTA® is in the installation
mode when the installation line is tensioned, i.e. the line on the
front of the angle adjuster (fig. STEVMANTA®-29).

The STEVMANTA® is in the normal (vertical) loading mode STEVMANTA®-29

when the mooring line is tensioned, i.e. the line at the rear
of the angle adjuster. During the installation, AHV1 handles 2AHV01-2.eps
normal mode
the installation line (preferably chain and steel wire) and
mooring line
AHV2 handles the mooring line, for instance polyester (fig.
STEVMANTA®-30).

The installation procedure with the STEVTENSIONER® requires

a reaction anchor (the typical use of the STEVTENSIONER® installation
line
is presented in the next chapter). In this case the reaction
anchor can be either a STEVPRIS® or STEVMANTA®. For now STEVMANTA®-30
a STEVPRIS® is shown as reaction anchor and is to be on the
AHV2 2AHV02-2.eps
AHV1
­active side of the STEVTENSIONER®. tensioner

Connect the installation line to the angle adjuster on the

STEVMANTA® on AHV1. Pass the mooring line from AHV2
to AHV1 and connect it to the angle a ­ djuster. Lower the
STEVMANTA® to the seabed by keeping tension on both the
installation line and mooring line. Connect the installation line
to the passive side of the STEVTENSIONER®. A breaklink can
be installed between the STEVTENSIONER® and the installation
line on the passive side (fig. STEVMANTA®-31).

Connect the installation line to the reaction anchor. Pass

the installation line through the STEVTENSIONER® (fig.
STEVMANTA®-31
STEVMANTA®-32).
AHV2 work chain 2AHVST03.eps
AHV1
stopper

STEVMANTA®-32

2AHVST04.eps
 STEVMANTA®
INSTALLATION
98

Sail to set-down position of the reaction anchor (AHV1 only).

AHV2 stays above the STEVMANTA®. During the movement of
AHV1, the installation line of the STEVMANTA® has to be paid
out (fig. STEVMANTA®-33).

Lower the STEVTENSIONER® and reaction anchor to the

seabed (fig. STEVMANTA®-34).

Buoy off the retrieval line (or mooring line) of the reaction
anchor. AHV1 sails to tensioning point and starts taking in the
slack of the ­tensioning line (fig. STEVMANTA®-35).

AHV2 shark jaws AHV1

wire
stopper
tensioner
chain

STEVMANTA®-33

2AHVST05.eps
AHV2 AHV1

wire

stopper
stopper
tensioner chain

STEVMANTA®-34

2AHVST06.eps
AHV2 AHV1

wire

stopper
stopper
tensioner chain

STEVMANTA®-35

2AHVST07.eps

VRYHOF MANUAL
 STEVMANTA®
INSTALLATION
99

Start the tensioning procedure (yo-yoing) (fig. STEVMANTA®-36).

The breaklink will break on the STEVMANTA® when the required

installation load has been reached (fig. STEVMANTA®-37).

Recover the STEVTENSIONER®, the installation line and the

reaction anchor to AHV1.

Always consult Vryhof for alternative methods or specific

applications.

AHV2 AHV1

wire
stopper
tensioner
chain
stopper

STEVMANTA®-36

2AHVST08.eps
AHV2 AHV1

wire
stopper
tensioner
break link breaks chain
stopper

STEVMANTA®-37

2AHVST09.eps
 STEVMANTA®
INSTALLATION
100

AHV2 can now proof tension the STEVMANTA® and then buoy
off the mooring line. Installation of the STEVMANTA® is now
complete (fig. STEVMANTA®-38).

Instead of using a reaction anchor, two STEVMANTA®'s can

also be installed at the same time. After completion of the
tensioning (yo-yoing), AHV2 proof tensions one STEVMANTA®
while AHV1 recovers the STEVTENSIONER® and disconnects
it from the installation line of the other STEVMANTA®.
This STEVMANTA® can then also be proof tensioned (fig.
STEVMANTA®-39).

AHV2 chain wire AHV1

tensioner
pretension load
stopper

STEVMANTA®-38

2AHVST10.eps
AHV2 AHV1

wire

stopper
stopper
tensioner chain

STEVMANTA®-39

2AHVST18.eps

VRYHOF MANUAL
 THE
STEVTENSIONER®
101

Introduction
The STEVTENSIONER® is used for cross tensioning of
diametrically opposed anchor legs. The STEVTENSIONER®
is generally used for the installation of (semi) permanent
floating structures such as the SPM buoy, STL, TLP, FPS, FPSO,
etc. After the tensioning operations, the STEVTENSIONER®
is demobilised and ready for the next project. The
STEVTENSIONER® can however also be used for permanent
tensioning purposes, becoming a part of the mooring system. S-1

TENSFIG02-01.pit
The STEVTENSIONER® can be deployed from a crane barge,
AHV or any vessel having enough crane/winch capacity to The new STEVTENSIONER® models
offer the following features:
pull the required vertical force. Models VA220 and VA500
were designed for handling a single size of chain. The • Smaller dimensions, reduced weight and ­improved
STEVTENSIONER® models VA600, VA1000 and VA1250 can handling, but heavy enough to easily slide down
handle chain diameter ranging from 76 mm up to 152 mm. the mooring line.
Because of this variety in chain sizes, additional work chain may •Designed to smoothly guide at least 5 links and
therefore prevent chain getting stuck inside.
not be required (fig. S-1).
• Due to economical volume/weight ratio, the new
STEVTENSIONER® models allow for containerised
The working principle of the STEVTENSIONER® freight by either sea or, for rush deliveries, by air.
The STEVTENSIONER® is based on the principle that a vertical •The integrated shape allows for smooth
load to a horizontal string causes high horizontal loads. passage over stern roller.
Typically, to achieve the required horizontal pretension load at •Load measuring pin is equipped with two
­independent sets of strain gauges. The
the anchor points, the vertical pulling force only needs to be
umbilical cable connections are protected against
40% of this pretension. The anchor line tension is measured by handling and lifting operations.
a measuring pin located inside the STEVTENSIONER® and as These connections may be used for acoustic
such well protected against damage caused by handling and transfer of the signals.
lifting operations
(fig. S-2). table S

2V
H

S-2

TENS0003.pit
 THE
STEVTENSIONER®
102

One anchor line (passive line) is attached to the tension

measuring pin at the STEVTENSIONER® and remains a fixed
length during operations. The opposite anchor line (­active line)
passes through the STEVTENSIONER® and varies in length
during the operations. Tensioning starts by applying the yo-yo
­movement to the active line (fig. S-3).

When the STEVTENSIONER® is lifted by the active chain, a

chain link becomes locked within the STEVTENSIONER® When
the STEVTENSIONER® is lifted from the seabed, the passive
and active mooring lines are also lifted. Consequently, the
anchors or piles are loaded and cause an inverse catenary of the
mooring line in the soil, as well as causing a drag anchor to drag
and embed. In other words: chain length is gained. Lowering
the STEVTENSIONER® slackens the anchor lines and allows it
to slide down over the active chain. By repeating this several
times (called the yo-yo movement), the horizontal load on the
anchor points increases. Generally, the required horizontal load
is achieved after 5 to 7 steps. Once tensioning is completed,
the STEVTENSIONER® can be recovered (fig. S-4) by hauling in
the lifting/pennant wire causing the STEVTENSIONER® to slide
up along the active chain to the surface.

passive chain active chain

S-3

TENS0001.pit
chain locks

S-4

TENS0002.pit

VRYHOF MANUAL
 THE
STEVTENSIONER®
103

Measurement of the tensions applied

Fig. S-5 shows the curve recorded during tensioning of
chains connected to piles for the Coveñas Pipeline Project in
Colombia. The graph shows a total of 5 heaves (yo-yo’s), each
resulting in a higher tension.

Different methods can be applied to verify the tension in the

chain. These are discussed below.

Computer calculations
Prior to the tensioning operations, analysis is undertaken of
the known parameters of submerged chain weight, length
and composition of the mooring lines and the required
installation or proof-load tension. This gives a target passive
side chain tension at a predicted vertical heave height of
the STEVTENSIONER® (from the seabed). The passive
side chain tension at the point the chain connects to the
STEVTENSIONER® can be monitored and recorded, and
this, combined with the target tension, greatly simplifies the
tensioning operations.

However, if needed, the tension in both the passive and active

chain can be calculated post operations by means of catenary
calculations. Besides the known parameters, other parameters
measured during tensioning need to be incorporated in the
calculation, such as:
• Height of the STEVTENSIONER® above the seabed.
• Vertical pulling load.
• Mooring anchoring point separation.

By using this method, the tension in the chain can be calculated

at any height of the STEVTENSIONER® above seabed. This
method is independent of the water depth.

tension on anchor
250 lifting force
tension force in t

125

0 30 60 90 120
S-5 time in minutes
TENS0004.pit
 THE
STEVTENSIONER®
104

Umbilical cable and measuring pin

The standard and preferred method to measure the chain
tension at the STEVTENSIONER® is by use of a measuring pin.
The pin is an integral part of the STEVTENSIONER® housing
and is equipped with strain gauges. All tension level data can
be recorded and presented on deck during tensioning on
a readout unit or retrieved at a later time. Several means of
recording or transferring the data from the STEVTENSIONER®
to the deck of the installation vessel are available.

• Umbilical cable
The use of an umbilical cable is an effective method in water
depths down to approximately 300m using an electrically
powered winch and down to approximately 150m using a hand
winch. Each has slip rings which allows the umbilical cable
to be hauled on board without disconnecting the umbilical.
The umbilical cable is usually connected at deck level prior to
deployment, but can be connected by ROV if available. The
measurement is insensitive to cable length and water depth.

• ROV connection
If a work class ROV is available, then the umbilical cable
can be connected once the STEVTENSIONER® has been
deployed and lowered to an appropriate depth for the ROV to
operate. An ROV stab is used to make the connection at the
STEVTENSIONER®, the umbilical cable being disconnected
after the operations have been completed and the
STEVTENSIONER® is ready to be retrieved to deck level.

• Acoustic data transmission

For depths greater than approximately 100m, acoustic
transmission of tension data to the installation vessel becomes
viable. An acoustic modem can be mounted upon the
STEVTENSIONER® with the acoustic signal being received by
either an on­board system (such as HiPAP), which is preferable,
or by installed microphone pickups.

VRYHOF MANUAL
 THE
STEVTENSIONER®
105

• Local storage and data display

This equipment is a local archiving system which is mounted
onto the STEVTENSIONER® and records the load cell reading
and surrounding water pressure. A visible readout displays the
load and pressure enabling it to be monitored by ROV. The
data is recovered (downloaded) from the unit when it is back on
deck.

Duration of pretensioning anchors and piles

Once the required tension has been achieved, the tension has
to be maintained for a certain duration. This period is described
in the table below for various Certification Authorities.

Certification Authority Required duration of

maintaining tension
Lloyds Register of Shipping 20 minutes
American Bureau of Shipping 30 minutes
Det Norske Veritas (NMD) 15 minutes

In the case of a drag anchor, this duration must be

continuous, but in the case of piles, it may be acceptable to
accumulate the duration.
 THE
STEVTENSIONER®
106

­ andling the STEVTENSIONER®

H
Handling operations can generally be described as
follows:

• Positioning the anchors and paying out the chain

• Connecting all necessary hardware for tensioning operations
on deck of barge or AHV
• Deploying STEVTENSIONER® to the seabed and
positioning of the installation vessel
• First lift (yo-yo)
• Series of yo-yo’s
• Maintain required tension for a specified
period of time
• Retrieve the STEVTENSIONER® and disconnect S-6

• Prepare for next tensioning 2 TENSFIG01.pit

7
The STEVTENSIONER® can be deployed from a crane barge, 5
Anchor Handling Vessel or any vessel having enough crane/
winch capacity to lift the required vertical force.
1
4
General handling procedure 8
3
The general handling procedure using a crane barge or AHV
for STEVTENSIONER® models VA600, VA1000 and VA1250 is 6
S-7
presented in fig. S-6 and S-7.
TENSFIG02.pit
Connection
Pass the active chain (2) through the tensioner (1) on deck.
Connect passive chain (3) to measuring pin shackle (8). Connect
dislock wire (5) to shackle (4). Connect umbilical cable (7) to
read-out system on deck and to the measuring pin (6).

Lowering
Fix active chain (2) to winch or crane hook. Slack
dislock wire (5) and lower STEVTENSIONER® to seabed.
STEVTENSIONER® will pass over active chain (2).

VRYHOF MANUAL
 THE
STEVTENSIONER®
107

Tensioning mode 2
When STEVTENSIONER® is on seabed, slack dislock wire (5) 7
before the first yo-yo, and keep slack during all yo-yos! 5

Tensioning is achieved by pulling on active chain (2). The 1

4
mooring lines will be lifted from the seabed causing the anchors
or piles to be loaded. After each yo-yo active chain is gained. 8
3
The active chain can only pass through the STEVTENSIONER®
in one direction. Approximately 5 to 7 yo-yos are required to S-8 6
obtain the ­required pretension load (fig. S-8).
TENSFIG02.pit

Retrieving
When tensioning is completed be sure to lower the
STEVTENSIONER® to seabed and slack off active chain (2)
before retrieving STEVTENSIONER® with dislock wire (5). Pull
on ­dislock wire (5). STEVTENSIONER® will pass over chain (2).
Disconnect STEVTENSIONER® on deck of the barge or AHV.

Stevtensioner product range

The following STEVTENSIONER®'s are available from V
­ ryhof.

STEVTENSIONER® Maximum Suitable* for chain Suitable* for chain Size Weight
model horizontal load size with kenter size without kenter STEVTENSIONER® STEVTENSIONER®
[t] shackle [mm] shackle [mm] lxhxw [m] [t]

VA84   600 76 - 84 76 - 89 2.2 x 1.3 x 0.6 5.8

VA600   450 64 - 84 64 - 87 2.2 x 0.9 x 0.6 3.8
VA1000 1000 90 - 117 90 - 135 3.1 x 1.2 x 0.8   7
VA1250 1250 114 - 132 114 - 152 5.3 x 1.8 x 1.0   17

*T
 he suitability only refers to the section of chain passing through the STEVTENSIONER®. Chain or wire not
passing through the STEVTENSIONER® may have any dimension.

table T
 THE
STEVTENSIONER®
108

Stevtensioning modes 1.
Essentially, there are three modes of conducting Stevtensioning Mooring anchors
2.
11.
operations: 3.

Cross-tensioning opposing anchoring points

This applies the tensioning load simultaneously to two
STEVTENSIONER®
opposing anchors in the mooring spread. With this process,
both anchoring points are subjected to the tension load at
the same time, hence two anchors may be installed in one
operation, or the inverse catenary of two anchor piles can be
5.
developed in one operation (fig. S-9). Mooring anchors

Tensioning against a reaction anchor

S-9
In appearance, this is the same as cross-tensioning, but a
temporary reaction anchor is used rather than an opposite
mooring system anchoring point. The reaction anchor is
laid on the azimuth of the system anchoring point (or on the
central azimuth of an anchor cluster) and is recovered after the Reaction anchor
operations are complete. The reaction anchor must be of an
appropriate size for the imposed loads and soil type (fig. S-10). STEVTENSIONER®

Simultaneous tensioning of 3 anchor points (3-way

tensioning)
If the mooring system is symmetric in layout, mooring line 4
5
length and composition and required installation load, then
6
the STEVTENSIONER® may be used to impose tension
Mooring anchors
simultaneously to 3 equally spaced mooring lines (fig. S-11).
S-10
Required installation vessel
As the STEVTENSIONER® converts a small vertical load to 6. 2.
Mooring anchor
a much higher horizontal load, much smaller capacity and
less costly vessels can be used for the operations and a fairly
modest AHV or crane barge can be used for the work. It is Mooring anchor
recommended that a capacity of at least 120% of the required
Triplate
vertical load at the waterline is available.
STEVTENSIONER®

Within shallow waters it may be necessary for the

STEVTENSIONER® to be lifted above the waterline. In such
circumstances an AHV cannot be used and a crane barge would
be needed.

Mooring anchor
S-11 4.

VRYHOF MANUAL
 SUPPLY VESSELS/ANCHOR
HANDLING VESSELS
109

Drilling rigs are generally moored with 8 to 12 anchors. These

These specialised Anchor Handling Vessels
are laid in a mooring pattern. Originally, normal tugs were (AHVs) now have:
used for these operations, but very soon, there was a call for
specialised vessels. • A large deck space.
• Powerful winches, with auxiliary winches to reel
For anchor handling vessels, it is very important to be able to extra wires.
• Large chain lockers, for storage of the chain.
work quickly and effectively. Much depends on the expertise
• Large wire storage capacity.
of the captain and crew. The equipment and its design are • An adapted seaworthy design and very
also extremely important. Engine power has to be sufficient ­manoeuvrable with bow and stern thrusters.
to handle chain and/or wire and anchors at the water depth Some even with a dynamic positioning system.
concerned. The newest generation of AHVs has bollard pulls far • Space for drilling mud and fuel tanks for supply
to drilling rigs.
in excess of 380 T.
• Small auxiliary cranes.
• One or two sets of towing pins and shark jaws.
Care should be given to the rated maximum bollard pull • A stern roller that sometimes consists of two
which in reality might be less, depending on the simultaneous ­individually rotating drums.
use of other power consuming equipment such as bow (and
sometimes) stern thrusters, winches, etc.

The quoted winch capacity often causes confusion. An AHV

owner demonstrates maximum pulling capacity at the bare
drum during the maiden trip, but a contractor requires high
winch output when the drum is 70 to 100% wound with wire
under working conditions. It is also possible that an owner limits
the pressure of the hydraulic system below factory limits, to
reduce winch wear and repair costs.

The dynamic capacity of the winch brake is particularly

important when a long heavy chain must be deployed. f ig. 0-00

Hydraulically and electrically braked drums are more efficient Mrsk2.eps

than band brakes.

For handling chain, many supply vessels have chain lockers

below deck and a wildcat above the chain locker to handle the
chain.

To ensure easy handling of chain and wire, simple, well-

constructed tools are necessary. An experienced crew will also
make the handling easier.
 PRE-INSTALLATION
OF A MOORING SYSTEM
110

There are several reasons for an operator to choose for

pre-installation of a mooring system. In case of a permanent
system this choice seems obvious, for mobile units however the
objectives may vary from case to case.

Generally, it is believed that installation of the mooring system

in prior to arrival of the MODU reduces the time required
for the rig move and reduces downtime. Although this is a
significant saving, the objective of avoiding weather window
limitations and operational delays, such as relocation or re-
setting of the anchors, is an even more considered objective.

The preparations for the pre-installation of a mooring system,

such as mooring design do not differ from the conventional
system, except for operations in areas where special
certification is required, the responsibility for which is normally
delegated to the installation contractor by the operator.

Installation of the system itself, also referred to as ‘pre-laid’,

does not differ from any other installation and can generally be
performed by a single AHV. Planned timing of the operation
may experience more equipment availability and when
tensioning operations are included, the planning may further
reduce the capacity and costs of the AHV required.

The pre-installed mooring lines are generally buoyed off to

keep them free from the seabed to facilitate easy pick-up at the
time the MODU arrives to be hooked up to the mooring system
(fig. S-12).

buoy

swivel stopper

wire ball swivel

anchoring swivel
anchoring swivel

5 link adaptor

S-12

VRYHOF MANUAL
111
 MOORING
LINE COMPONENTS
112

VRYHOF MANUAL
 MOORING
LINE COMPONENTS
113

PRODUCT DATA

In this edition of the Vryhof Manual, we have given the reader as much information as we
imagined would normally be needed. Undoubtedly some is missing. This can be Vryhof-specific or
general information. Vryhof-specific information can be related to brochures, detailed handling
recommendations and product data. Most data you will find available on the Vryhof website
www.vryhof.com. Otherwise, more specific data or information can be obtained on request.

To make the next edition of the Vryhof Manual suit the requirements of the reader even better,
your suggestions or comments, including the feedback from your operations, are most welcome.
 DIMENSIONS OF THE
STEVIN®Mk3
114

B D

S
C
A

Als bovenaanzicht = 100% dan is voor en zijaanzicht 73%

E
L

Note: The dimensions of the STEVIN®Mk3 anchor may be changed for specific applications

Main dimensions STEVIN®Mk3 dimensions in mm anchor weight in kg

weight 1000 1500 3000 5000 7000 9000 12000 15000 20000 30000
A 2429 2774 3493 4120 4602 5012 5516 5942 6372 7289
B 2654 3038 3828 4538 5077 5521 6076 6545 6986 7997
C 1559 1785 2249 2667 2983 3244 3570 3846 4100 4694
D 2023 2316 2918 3460 3871 4209 4632 4990 5324 6094
E 737 843 1063 1260 1409 1533 1687 1817 2048 2345
K 1010 1156 1456 1727 1932 2100 2312 2490 2674 3061

en zijaanzichtL73% 412 471 594 704 788 857 943 1016 1083 1240
S 60 65 80 80 90 100 110 120 160 180
VRYHOF MANUAL
 DIMENSIONS OF THE
STEVSHARK®
115

B H

sand
T F
mud

Note: The dimensions of the STEVSHARK® anchor may be changed for specific applications

Main dimensions STEVSHARK® dimensions in mm anchor weight in kg

weight 1500 3000 5000 8000 10000 12000 15000 18000 20000 22000 25000 30000 65000
A 2862 3605 4275 4999 5385 5723 6165 6551 6785 7004 7309 7767 10051
B 3085 3886 4608 5389 5805 6169 6645 7062 7314 7550 7879 8373 10834
C 1755 2212 2622 3067 3304 3511 3782 4019 4163 4297 4484 4765 6166
E 1458 1837 2178 2547 2743 2915 3140 3337 3457 3568 3723 3957 5120
F 263 332 393 460 495 526 567 602 624 644 672 714 924
H 1192 1502 1780 2082 2243 2383 2567 2728 2826 2917 3044 3235 4186
S 80 90 110 130 140 150 160 170 180 190 200 210 300
 DIMENSIONS OF THE U
STEVPRIS®Mk5
116

U
W

H F

W C

D
H F B

C
Note: The dimensions of the STEVPRIS®Mk5 anchor may be changed for specific applications

Transport dimensions STEVPRIS®Mk5dimensions in mm anchor weight in kg

weight
anchor 1500 3000 5000 8000 10000 12000 15000 18000 20000 22000 25000 30000 65000
fluke 600 1300 2100 3400 4300 5200 6400 7700 8600 9400 10700 12900 27900
shank D
900 1700 2900 4600 5700 6800 8600 10300 11400 12600 14300 17100 37100
B 3184 3999 4750 5550 5980 6348 6848 7278 7547 7799 8123 8650 11193
C B
1812 2283 2707 3166 3411 3625 3904 4149 4297 4436 4629 4919 6365
D 2367 2969 3529 4122 4442 4714 5087 5407 5609 5799 6035 6431 8322
H 1232 1538 1831 2140 2301 2443 2642 2808 2920 3016 3135 3345 4328
T 494 623 739 864 T
930 989 1065 1132 1172 1210 1263 1342 1737
U 3294 4141 4913 5747 6190 6578 7090 7533 7806 8060 8406 8936 11563
V 1221 1526 1817 2120 2285 2422 2618 2783 2891 2994 3108 3321 4297
W 984 1240 1470 1719 1852 1968 2120 2253 2334 2409 2514 2671 3456
VRYHOF MANUAL
 DIMENSIONS OF THE
STEVPRIS®Mk5
117

B H

sand
T F
mud

Note: The dimensions of the STEVPRIS®Mk5 anchor may be changed for specific applications

Main dimensions STEVPRIS®Mk5 dimensions in mm anchor weight in kg

weight 1500 3000 5000 8000 10000 12000 15000 18000 20000 22000 25000 30000 65000
A 2954 3721 4412 5161 5559 5908 6364 6763 7004 7230 7545 8018 10375
B 3184 4011 4756 5563 5992 6368 6860 7290 7550 7794 8133 8643 11184
C 1812 2283 2707 3166 3410 3624 3904 4149 4297 4436 4629 4919 6365
E 1505 1896 2248 2629 2832 3010 3242 3446 3569 3684 3844 4085 5286
F 271 342 406 474 511 543 585 622 644 665 694 737 954
H 1230 1550 1837 2149 2315 2460 2650 2816 2917 3011 3142 3339 4321
T 493 622 738 862 929 988 1064 1131 1171 1209 1262 1341 1736
S 80 90 110 130 140 150 170 180 190 200 200 220 300
 DIMENSIONS OF THE
STEVPRIS®Mk6
118

W W
W

U U
U

H H H H
H H

B B
B

B B
B

trucktruck ship ship Ts Ts

truck Tt Tt
Tt ship Ts

Ct Ct Cs Cs
Ct Cs

Note: The dimensions of the STEVPRIS®Mk6 anchor may be changed for specific applications

Transport dimensions STEVPRIS®Mk6 dimensions in mm anchor weight in kg

weight 1500 3000 5000 8000 10000 12000 15000 18000 20000 22000 25000 30000
B 3060 3870 4600 5390 5810 6170 6680 7100 7370 7630 7960 8450
Ct 1980 2490 2950 3450 3720 3950 4260 4520 4690 4840 5050 5360
Cs 1960 2470 2930 3430 3690 3920 4230 4490 4650 4800 5010 5320
H 1170 1490 1780 2090 2250 2390 2610 2780 2890 3000 3140 3320
Tt 780 980 1160 1360 1460 1550 1680 1780 1840 1900 1990 2110
Ts 700 880 1040 1220 1310 1390 1500 1590 1650 1700 1780 1890
U 2790 3520 4170 4880 5260 5590 6020 6400 6620 6840 7140 7580
V 1210 1540 1830 2150 2320 2460 2690 2860 2970 3090 3230 3420
W 990 1250 1480 1730 1860 1980 2130 2270 2350 2420 2530 2690

VRYHOF MANUAL
 DIMENSIONS OF THE
STEVPRIS®Mk6
119

B H

B H

C S

S
E

E san d

F
midd
le

san d
mu
d
A
F
midd
le

mu
d
A

Note: The dimensions of the STEVPRIS®Mk6 anchor may be changed for specific applications

Main dimensions STEVPRIS®Mk6dimensions in mm anchor weight in kg

weight 1500 3000 5000 8000 10000 12000 15000 18000 20000 22000 25000 30000
A 2797 3523 4178 4886 5263 5593 6025 6402 6631 6845 7143 7591
B 3059 3870 4602 5390 5807 6171 6679 7101 7368 7625 7962 8451
C 1981 2495 2958 3460 3728 3961 4267 4534 4696 4848 5059 5376
E 1321 1664 1973 2308 2486 2642 2846 3024 3132 3234 3374 3586
F 641 808 958 1120 1206 1282 1381 1468 1520 1569 1637 1740
H 1170 1490 1781 2090 2253 2394 2610 2777 2890 3002 3138 3324
S 65 80 100 120 130 140 160 170 180 190 200 210
 DIMENSIONS OF THE
STEVMANTA®
120

PERMANENT APPLICATIONS

B D H

T
F

H E1
E0

T
F

Note: The dimensions of the STEVMANTA® anchor may be changed for specific applications

Main dimensions STEVMANTA® dimensions in mm area in m2

area 5 8 10 12 15 17 20
B 3143 3975 4445 4869 5443 5795 6286
C 2976 3765 4209 4611 5155 5488 5953
D 1945 2460 2750 3013 3368 3586 3890
E0 3075 3890 4349 4764 5326 5670 6150
E1 3371 4264 4767 5222 5839 6216 6742
F 172 217 243 266 298 317 344
H 1459 1845 2063 2260 2527 2690 2918
T 639 809 904 991 1107 1179 1279

VRYHOF MANUAL
 DIMENSIONS OF THE
STEVMANTA®
121

MOBILE APPLICATIONS

B D H

T
F

E1
E0

T
F

Note: The dimensions of the STEVMANTA® anchor may be changed for specific applications

Main dimensions STEVMANTA®dimensions in mm area in m2

area 5 8 10 12 15 17 20
B 3143 3975 4445 4869 5443 5795 6286
C 2976 3765 4209 4611 5155 5488 5953
D 1945 2460 2750 3013 3368 3586 3890
E0 3075 3890 4349 4764 5326 5670 6150
E1 3371 4264 4767 5222 5839 6216 6742
F 172 217 243 266 298 317 344
H 1459 1845 2063 2260 2527 2690 2918
T 639 809 904 991 1107 1179 1279
 DIMENSIONS OF THE
STEVSHARK®REX ANCHOR
122

B H
H

C
C
A
A

Dimensions available on request

VRYHOF MANUAL
 DIMENSIONS OF
OTHER ANCHOR TYPES
123

A A

D D

B C
C
B

Flipper Delta Danforth
weight A B C D weight A B C D
lb. kg mm mm mm mm lb. kg mm mm mm mm
2205 1000 2605 1960 740 1560 1000 454 1830 1580 410 1100
5512 2500 3150 2660 1005 2130 2500 1134 2260 2140 560 1350
11023 5000 3945 3300 1260 2660 5000 2268 2780 2700 710 1650
16535 7500 4565 3850 1435 3080 10000 4536 3510 3330 890 2100
22046 10000 5040 4270 1600 3400 12000 5443 3730 3540 945 2240
26455 12000 5335 4530 1705 3600 14000 6350 3920 3720 995 2360
33069 15000 5735 4845 1830 3875 16000 7257 4100 4000 1040 2470
44092 20000 6405 5410 2010 4320 20000 9072 4370 4150 1110 2620
71650 32500 7320 6200 2310 4930 25000 11340 4710 4470 1195 2820
88185 40000 7850 6650 2480 5290 30000 13608 5000 4750 1270 3000

B
C

LWT Moorfast
weight A B C D weight A B C D
lb. kg mm mm mm mm lb. kg mm mm mm mm
1000 454 1905 1803 622 1168 1000 454 1549 1905 483 940
5000 2268 2997 2845 984 1829 6000 2722 2565 3632 787 1549
10000 4536 3658 3480 1245 2235 10000 4536 3327 3988 1041 2032
15000 6804 3988 3791 1362 2438 12000 5443 3531 4242 1092 2159
20000 9072 4394 4166 1499 2692 16000 7257 3886 4750 1219 2388
25000 11340 4851 4521 1708 2946 20000 9072 4166 4978 1295 2591
30000 13608 5029 4801 1715 3073 30000 13608 4801 5512 1499 2997
35000 15876 5283 5055 1803 3226 40000 18144 5436 6299 1600 3226
40000 18144 5537 6096 1905 3327 50000 22680 5639 6528 1676 3353
60000 27216 6350 7061 2184 3810 60000 27216 5893 6883 1778 3556
 DIMENSIONS OF
OTHER ANCHOR TYPES
124

A A
D
D

B
C
C
B

Stato AC14
weight A B C D weight A B C D
lb. kg mm mm mm mm lb. kg. mm mm mm mm
3000 1361 3277 2769 860 1829 2844 1290 2025 1568 470 1067
6000 2722 3658 3632 960 2337 4630 2100 2382 1844 553 1255
9000 4082 4064 4318 1090 2540 6746 3060 2700 2091 627 1423
15000 6804 5182 5690 1370 3200 12368 5610 3305 2559 768 1741
20000 9072 5334 5842 1420 3277 18298 8300 3793 2916 875 1984
25000 11340 5740 6248 1540 3480 23149 10500 4073 3154 946 2146
30000 13608 5969 6528 1570 3683 29762 13500 4429 3249 1029 2333
35000 15876 6299 6883 1670 3886 41447 18800 4946 3829 1149 2606
40000 18144 6553 7188 1750 4064 44092 20000 5049 3909 1173 2660
60000 27216 7540 8120 2000 4570 50706 23000 5290 4095 1229 2787

VRYHOF MANUAL
 125

A
D

B C

US Navy Stockless
weight A B C D
lb. kg mm mm mm mm
1000 454 1072 841 521 772
5000 2268 1854 1437 889 1319
10000 4536 2337 1810 1121 1661
15000 6804 2680 2089 1295 1861
20000 9072 2946 2280 1413 2094
25000 11340 3175 2456 1522 2256
30000 13608 3372 2608 1616 2394
35000 15876 3550 2743 1703 2523
40000 18144 3708 2872 1778 2619
60000 27216 4775 3194 2218 3375
 PROOF LOAD TEST
FOR HHP ANCHORS (US UNITS)
126

anchor proof anchor proof anchor proof

weight load weight load weight load
lbs kips lbs kips lbs kips

100   6.2 4100   92.5 10000 165.8

125   7.3 4200   94.2 11000 174.5
150   8.2 4300   95.9 12000 184.8
175   9.1 4400   97.5 13000 194.7
200   9.9 4500   99.1 14000 205.2
250 11.5 4600 100.7 15000 214.3
300 12.9 4700 102.3 16000 222.9
350 14.2 4800 103.9 17000 230.9
400 15.5 4900 105.5 18000 239
450 16.7 5000 107 19000 245
500 18.1 5100 108.5 20000 250.4
550 19.2 5200 110 21000 256.7
600 20.5 5300 111.4 22000 263.5
650 21.7 5400 112.9 23000 270.9
700 23 5500 114.4 24000 277.2
750 24.3 5600 115.9 25000 282.8
800 25.5 5700 117.4 26000 289.2
850 26.6 5800 118.7 27000 296.7
900 27.8 5900 120 28000 304.9
950 28.9 6000 121.4 29000 312.3
1000 29.8 6100 122.7 30000 318.9
1100 32.1 6200 124.1 31000 326.9
1200 34.5 6300 125.4 32000 333.7
1300 36.8 6400 126.8 33000 341.2
1400 39.1 6500 128.2 34000 348
1500 41.3 6600 129.5 35000 354.8
1600 43.5 6700 130.8 36000 361.6
1700 45.8 6800 132 37000 368.4
1800 48.2 6900 133.2 38000 375.2
1900 50.3 7000 134.4 39000 382
2000 52.3 7100 135.7 40000 388.8
2100 54.5 7200 136.9 42000 400.6
2200 56.6 7300 138.1 44000 411.5
2300 58.6 7400 139.3 46000 425.1
2400 60.8 7500 140.6 48000 437
2500 62.8 7600 141.6 50000 449.1
2600 64.8 7700 142.7 52000 460.4
2700 66.8 7800 143.7 54000 472
2800 68.8 7900 144.7 56000 484.3
2900 70.7 8000 145.7 58000 496.5
3000 72.6 8100 146.8 60000 508.4
3100 74.5 8200 147.9 62000 519.3
3200 76.4 8300 149 64000 530.2
3300 78.3 8400 150 66000 541
3400 80.1 8500 151.1 68000 551.9
3500 81.9 8600 152.2 70000 562.8
3600 83.7 8700 153.2 75000 590
3700 85.5 8800 154.3 80000 617
3800 87.2 8900 155.2 82500 630
3900 89 9000 156.2
4000 90.7 9500 161.1

VRYHOF MANUAL
 PROOF LOAD TEST
FOR HHP ANCHORS (SI UNITS)
127

anchor proof anchor proof anchor proof

weight load weight load weight load
kg kN kg kN kg kN

50   29.7 2000 434.3 7000   970.3

55   31.7 2100 450 7200   987
60   34 2200 466 7400 1002
65   35.3 2300 480.7 7600 1018
70   37 2400 495 7800 1034
75   39 2500 509.7 8000 1050
80   40.7 2600 524.3 8200 1066
90   44 2700 537 8400 1078
100   47.3 2800 550.3 8600 1088.7
120   53 2900 563.7 8800 1099.3
140   58.3 3000 577 9000 1110
160   63.7 3100 589 9200 1120.7
180   68.4 3200 601 9400 1132
200   73.3 3300 613 9600 1148
225   80 3400 625 9800 1162.7
250   85.7 3500 635.7 10000 1173.3
275   91.7 3600 645 10500 1210
300   98 3700 655.7 11000 1240
325 104.3 3800 666.3 11500 1266.7
350 110.3 3900 677 12000 1300
375 116 4000 687 12500 1340
400 122 4100 696.3 13000 1380
425 127.3 4200 706 13500 1410
450 132 4300 715.7 14000 1450
475 137.3 4400 725.7 14500 1483.3
500 143 4500 735 15000 1520
550 155 4600 742.3 15500 1553.3
600 166 4700 751.7 16000 1586.7
650 177.3 4800 760 16500 1620
700 188 4900 769 17000 1653.3
750 199 5000 777 17500 1686.7
800 210.7 5100 786 18000 1720
850 221.3 5200 797.3 18500 1753.3
900 231 5300 808.7 19000 1780
950 241.7 5400 818 19500 1800
1000 252.3 5500 827.3 20000 1833.3
1050 262 5600 836.3 21000 1900
1100 272.7 5700 845 22000 1956.7
1150 282.7 5800 855.7 23000 2016.7
1200 292 5900 866.3 24000 2070
1250 302 6000 877 25000 2130
1300 311.7 6100 887 26000 2190
1350 321 6200 897.3 27000 2250
1400 330.3 6300 908 28000 2303.3
1450 339.7 6400 917.3 29000 2356.7
1500 349 6500 926.7 30000 2410
1600 366.7 6600 936 31000 2463.3
1700 384 6700 944.7 32000 2516.7
1800 401 6800 953 34000 2623.3
1900 418.3 6900 961 36000 2730
 MOORING
LINE COMPONENTS
128

VRYHOF MANUAL
 DIMENSIONS
MOORING
OF
LINE
STEVTENSIONER
COMPONENTS
®
'S
129

H H

Main dimensions STEVTENSIONER® dimensions in m weight in t

Stevtensioner model L B H weight
VA84 2.2 0.6 1.3 5.8
VA600 2.2 0.6 L 0.9 3.8
L B
VA1000 3.1 0.8 1.2 7
VA1250 5.3 1.8 1.0 17
 PROOF LOAD/BREAK LOAD
OF CHAINS (IN US UNITS)
130

diameter Proof load Break load Weight

r4-rq4 r3s r3 rq3-api r5 r4-rq4 r3s r3 rq3-api r5

stud studless stud studless stud stud stud studless stud and studlless stud studless
studless studless

inches kips kips kips kips kips kips kips kips kips kips kips kips kips lbs/ft lbs/ft
3/4    75    66    62    60    54    49 87 77    95    86    77    73 111    5    5
13/16    88    77    73    71    63    57 102 90   111   101    90    86 130    6    6
1   131   116   110   106    95    85 153 136   167   152   136   128 195   10    9
1 1/8   165   146   138   133   119   107 335 298   210   191   171   162 428   12   11
1 1/4   203   179   169   163   147   132 236 210   257   234   210   198 301   15   14
1 3/8   244   216   203   197   176   158 284 252   310   281   252   238 362   18   16
1 1/2  289  255   241   233   208   187 335 298   366   333   298   282 428   21   20
1 5/8   337   298   281   271   243   218 391 348   427   388   348   329 499   25   23
1 3/4   388   343   323   313   280   252 451 401   492   447   401   379 575   29   27
1 7/8   443   391   369   357   320   287 514 457   562   510   457   432 656   33   31
2   500   443   417   403   361   324 582 517   635   577   517   489 741   38   35
2 1/16   531   469   442   427   383   344 616 548   673   612   548   518 786   40   37
2 1/8   561   496   468   452   405   364 652 580   712   647   580   548 832   43   39
2 3/16   593   524   494   478   428   384 689 612   752   684   612   579 878   45   42
2 1/4   625   553   521   504   452   405 727 646   793   721   646   611 926   48   44
2 5/16   658   582   549   530   476   427 765 680   835   759   680   643 975   51   46
2 3/8   692   612   577   558   500   449 804 715   878   798   715   676 1026   54   49
2 1/2   762   674   635   614   550   494 886 787   967   878   787   744 1129   59   54
2 5/8   835   738   696   672   603   541 970 862 1059   962   862   815 1237   65   60
2 11/16   872   771   727   702   630   565 1013 900 1106 1005   900   852 1292   69   63
2 3/4   910   805   758   733   657   590 1058 940 1154 1049   940   889 1348   72   66
2 7/8   988   874   823   796   714   640 1148 1020 1253 1139 1020   965 1464   79   72
3 1069   945   891   861   772   693 1242 1103 1356 1232 1103 1044 1583   86   78
3 1/16 1110   982   925   894   802   719 1290 1146 1408 1280 1146 1084 1644   89   81
3 1/8 1152 1019   960   928   832   747 1339 1189 1461 1328 1189 1125 1706   93   85
3 3/16 1194 1056   995   962   863   774 1388 1233 1515 1377 1233 1167 1769   97   88
3 1/4 1237 1094 1031   997   894   802 1438 1278 1570 1427 1278 1209 1833 100   92
3 5/16 1281 1133 1068 1032   925   830 1489 1323 1625 1477 1323 1251 1898 104   95
3 3/8 1325 1172 1105 1068   957   859 1540 1368 1681 1528 1368 1295 1964 108   99
3 1/2 1416 1252 1180 1140 1022   918 1645 1462 1796 1632 1462 1383 2097 116 106
3 9/16 1462 1292 1218 1177 1056   947 1698 1509 1854 1685 1509 1428 2165 121 110
3 5/8 1508 1334 1257 1215 1089   977 1752 1557 1913 1739 1557 1473 2234 125 114
3 3/4 1603 1417 1336 1291 1158 1039 1862 1655 2033 1848 1655 1566 2374 134 122
3 13/16 1651 1460 1376 1330 1192 1070 1918 1704 2094 1903 1704 1613 2446 138 126
3 7/8 1699 1503 1416 1369 1227 1101 1975 1754 2156 1959 1754 1660 2518 143 130
3 15/16 1749 1546 1457 1409 1263 1133 2032 1805 2218 2016 1805 1708 2590 147 135
4 1798 1590 1498 1448 1299 1165 2089 1856 2281 2073 1856 1756 2664 152 139
4 1/8 1899 1679 1582 1529 1371 1231 2206 1960 2409 2189 1960 1855 2813 162 148
4 1/4 2001 1770 1668 1612 1445 1297 2325 2066 2538 2307 2066 1955 2965 172 157
4 3/8 2105 1862 1754 1696 1521 1365 2446 2174 2671 2427 2174 2057 3119 182 166
4 1/2 2211 1955 1843 1781 1597 1433 2570 2283 2805 2549 2283 2160 3276 192 176
4 5/8 2319 2050 1932 1868 1675 1503 2695 2394 2941 2673 2394 2265 3435 203 186
4 3/4 2428 2147 2023 1956 1753 1574 2821 2507 3080 2799 2507 2372 3597 214 196
4 7/8 2538 2245 2115 2045 1833 1645 2950 2621 3220 2926 2621 2480 3761 226 206
5 2650 2344 2209 2135 1914 1718 3080 2736 3362 3055 2736 2589 3926 238 217
5 1/8 2764 2444 2303 2226 1996 1791 3211 2853 3506 3186 2853 2700 4094 250 228
5 1/4 2878 2545 2398 2319 2079 1865 3345 2971 3651 3318 2971 2812 4264 262 239
5 3/8 2994 2647 2495 2412 2162 1940 3479 3091 3798 3451 3091 2925 4435 274 251
5 1/2 3111 2751 2592 2506 2247 2016 3615 3211 3946 3586 3211 3039 4608 287 262
5 5/8 3228 2855 2690 2601 2332 2093 3752 3333 4095 3722 3333 3154 4783 301 275
5 3/4 3347 2960 2789 2696 2417 2170 3890 3456 4246 3859 3456 3270 4959 314 287
5 7/8 3467 3066 2889 2793 2504 2247 4029 3579 4398 3997 3579 3387 5136 328 299
6 3587 3172 2989 2890 2591 2325 4169 3704 4551 4135 3704 3504 5315 342 312
6 1/8 3709 3279 3090 2987 2678 2404 4309 3829 4704 4275 3829 3623 5494 356 325
6 1/4 3830 3387 3192 3086 2766 2483 4451 3954 4859 4416 3954 3742 5675 371 339
6 3/8 3953 3495 3294 3184 2855 2562 4593 4081 5014 4557 4081 3861 5856 386 353
6 1/2 4076 3604 3396 3283 2944 2642 4736 4208 5170 4698 4208 3981 6038 401 367
6 5/8 4199 3713 3499 3383 3033 2722 4879 4335 5327 4841 4335 4102 6221 417 381
6 3/4 4323 3822 3602 3482 3122 2802 5023 4463 5483 4983 4463 4223 6404 433 395
6 7/8 4447 3932 3706 3582 3211 2882 5167 4591 5641 5126 4591 4344 6588 449 410
7 4571 4042 3809 3682 3301 2963 5311 4719 5798 5269 4719 4465 6772 466 425
7 1/8 4695 4152 3913 3782 3391 3043 5456 4847 5956 5412 4847 4586 6956 482 440
7 1/4 4820 4262 4016 3882 3481 3124 5600 4976 6114 5556 4976 4708 7140 500 456

VRYHOF MANUAL
 PROOF LOAD/BREAK LOAD
OF CHAINS (IN SI UNITS)
131

diameter Proof load Break load Weight

r4-rq4 r3s r3 rq3-api r5 r4-rq4 r3s r3 rq3-api r5

stud studless stud studless stud stud stud studless stud and studlless stud studless
studless studless
mm kN kN kN kN kN kN kN kN kN kN kN kN kN kg/m kg/m
19    331    293    276    267    239    215   385  424 420    382    342    324   491   8 7
   20.5    385    340    320    310    278    249 447 397    488    443    397    376   570   9    8
  22    442    390    368    356    319    286 513 456    560    509    456    431   654 11   10
  24    524    463    436    422    378    339 608 541    664    604    541    511 776   13   12
  26    612    541    510    493    442    397 711 632    776    706    632    598 907   15   14
  28    707    625    589    570    511    458 822 730    897    815    730    691 1048   17   16
  30    809    715    674    651    584    524 940 835   1026    932    835    790 1198   20   18
  32    917    811    764    738    662    594 1065 946   1163   1057    946    895 1358   22   20
  34   1031    911    859    830    744    668 1198 1064   1308   1188   1064   1007   1527 25   23
  36   1151   1018    959    927    831    746   1338 1188 1460   1327   1188   1124 1705   28   26
  38   1278   1130   1065   1029    923    828   1485 1319 1621   1473   1319   1248 1893   32   29
  40   1410   1247   1175   1136   1018    914   1639 1456 1789   1625   1456   1377 2089   35   32
  42   1548   1369   1290   1247   1118   1004 1799 1599   1964   1785   1599   1513 2294   39   35
  44   1693   1497   1411   1364   1223   1097 1967 1748   2147   1951   1748   1654 2508   42   39
  46   1843   1630 1536   1485   1331   1194 2141 1903   2338   2124   1903   1800 2730   46   42
  48   1999   1767   1666   1610   1443   1295 2322 2063   2535   2304   2063   1952 2961   50   46
  50   2160   1910   1800   1740   1560   1400 2510 2230   2740   2490   2230   2110 3200   55   50
  52   2327   2058   1939   1874   1681   1508 2704 2402   2952   2682   2402   2273 3447   59   54
  54   2499   2210   2083   2013   1805   1620 2904 2580   3170   2881   2580   2441 3703   64   58
  56   2677   2367   2231   2156   1933   1735 3111 2764   3396   3086   2764   2615 3966   69   63
  58   2860   2529   2383   2304   2066   1854 3323 2953   3628   3297   2953   2794 4237   74   67
  60   3048   2695   2540   2455   2201   1976 3542 3147   3867   3514   3147   2978   4516 79   72
  62   3242   2866   2701   2611   2341   2101 3767 3347   4112   3737   3347   3166 4802   84   77
  64   3440   3042   2867   2771   2484   2230 3997 3551   4364   3965   3551   3360 5096   90   82
  66   3643   3221   3036   2935   2631   2361 4233 3761   4621   4200   3761   3559 5397   95   87
  68   3851   3406   3209   3102   2782   2496 4475 3976   4885   4440   3976   3762 5706 101   92
  70   4064   3594   3387   3274   2935   2634 4723 4196   5156   4685   4196   3970 6021 107   98
  73   4392   3884   3660   3538   3172   2847 5104 4535   5572   5064   4535   4291 6507 117 107
  76   4731   4183   3942   3811   3417   3066 5498 4884   6001   5454   4884   4621 7009 126 116
  78   4962   4388   4135   3997   3584   3216 5766 5123   6295   5720   5123   4847 7351 133 122
  81   5317   4702   4431   4283   3840   3446 6179 5490   6745   6130   5490   5194 7877 144 131
  84   5682   5024   4735   4577   4104   3683   6602 5866 7208   6550   5866   5550 8418 155 141
  87   6056   5355   5046   4878   4374   3925 7037 6252   7682   6981   6252   5916 8971 166 151
  90   6439   5693   5365   5187   4650   4173 7482 6647   8167   7422   6647   6289 9539 177 162
  92   6699   5923   5582   5396   4838   4342 7784 6916   8497   7722   6916   6544 9924 185 169
  95   7096   6275   5913   5716   5125   4599 8246 7326   9001   8180   7326   6932 10512 198 181
  97   7365   6513   6138   5933   5319   4774 8559 7604   9343   8490   7604   7195 10911 206 188
100   7776   6876   6480   6264   5616   5040 9036 8028   9864   8964   8028   7596 11520 219 200
102   8054   7122   6712   6488   5817   5220 9359 8315 10217   9285   8315   7868 11932 228 208
105   8478   7497   7065   6829   6123   5495 9851 8753 10754   9773   8753   8282 12560 241 221
107   8764   7750   7304   7060   6330   5681 10184 9048 11118 10103   9048   8561 12984 251 229
111   9347   8265   7789   7529   6750   6058 10861 9650 11856 10775   9650   9130 13847 270 246
114   9791   8658   8159   7887   7071   6346 11378 10109 12420 11287 10109   9565 14506 285 260
117 10242   9057   8535   8251   7397   6639 11902 10574 12993 11807 10574 10005 15174 300 274
120 10700   9461   8916   8619   7728   6935 12434 11047 13573 12334 11047 10452 15852 315 288
122 11008   9734   9173   8868   7950   7135 12792 11365 13964 12690 11365 10753 16308 326 298
124 11319 10009   9432   9118   8175   7336 13153 11686 14358 13048 11686 11057 16768 337 308
127 11789 10425   9824   9497   8515   7641 13700 12171 14955 13591 12171 11516 17466 353 323
130 12265 10846 10221   9880   8858   7950 14253 12633 15559 14139 12663 11981 18171 370 338
132 12585 11129 10488 10138   9089   8157 12972 11525 15965 14508 12993 12294 16538 382 348
137 13395 11844 11162 10790   9674   8682 15565 13829 16992 15441 13829 13085 19844 411 375
142 14216 12571 11847 11452 10267   9214 16520 14677 18033 16388 14677 13887 21061 442 403
147 15048 13306 12540 12122 10868   9753 17487 15536 19089 17347 15536 14700 22294 473 432
152 15890 14051 13241 12800 11476 10299 18464 16405 20156 18317 16405 15522 23540 506 462
157 16739 14802 13949 13484 12089 10850 19452 17282 21234 19297 17282 16352 24799 540 493
162 17596 15559 14663 14174 12708 11405 20447 18166 22320 20284 18166 17188 26068 575 525
165 18112 16016 15094 14590 13081 11739 21047 18699 22976 20879 18699 17693 26833 596 545
168 18631 16474 15525 15008 13455 12075 21649 19234 23633 21477 19234 18199 27601 618 564
171 19150 16934 15959 15427 13831 12412 22253 19771 24292 22076 19771 18707 28371 640 585
175 19845 17548 16538 15986 14333 12863 23061 20488 25174 22877 20488 19386 29400 671 613
178 20367 18010 16972 16407 14709 13201 23667 21027 25836 23479 21027 19896 30173 694 634
180 20715 18318 17263 16687 14961 13427 24072 21387 26278 23880 21387 20236 30689 710 648
185 21586 19088 17989 17389 15590 13991 25084 22286 27383 24884 22286 21087 31980 750 685
 CHAIN COMPONENTS
AND FORERUNNERS
132

3-link adaptor VA-01 4D

3.6D
A
F C B A E A A A A A A
D

VA-02 4.4D

3.96D B

F C E H E C B A A A
1.1D

4.35D
VA-03

4D C

PL A A A A A A A A A
1.2D

4D
VA-04

4.2D E

PL A E H E A A A A A
D 1.52D

6D
C
3-link adaptor VA-05

B PL

D E
K C B A E A A A A A A
See table

650 mm

5-link adaptor VA-06

390 mm K

C B A A A E I E A A
95 mm
P-1

Note: the D in the dimensions shown refers to the chain dimension tables on the previous pages.

VRYHOF MANUAL
 CHAIN COMPONENTS
AND FORERUNNERS
133

6.3D 13.2D

4.7D 3.8D 4.15D 3.3D

J
9.7D H

5.15D 2.2D 1.45D 4D

1.2D 1.2D 3.8D

1.7D 2.2D 1.65D 1.35D

8D
3.4D 0.8D
5.4D

1.4D 4D
5.4D
T
7.1D G
1.6D
1.5D 1.1D 1.7D
1.3D 1.2D 2.8D
8.13D

4.6D 1.8D

2.4D 5.2D

8.7D
1.8D F

1.4D 1.4D 3.1D A = common link

B = enlarged link
C = end link
D = slim kenter shackle
E = joining kenter shackle
4D F = large D-type shackle
G = joining shackle D-type
H = anchor swivel
4.2D
D J = anchor swivel
K = special end link
T = trident shackle
D 1.29D PL = pear link

6D
 CONNECTING LINKS
134
C
F
H
G
J K B

D E
A

Pear-shaped anchor connecting link (pear link) dimensions in mm

NO size chain size A B C D E F G H J K kg

 4 32 - 40 298 206   59  40  48   83 44 x 44 56 26   43   13
 5 42 - 51 378 260  76   51  64 100 51 x 60 74 32   52  27
 6 52 - 60 454 313  92  60  76 121 62 x 73 88 37  64  49
 7 62 - 79 562 376 117  79   95 149 85 x 79 111 48  76  94
 8 81 - 92 654 419 133  92 124 149 111 x 102 130 x 133 54  79 149
 9 94 - 95 692 435 146  98 130 159 124 x 137 141 57   83 236
10 97 - 102 889 571 190 121 165 190 130 181 73 108 386
11 103 - 108 940 610 203 127 175 203 156 200 76 111 418

D E C

E B
G

Detachable chain connecting link (C-connector) dimensions in mm

chain size A B C D E F G weight kg

62 - 64 381 246  79  64   73  78 42   32.0
66 - 67 400 246   83  67  78  79 44   37.0
68 - 70 419 275  92   73   83  90 46   45.5
71 - 73 438 283  94   73   85   93 48   48.5
74 - 76 457 295   95  76  90  94 50   54.5
78 - 79 476 308 102  79  92  96 52   62.5
81 - 83 495 320 103   83  92 103 55   73.0
84 - 86 514 332 107  86 100 107 57   80.5
87 - 89 537 350 116  92 105 114 59   93.5
90 - 92 552 356 119  92 106 116 61   97.5
94 - 95 571 368 122   95 114 119 62 116.0
97 - 98 590 381 127  98 117 121 67 123.0
100 - 102 607 394 132 102 119 122 68 130.0

VRYHOF MANUAL
 SWIVELS
135
B

A C D

E
L

Mooring swivel dimensions in mm

Type 177 M5 231 M5 193 M5

A 84 92 98
B 148 149 148
C 233 234 233
D 340 340 358
E 636 660 715
L 820 860 919
MBL (kN) 7210 8420 9540
w
B

A C D

E
L

Anchoring handling swivel dimensions in mm

Type 209 210 223

A 91 x 98 76 58
B 142 128 100
C 134 121 88
D 380 342 260
E 655 559 425
L 850 A 715 541 D
C
MBL (kN) 7210 5100 2698
w

A C D

Anchoring ball swivel dimensions in mm

Type 323 334 356 376 389 300 308

B
A 76 90 88 90 83 94 76
B 462 481 508 501 474 711 470
C 83 89 95 89 83 95 83
D 427 559 559 457 427 559 427
MBL (kN) 5160 6450 7210 6450 6085 7950 5160
 SHACKLES
136
F
A

O D E
D

B B

C E A C A

ANCHOR BOW SHACKLE SLING SHACKLE

Anchor bow shackle

According to U.S. federal specification (RR-C-271) dimensions in mm
SWL t A B C D D E O Weight Weight
chain anchor anchor chain anchor
shackle shackle shackle shackle kg shackle kg
35 50 57 83 171 197 114 138 18.16 20.65
42.5 57 65 95 190 222 130 160 27.8 29.3
55 65 70 105 203 254 140 180 35.1 41
85 75 80 127 230 330 160 190 60 62.3
120 89 95 146 267 381 190 238 93 109.5
150 102 108 165 400 400 216 275 145 160
200 120 130 175 500 500 260 290 180 235
250 125 140 200 540 540 280 305 225 285
300 135 150 200 600 600 300 305 305 340
400 165 175 225 650 650 350 325 540 570
500 175 185 250 700 700 370 350 580 685
600 195 205 275 700 700 410 375 850 880
700 205 215 300 730 730 430 400 920 980
800 210 220 300 730 730 440 400 990 1110
900 220 230 320 750 750 460 420 1165 1295
1000 230 240 340 750 750 480 420 1315 1475
1200 250 280 400 840 840 560 500 1700 1900
1500 260 325 460 840 870 650 600 2500 2800

Sling shackle dimensions in mm

SWL t A B C D E F weight kg
  75  70  70 105 290 186 120   67
  125   85  80 130 365 220 150  110
  150  89   95 140 390 250 170  160
200 100 105 150 480 276 205  220
  250 110 120 170 540 300 240   320
  300 122 134 185 600 350 265   350
 400 145 160 220 575 370 320   635
  500 160 180 250 630 450 340   803
 600 170 200 275 700 490 370  980
 700 190 215 300 735 540 400 1260
 800 200 230 325 750 554 420 1430
 900 220 255 350 755 584 440 1650
1000 240 270 380 760 614 460 2120
1250 260 300 430 930 644 530 2400
1500 280 320 460 950 680 560 2980

VRYHOF MANUAL
 SHACKLES
137

A A

D D

B
B

C E C E
STEVPRIS Mk5 ANCHOR SHACKLE
®
STEVPRIS Mk6 ANCHOR SHACKLE
®

STEVPRIS® Mk5 and Mk6 anchor shackle dimensions in mm

bow pin lenght weight

dia inside width inside length dia Mk5 Mk6
A C D E B kgs
60 90 211 136 68 30
65 100 221 144 72 37
75 110 246 160 80 52
80 125 275 180 90 79
90 135 310 190 95 410 570 89
100 155 360 220 110 455 620 129
110 170 390 240 120 485 690 168
120 185 420 260 130 520 740 214
130 200 455 280 140 545 800 271
140 210 490 300 150 585 840 335
150 225 520 320 160 620 900 403
160 240 550 340 170 655 940 491
170 255 585 360 180 690 980 606
180 270 615 380 190 730 713
190 290 665 410 205 867
200 305 700 430 215 1000
210 320 730 450 225 1154
220 335 765 470 235 1395
230 340 780 490 245 1483
Open fields reflect sizes that may vary. Please consult Vryhof for detailed specification.
 WIRE ROPE SOCKETS
138

L2
K J K C

D1
B
L1

Open spelter socket dimensions in mm

NO MBL Rope diameter A B C D D1 J K Weight

tons mm inch kg
128 280 49 - 54 2 - 2 1/8 216 228 216 57 95 101 46 60.5
130 360 55 - 60 2 1/4 - 2 3/8 228 250 236 63 108 113 53 90
132 450 61 - 68 2 1/2- 2 5/8 248 273 264 73 121 127 60 122
135 480 69 - 75 2 3/4 - 2 7/8 279 279 276 79 127 133 73 157
138 520 76 - 80 3 - 3 1/8 305 286 284 86 133 146 76 195
140 600 81 - 86 3 1/4 - 3 3/8 330 298 296 92 140 159 79 221
142 700 87 - 93 3 1/2 - 3 5/8 356 318 340 99 152 171 83 281
144 875 94 - 102 3 3/4 - 4 0/0 381 343 362 108 178 191 89 397
146 1100 108 - 115 4 1/2 460 480 440 125 190 208 101 570
150 1250 122 - 130 5 500 500 560 138 250 210 120 980
160 1400 140 - 155 5 1/2- 6 0/0 580 500 600 160 275 230 140 -
170 1600 158 - 167 6 1/2 675 600 650 175 290 230 175 -

C J

D1
B

A X

Open spelter socket dimensions in mm

NO MBL t for wire A B C D1 J X

dia. mm
338 650 75 - 84 375 298 296 140 159 1050
340 820 85 - 94 410 320 340 152 171 1170
344 1000 95 - 104 425 343 362 178 191 1300
346 1200 105 - 114 500 500 440 200 200 1570
350 1500 115 - 130 580 580 580 250 220 1800
370 1700 131 - 144 625 625 625 280 230 1940
380 1900 145 - 160 700 700 680 300 250 2150

VRYHOF MANUAL
 WIRE ROPE SOCKETS
139
F
E G

Closed spelter socket dimensions in mm

NO MBL Rope diameter A B C D E F G Weight

tons mm inch kg
222 280 49 - 51 2 - 2 1/8 216 224 62 57 96 193 82 36.5
224 360 55 - 60 2 1/4 - 2 3/8 228 247 73 63 108 216 92 50
226 450 61 - 68 2 1/2- 2 5/8 248 270 79 73 140 241 102 65
227 480 69 - 75 2 3/4 - 2 7/8 279 286 79 79 159 273 124 93
228 520 76 - 80 3 - 3 1/8 305 298 83 86 171 292 133 110
229 600 81 - 86 3 1/4 - 3 3/8 330 311 102 92 184 311 146 142
230 700 87 - 93 3 1/2 - 3 5/8 356 330 102 99 197 330 159 170
231 875 94 - 102 3 3/4 - 4 0/0 381 356 108 108 216 362 178 225
233 1100 108 - 115 4 1/2 450 425 120 125 235 405 190 340
240 1250 122 - 130 5 500 475 120 138 260 515 210 -
250 1400 140 - 155 5 1/2- 6 0/0 580 550 150 160 300 510 250 -
260 1600 158 - 167 6 1/2 675 600 175 175 325 600 300 -

Advantages of the CR socket

• Guaranteed high breaking load.
F G
E • Integrated non-rotating stopper system which
C ­prevents the tamp from turning or slipping out of the
cone.
B • An open-window side for easy rope handling.
• A high-performance connection for the right
combination with a detachable link.
A • No rings in the cone to a give a maximum r­ ope /
socket connection.
• Impact value of min. 27 Joule at -40°C.
D

CR socket dimensions in mm

NO MBL t rope dia A B C D E F weight

mm kg
522   250   49 -   54 215 125   55   57 115 200   30
524   300   55 -   60 230 145   65   63 135 230  46
526  400   61 -   68 250 160   75   73 150 270  62
527   500   69 -   75 280 175  80  79 165 300  87
528  600   76 -   80 310 190   85  86 175 325 110
529  700   81 -   86 340 205 100  92 200 350 135
530  800   87 -   93 360 220 105  99 205 360 160
531  900   94 - 102 380 240 110 108 225 380 208
533 1000 108 - 115 450 260 125 120 240 420 270
 MAIN
DIMENSIONS CHASERS
140
G G F G F

H H H

D
A
D A
C
A

B E
D E
B E B

J-Chaser J-Lock Chaser Permanent Wire Chaser

VA 101 VA 115 VA 210-213-214-215-4214

G G

H
H

A
A
C C

F F
D E D E
B B

Permanent Chain Chaser Detachable Chain Chaser

VA 102-106-110-112-4110 VA 107-108-111

Main dimensions chasers dimensions in mm

Type A B C D E F G H proof load weight

t kg
VA 101 2483 1829 - 699 305 - 124  86 250 1882
VA 102 1657 1143  991 762 305 191 124  86 250 1088
VA 106 1702 1168  991 762 381 203 130  99 250 1451
VA 107 1886 1143 1080 762 305 191 124  86 250 1238
VA 108 1931 1168 1067 762 381 203 130  99 250 1656
VA 110 1867 1245 1130 838 330 203 130  99 250 1433
VA 111 1994 1245 1130 838 330 203 130  99 250 1742
VA 112 2210 1384 1397 953 356 260 130  99 250 2064
VA 115 2083 1486 - 711 533 305 124  86 250 1778
VA 210 2073 1245 1203 838 432 330 130  99 250 1959
VA 213 1962 1099 1086 692 445 330 130  99 250 1846
VA 214 2318 1308 1397 902 508 330 130  99 250 2530
VA 215 2051 1168 1060 711 445 356 178 127 400 2495
VA 4214 2546 1422 1397 903 610 394 394 144 400 4070
VA 4110 2040 1361 1130 838 406 280 191 144 400 2390

VRYHOF MANUAL
 MAIN
DIMENSIONS CHASER
141

Note: the VA 115 is available in two versions: the VA 115/35 for

21/2” to 31/2” chain and the VA 115/45 for 3¾” to 41/2” chain.

Restoration of worn chaser profiles

Worn profiles may be restored by application of a weld
deposit. Care must be taken to ensure a satisfactory bond
between parent material and the weld deposit and to avoid the
generation of a brittle structure in the area of repair.

The following procedure is recommended:

• The area to be welded must be cleaned to a bright metal
finish.
• Before starting the welding, the parent material should be
pre-heated to 180-200° C and the pre-heat temperature is to
be maintained during welding.
• The initial layer of weld deposit should be effected by a high
nickel electrode such as: Metrode C.I. softlow nickel – N.I.O.
8C.2FE A.W.S. No.A5.15.ENI-CL.
• Subsequent layers of welding may be laid using a less noble
electrode such as: Metrode CI special cast Ni Fe – FE.55.NI-
1.3.C A.W.S. No. A5.15.ENI.FE.CI.
• Each successive layer of weld must be c­ leaned and
hammered.
• On completion of welding, the built-up zone and surrounding
area should be ­insulation-wrapped to permit slow cooling.

In order to prevent damage to chaser or anchor head please

consult Vryhof for the appropriate anchor/chaser combination.
 MOORING
LINE CATENARY
142

When the mooring line of a floater is deployed, part of the F

mooring line will lay on the seabed and part of the mooring line X
will be ­suspended in the water. The part of the m
­ ooring line
that is suspended in the water will take on a catenary shape.
Depending on the water depth, the weight of the mooring
line and the force applied to the mooring line at the ­fairlead,
s v d
the length of the suspended mooring line (S in [m]) can be j
calculated with:

fig. 4-01
C-1

1600

length S and X in meters

with d : the water depth plus the distance between sea 1200

level and the fairlead in [m]

F : the force applied to the mooring line at the 800

fairlead in [t]
and w : the unit weight of the mooring line in water in 400

[t/m]
0
0 100 200 300 400 500
The horizontal distance (X in [m]) between the fairlead and the depth in meters
touchdown point of the mooring line on the seabed can be
calculated with: S, F = 50 t S, F = 100 t S, F = 150 t S, F = 200 t
S, F = 250 t S, F = 300 t X, F = 50 t X, F = 100 t
X, F = 150 t X, F = 200 t X, F = 250 t X, F = 300 t
C-2
­­­
180
weight catenary chain in t

140

The weight of the suspended chain (V  in [t]) is given by:

V=wxS 100

60
See fig. C-1 for a clarification of the symbols used. The angle
is the angle between the mooring line at the fairlead and the 20

horizontal distance. 0
0 100 200 300 400 500

depth in meters
Example
In fig. C-2, the suspended length S and the horizontal distance fig. 4-03
X are plotted for a 76 mm chain for different loads F (ranging F = 50 t
F = 250 t
F = 100 t
F = 300 t
F = 150 t F = 200 t

from 50 t to 300 t). The suspended weight of the mooring line C-3
is plotted in fig. C-3. The submerged unit weight of the 76 mm
chain is 0.110 t/m.
The mooring line tension at the fairlead can be calculated
with f = d.w
1-cos(j).

VRYHOF MANUAL
 MOORING
LINE HOLDING CAPACITY
143

Mooring line holding capacity on the seabed

The holding capacity (P) in [t] of the part of the mooring
line that is laying on the seabed, can be estimated with the
following equation:

P=fxlxw
with
f : friction coefficient between the mooring line
and the seabed
l : the length of the mooring line laying on the
seabed in [m]
w : the unit weight of the mooring line in water in [t/m]

If no detailed information on the friction coefficient is available,

the following values can be used:

friction coefficient
mooring line type starting sliding

chain 1.0 0.7
wire rope 0.6 0.25

The values for the friction coefficient given under starting can
be used to calculate the ­holding capacity of the mooring line,
while the values given under sliding can be used to ­calculate
the forces during deployment of the mooring line.
 WIRE ROPE
144

Depending on the required service life of the m

­ ooring system,
the following types of wire rope are recommended:

Design life recommended product type

Up to 6 years Six strand
Up to 8 years Six strand c/w zinc anodes
Up to 10 years Six strand c/w ‘A’ galvanised outer wires &
zinc anodes
10 years plus Spiral strand
15 years plus Spiral strand c/w Galfan coated outer wires
20 years plus Spiral strand c/w HDPE sheathing

The two rope constructions have differing properties. The

advantages of each of the rope types are presented in the
following table:

Spiral strand Six strand

Higher strength/weight ratio Higher elasticity
Higher strength/diameter ratio Greater flexibility
Torsionally balanced Lower axial stiffness
Higher corrosion resistance
Higher fatigue resistance

Properties of spiral stand wire rope

Nominal MBL Axial Stiffness Nominal Weight in kg/m Submerged Nominal Sheathing
Diameter kN MN nominal weight Steel Area Thickness
mm (inch) Unsheathed Sheathed kg/m mm2 mm
76 (3)   5647   557  28.4   30.4 23.8 3377  8
82 (3.25)   6550  627   33.0   35.1 27.5 3917  8
90 (3.5)   7938  760   39.9  42.9 33.4 4747 10
95.5 (3.75)   8930   855  44.9  48.1 37.5 5341 10
102 (4) 10266  982   51.6   55.3 43.1 6139 11
108 (4.25) 11427 1093   57.5   61.3 48.0 6834 11
114 (4.5) 12775 1222  64.2   68.3 53.6 7640 11
121.5 (4.75) 14362 1353  72.2   76.5 59.7 8589 11
127 (5) 15722 1481  79.1   83.6 66.0 9403 11
133 (5.25) 17171 1599  86.8   91.5 72.4 10314 11
141 (5.5) 19180 1799   97.5 102.4 81.5 11609 11
146.5 (5.75) 20469 1940 105.1 110.2 87.7 12515 11
153 (6) 22070 2110 114.5 119.7 95.5 13616 11

VRYHOF MANUAL
 WIRE ROPE
145

Properties of six strand wire rope

Diameter MBL Axial Stiffness Rope Weight Submerged Torque

mm (inch) kN MN kg/m rope weight Factor
kg/m Nm/kN
64 2.5 3360 189.4 17.3 15.3 4.7
71 2.75 3990 233.0 20.8 18.3 5.2
77 3 4767 278.8 25.7 22.7 5.8
83 3.25 5399 319.7 29.5 26.0 6.3
89 3.50 6414 415.2 35.0 30.9 6.9
96 3.75 6965 483.8 40.5 35.7 7.5
102 4 7799 573.5 44.5 39.3 8.1
108 4.25 8240 642.1 49.8 43.9 8.6
114 4.50 9172 707.0 55.3 48.8 9.1
121 4.75 10055 775.7 60.6 53.5 9.7
127 5 11134 866.6 67.7 59.8 10.2
133 5.25 11728 912.9 73.8 65.5 10.6
140 5.50 12925 1006.1 80.9 11.2
Note: MBL based on 10 years design life.
Torque factor presented in the last column is an approximate value at 20% applied load.

Installation of sheathed spiral strand

The limiting factors for the installation of a sheathed spiral
strand are defined by the properties of the sheathing. The
maximum bearing pressure (σb ) on the sheath is limited to
21 N/mm2 to avoid permanent deformation.

The minimum bending diameter permitted can be calculated

using the following formula:

D = (4 x W) / (π x σb x {d x 0.15 x t}0.5)

Where :
D = sheave diameter mm
W = line load N
d = sheathed cable diameter mm
t = sheathing radial thickness mm
σb = maximum bearing pressure N/mm2

The above formula ensures no damage to the sheathing

through bending. In addition, to prevent damage to the cable
within the sheathing, the minimum ­bending diameter is 24
times the unsheathed cable diameter., i.e. D > 24 x (d – 2 x t).
 SYNTHETIC ROPES
146

Rope properties

Polyester Dyneema
Material Polyester High Modulus PolyEthylene
Construction Parallel strand construction Parallel strand construction
Protective cover Polyester Composite yarn
Color of rope White with marker yarns White
Specific gravity 1.38 - sinks 0.975 - floating
Melting point 251° C 145° C
Abrasion resistance Excellent Excellent
UV resistance Excellent Good
Temperature resistance Workable at sub-zero temperatures Medium
Chemical resistance Good Excellent
Water absorption/fibers < 0.5% < 0.05%
Water uptake +/- 30% n.a
Dry & weight conditions Wet strength equals to dry strength Wet strength equals to dry strength

Polyester mooring line: strength table

Diameter MBL Total Weight kg/m Submerged weight kg/m Stiffness kN

mm kN
@2% MBL @20% MBL @2% MBL @20% MBL EA1 EA2 EA3
113 3723 8.8 8.2 2.1 1.9 7.19e + 04 8.43e + 04 1.10e + 04
137 5754 12.9 12.0 3.1 2.9 1.18e + 05 1.38e + 05 1.80e + 05
154 7446 16.2 15.1 3.9 3.6 1.57e + 05 1.84e + 05 2.40e + 05
169 9138 19.5 18.2 4.7 4.4 1.96e + 05 2.30e + 05 2.99e + 05
183 10830 22.8 21.2 5.5 5.1 2.35e + 05 2.76e + 05 3.59e + 05
195 12522 26.0 24.2 6.2 5.8 2.74e + 05 2.22e + 05 4.19e + 05
207 14215 29.2 27.2 7.0 6.5 3.14e + 05 3.68e + 05 4.79e + 05
227 17261 35.0
24812 32.6 8.4 7.8 3.53e + 05 4.14e + 05 5.39e + 05
245 20307 40.7 37.9 9.7 9.1 3.27e + 05 3.83e + 05 4.99e + 05

Note : Minimum Breaking Load (MBL) in spliced condition.

Weights are presented for a rope loaded to 2%
and 20% of MBL
1
cycling between 10 - 30 % MBL
2
cycling between 20 - 30 % MBL
3
cycling between 40 - 50 % MBL

Production and construction in accordance with

recognized standards. The properties of various
rope sizes are presented in the following tables.

VRYHOF MANUAL
 SYNTHETIC ROPES
147

Dyneema Recommended practise for handling fibre rope

mooring lines before and during installation
Diameter MBL Weight stiffness • Ropes should not be permanently installed around
mm k/N kg/m EA k/N
bollards or fairleads.
81 3649    3.30 2.03e + 05
• A minimum bending radius should be observed.
87 4397 3.83 2.43e +05
The minimum bend radius (D/d) with very low line
93 5108    4.34  2.84e +05
tensions should be larger than 6.
98 5838 4.85 3.24e +05
103 6568 5.35 4.05e +05
• When unreeling the rope, maximum line tension
108 7298 5.85 4.05e +05 should be observed, to avoid pulling the rope into
113 8027 6.34 4.46e +05 the underlying layer.
117 8757    6.83  4.87e +05 • Torque or twist in the rope should be avoided.
121 9487 7.32 5.27e +05 • Fibre ropes should not be run over surfaces which
129 10946   8.28  6.08e +05 have sharp edges, grooves, nicks or other abrasive
133 11676 8.76 6.49e +05 features.
137 12406   9.24  6.89e +05 • Care should be taken when applying shearing forces
140 13136 9.72 7.30e +05 to the rope.
144 13865 10.2 7.70e +05 • There should be no “hot work” such as welding in
147 14595 10.7 8.11e +05 the vicinity of the rope.
150 15325 11.1 8.51e +05
• Frictional heat from excessive slippage of the fibre
154 16055 11.6  8.92e +05
rope over a capstan, drum, etc. must be avoided.
157 16784 12.1 9.32+e +05
• Care should be taken that ropes do not get knotted
160 17541 12.5 9.73e +05
or tangled.
163 18244 13.0  1.01e +06
166 18974 13.5 1.01e +06 • Rope contact with sharp gritty materials should be
169 19703 13.9  1.09e +06 avoided.
171 20433 14.4 1.14e +06 • Abrasion or fouling of the mooring line with other
174 21163 14.9 1.18e +06 anchoring equipment such as anchor, steel wire rope,
177 21893 15.3 1.22e +06 chain and connectors must be avoided.
180 22622 15.8 1.26e +06 • Chasers should not be used on fibre ropes.
182 23352 16.3 1.30e +06 • Shark jaw stoppers designed for use with steel wire
185 24082 16.7 1.34e +06 rope or chain should not be used for handling fibre
187 24812 17.2 1.38e +06 ropes.
Note : MBL in spliced condition. • It should be avoided that the ropes undergo more
than 1000 load cycles with a line tension smaller than
5% of the MBL.
• Pre-deployed lines should not be left buoyed at the
surface waiting connection to the platform, unless
a minimum line tension of 5% (for polyester) of the
MBL is maintained.
• If the fibre rope is laid on the seabed, it must be
protected against external abrasion and ingress of
abrasive particles.
 STEVIN®Mk3
UHC CHART
148

y
cla
rd
ha
d
an
n d y
sa cla

typical Ultimate Holding Capacity (UHC) in mT

um
e di
m y
cla
o ft
rys
ve

Ultimate Holding Capacity

The prediction lines above

­represent the equation
UHC= A*(W)0.92 with UHC as the
Ultimate Holding Capacity in ­mT
and a parameter depending on
soil, anchor and anchor line with
values between 16 and 31.

STEVIN®Mk3 size in mT

The STEVIN®Mk3 design line very soft clay r­epresents soils such as The design line 'sand' represents competent soils, such as medium
very soft clays (mud), and loose and weak silts. dense sands and stiff to hard clays and is based on a silica sand of
The line is applicable in soil that can be described by an undrained medium density. In sand and hard clay the optimal fluke/shank angle
shear strength of 4 kPa at the surface increasing by 1.5 kPa per meter is 32°.
depth or in the equation Su = 4+1.5*z. with Su in kPa and z being the
depth in meters below seabed. In very soft soils the optimum fluke/ The 'medium clay' design line represents soils such as silt and firm
shank angle is typically 50°. to stiff clays. The fluke/shank angle should be set at 32° for optimal
­performance.

VRYHOF MANUAL
 STEVIN®Mk3
DRAG AND PENETRATION CHART
149

ay
ft cl
ry so
n ve
dr ag i
clay
ium
in med
drag

nd
in sa

anchor loaded to Ultimate Holding Capacity (UHC)

drag

typical drag and penetration in meters

y
ft cla
ve ry so
Stevpris
netr
atioMk6
n in
pe
anchor load drag penetration
as % of % max as % max drag
UHC drag penetration
70 48 80
60 37 68
y
a
m cl
50 27 55
penetration
40 18 42
m ediu
30 9 23
tio n in
etra
pen
Example: loading 70% of ultimate holding capacity corresponds with 48% of maximum drag and 80% of
maximum penetration at ultimate holding capacity.

Stevpris Mk5
nd
n sa
anchor load drag penetration
r on i
atidrag
e t
as % of
UHC
% max
drag
as % max
penetration pen
70 48 80
60 37 68
50 27 55
42
penetration
40 18
30 9 23

Example: loading 70% of ultimate holding capacity corresponds with 48% of maximum drag and 80% of
maximum penetration at ultimate holding capacity.

STEVIN®Mk3 size in mT

Stevin Mk3
anchor load drag penetration
as % of % max as % max drag
UHC drag penetration
70 48 80
60 37 68
50 27 55
40 18 42
30 9 23 penetration

Example:
Example: loading
loading 70%
70% of
of Ultimate Holding capacity
ultimate holding Capacity corresponds
corresponds with
with48%
48% of
of maximum
maximum drag
drag and
and 80% of
80% of maximum
maximum penetration
penetration at U
at ultimate­ holding
ltimate Holding
capacity.Capacity.
 STEVPRIS®Mk5
UHC CHART
150

y
cla
rd
ha
d
an
d y
sa
n cla
m
iu
ed
m y
la
ftc
so
ry
ve

typical Ultimate Holding Capacity (UHC) in mT

Ultimate Holding Capacity

The prediction lines above

­represent the equation
UHC= A*(W)0.92 with UHC as the
Ultimate Holding Capacity in ­mT
and a parameter depending on
soil, anchor and anchor line with
values between 24 and 110.

STEVPRIS®Mk5 size in mT

The STEVPRIS®Mk5 design line very soft clay r­epresents soils such as The design line sand represents competent soils, such as medium
very soft clays (mud), and loose and weak silts. dense sands and stiff to hard clays and is based on a silica sand of
The line is applicable in soil that can be described by an medium density. In sand and hard clay the optimal fluke/shank angle
undrained shear strength of 4 kPa at the surface increasing by 1.5 is 32°.
kPa per meter depth or in the equation Su = 4+1.5*z. with Su in kPa
and z being the depth in meters below seabed. In very soft soils the The medium clay design line represents soils such as silt and firm
­optimum fluke/shank angle is typically 50 deg. to stiff clays. The fluke/shank angle should be set at 32° for optimal
­performance.

VRYHOF MANUAL
 STEVPRIS®Mk5
DRAG AND PENETRATION CHART
151

clay
soft
in very
drag

clay
ium
in med
drag

clay
hard

anchor loaded to Ultimate Holding Capacity (UHC)

nd and
in sa
drag

typical drag and penetration in meters

y
ft cla
ve ry so
t ion in
etra
pen

y
m cla
m ediu
t ion in
etra
pen

clay
ard
a nd h
in sand
tion
etra
pen

Stevpris Mk6
anchor load drag penetration
as % of % max as % max drag
UHC drag penetration
70 48 80
60 37 68
50 27 55
42
penetration
40 18
30 9 23

Example: loading 70% of ultimate holding capacity corresponds with 48% of maximum drag and 80% of
maximum penetration at ultimate holding capacity.

STEVPRIS®Mk5 size in mT

Stevpris Mk5
anchor load drag penetration
as % of % max as % max drag
UHC drag penetration
70 48 80
60 37 68
50 27 55
42
penetration
40 18
30 9 23

Example:
Example: loading 70%
70% ofof ultimate
Ultimateholding
Holdingcapacity
Capacity corresponds
corresponds with
with 48%48% of maximum
of maximum drag
drag andand
80% of
80% of maximum
maximum penetration
penetration at U
at ultimate ­holding
ltimate capacity.
Holding Capacity.

Stevin Mk3
 STEVPRIS®Mk6
UHC, DRAG AND PENETRATION CHART
152

y
cla
rd y

in mT
ha l a
& c
nd m
sa ediu
in )
C nm ud
UH C i y (m
U H la
ft c
so
e ry
v
in
UHC

y
oft cla
rt. in very s
dra g in m

in meters
y
m cla
mediu
in m rt. in
drag
lay
hard c
. in s and &
in mrt
drag

y
oft cla
very s
a tion in
penetr
clay
edium
atio n in m
p enetr

y
ard cla
and and h
n in s
tratio
pene

STEVPRIS®Mk6 weight in mT Lo

Stevpris Mk6
anchor load drag penetration
as % of % max as % max drag
UHC drag penetration
70 48 80
60 37 68
50 27 55
42
penetration
40 18
30 9 23

Example:
Example: loading
loading 70% of ultimate
70% of Ultimateholding
Holdingcapacity
Capacitycorresponds
corresponds with
with 48%
48% of
of maximum
maximumdrag
dragand
and80% of
80% of maximum
maximum penetration
penetration at U
at ultimate ­ holding
ltimate capacity.
Holding Capacity.

VRYHOF MANUAL
 THE STEVMANTA®
UPC CHART
153

2000

1800 600

1600
500
typical UPC - Ultimate Pull-out Capacity in mT

1400

typical installation load in mT

1200 400

1000
300

800
C
600 200

400
100
B
200
A
0 0

0 5 10 15 20 25 30

STEVMANTA® Fluke Area (m2)

Mooring lines in diameters

A ø 76 mm B ø 121 mm C ø 151 mm
Six strand & spiral strand Spiral strand

Typical Ultimate Pull-out Capacity (UPC)

The prediction lines on the “UPC chart” can be expressed in the equations as stated below:

D = 1.5 *k0.6 *d-0.7 *A0.3 *tan1.7 (α) UPC = Nc *Su *A

where, where,
D = STEVMANTA® penetration depth [m] UPC = Ultimate Pull-out Capacity [kN]
k = quotient Undrained Shear Strength clay [kPA] and depth Nc = Bearing Capacity Factor
[m] Su = (k *D), Undrained Shear Strength clay [kPa]
d = mooring line or installation line d
­ iameter [m] A = STEVMANTA® fluke area [m2]
A = STEVMANTA® fluke area [m2]
α = STEVMANTA fluke / shank angle [deg]
®

The UPC graph incorporates a N - value of 10, α-value of 50 degrees and k-value of 2. The graph clearly illustrates the influence of the diameter
c

of the mooring line or installation line, and whether six strand or spiral strand is used. The typical installation load to obtain a specified UPC is
presented on the right vertical axis of the graph.
 COMPARISON VARIOUS
MOORING LINE TYPES
154

C-4

C-5

VRYHOF MANUAL
 CONVERSION
TABLE
155

to convert from multiply by to obtain

length millimetres mm    0.03937 inches in

metres m    3.28084 feet ft

kilometres km    0.62137 miles mi

kilometres km    0.53996 nautical miles nmile

inches in   25.4 millimetres mm

feet ft    0.30480 metres m

miles mi    1.60934 kilometres km

nautical miles nmile    1.852 kilometres km

area square millimetres mm2    0.00155 square inches in2

square metres m2   10.76391 square feet ft2

square kilometres km    0.38610

2
square miles mi2

square inches in
2
645.16 square millimetres mm2

square feet ft   0.09290

2
square metres m2

square miles mi    2.58999

2
square kilometres km2

volume millilitres ml   0.06102 cubic inches in3

litres l   0.26417 gallons (US) gal

cubic metres m3   35.31467 cubic feet ft3

cubic inches in   16.38706

3
millilitres ml

gallons (US) gal    3.78541 litres l

cubic feet ft3    0.02832 cubic metres m3

mass kilograms kg   2.20462 pounds lb

metric tons mT    1.10231 short tons US ton

pounds lb    0.45359 kilograms kg

short tons US ton    0.90718 metric tons mT

density kilograms per cubic metre kg/m3    0.06243 pounds per cubic foot lb/ft3

pounds per cubic foot lb/ft   16.01846

3
kilograms per cubic metre kg/m3

force or weight kilonewtons kN    0.22481 kips kip

kilonewtons kN   0.10197 metric tons mT

metric tons mT   2.20462 kips kip

kips kip   4.44822 kilonewtons kN

metric tons mT    9.80665 kilonewtons kN

kips kip    0.45359 metric tons mT

pressure or stress kilopascals kPa   20.88555 pounds per square foot psf

megapascals MPa    0.14504 kips per square inch ksi

pounds per square foot psf    0.04788 kilopascals kPa

kips per square inch ksi    6.89472 megapascals MPa

velocity metres per second m/s    1.94384 knots kn

metres per second m/s    2.23694 miles per hour mph

knots kn    0.51444 metres per second m/s

miles per hour mph    0.44704 metres per second m/s

temperature degrees celsius °C multiply by 1.8 then add 32 degrees fahrenheit °F

degrees fahrenheit °F subtract 32 then multiply by 0.555 degrees celsius °C

 TERMINOLOGY
156

A
Abrasion
The wear of wire or fiber rope caused by sliding friction over fixed surfaces.
AHV
Anchor Handling Vessel
Anchor Plan
A preparatory plan to moor a vessel, taking into account all obstacles in the vicinity and
indicating the direction and length of the mooring lines as well as the position of the anchor
points.
Astern
The movement of the ship’s engines in reverse, to cause the stern first movement of the
vessel.

B
Beam
The extreme width of a vessel, broadside.
Bird caging
The flaring out of wires in wire rope around the full diameter of a rope, with resulting kinks in
the wire.
BOEM
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management, Regulation and Enforcement (USA).
Bollard
Single posts secured to a tugs deck, a pier.
Bollard Pull
An expression which is used to grade the capacity of a tug or anchor handling vessel and its
efficiency. It is generally expressed in mT.
Bow chain stopper
A mechanical device for securing chafe chains onboard a tanker.
Braided rope
Rope constructed by braiding or interweaving strands together.
Breaking length
The length of rope, whose mass will equal that of its breaking strength.
Breaking strength
The load require to pull a wire, strand or rope to destruction.
Bridle
A two-legged rigging arrangement, either to tow or lift, usually forming an equilateral
triangle.
Bridle plate
A triangular steel plate to which chain bridle legs are connected.
Buoyancy
The ability of an object to float partly submerged due to watertight compartments.

C
CALM 
Catenary Anchor Leg Mooring system.
Capstan
A vertically mounted warping drum with its motor secured below decks. The sides of the
drum are fitted with ‘whelps’ to provide improved holding for mooring rope turns.

VRYHOF MANUAL
 TERMINOLOGY
157

Catenary
Deflections of a mooring line suspended or attached at two points caused by the weight of
the mooring line.
CBS
Calculated breaking strength.
Chafe chain
A length of stud-link chain at the end of an SPM mooring hawser which passes through a
ship’s fairlead and is used to connect the SPM mooring hawser to the bow chain stopper of
a tanker.
Chain
A connected, flexible series of links, used for binding, connecting or other purposes.
Chain Locker
A compartment below the vessel’s deck in which mooring chain can be stored.
Chain stopper
A device used to secure chain, thereby relieving the strain on the windlass; also used for
securing the anchor in the housed position in the hawser pipe.
Chase Wire
Length of wire rope used as the primary component when chasing to anchors to unseat or
when running out anchors to deploy.
Chaser
A ring-like component secured around the mooring wire/chain used during installation and
retrieval of anchors.
Classification Society
Member of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS). They provide a
framework for maritime safety and regulation by way of compliance verification. Some are
specialist in the marine and or offshore industry.
Configuration
A listing of mooring components in a specific mooring system, including anchor, wire, chain,
connecting links, etc.
Core (wire rope)
The axial member of a wire rope about which the strands are laid.

D
Displacement
The mass of water in mT displaced by a vessel at a given draft.
Drag
An effect which opposes the ship’s forward motion and can be caused by shell/hull friction,
rudder action or appendages extending from the hull, effectively reducing the ship’s speed.
The term is also used to describe a ship dragging its anchor.
Drag Embedment Anchor
An anchor type that is pulled into the seabed in order to provide the required holding power.
DWT
Deadweight tonnage of a vessel at the maximum summer draft, expressed in mT.

F
Fairlead
Metal fittings which lead lines in the direction desired Fake. To lay out a line in long, flat
bights.
 TERMINOLOGY
158

Fender
A purpose-built addition to the ship’s hull to prevent damage when mooring alongside a
jetty or other hard surface.
FPSO
Floating Production, Storage and Offloading unit.
FSO
Floating Storage and Offloading unit.

G
Ganger Length
A short length of anchor cable set between the anchor crown ‘D’ shackle and the first joining
shackle of the cable. The length may consist of just a few links which may or may not contain
a swivel fitting.
Grapnel
The grapnel is merely a shank with four or more tines. It has a benefit in that, no matter how
it reaches the bottom, one or more tines will be aimed to set.
Grommet
An assembly of rope spliced into an endless loop then two legs seized together to form a
single length.

H
Hawser
A term which refers to a mooring line, commonly a large diameter fibre rope or wire rope.
Heading
That direction in which the ship is pointed. It is usually compass referenced.
Heel
That angular measure that a vessel will be inclined by an external force, e.g. wind or waves.
The condition can also occur during a turning manoeuvre.
Holding Power
An expression used to describe the holding power of an anchor, measured by its efficiency
(holding power=weight*efficiency). Class A anchors have an efficiency of 33 to 55. Class B
anchors 7 to 25 and Class C anchor 14 to 26.

J
Jewelry
Various components used to connect mooring chain, wire, and anchors
Joining Shackle
A single specialized shackle that joins two shackle lengths of cable. The most common
joining shackle employed is the ‘kenter shackle’ but ‘D’ lugged joining shackles are also
employed for the same purpose.

L
Laid rope
Rope constructed by laying and twisting several strands together. The direction of the twist is
opposite that of the strand twist. Common forms are three, four and six strand (with core).

VRYHOF MANUAL
 TERMINOLOGY
159

Lee
That side of the ship that lies away from the wind. Opposite to the weather.
Linear density
The weight per unit length of the rope.

M
MBL
Minimum breaking load of a new mooring line or chain, as declared by the manufacturer.
It does not include allowance for splicing (mooring line) or for wear and tear.
Messenger
A light line used for hauling over a heavier rope or hawser Monkey Fist.
Weighted knot in the end of a heaving line.
Messenger Line
A light line employed as an easy to handle length, used to pass a heavy mooring hawser,
as with a ‘slip wire’.
Minimum yield load
The mooring load applied to a mooring fitting (eg. bow fairlead, bow chain stopper) that,
if exceeded, would cause permanent (plastic) deformation of the fitting, its components or
foundations and, therefore, impair or otherwise compromise its continued safe use.
MODU
Mobile Offshore Drilling Unit. A generic term for several classes of self-contained floatable or
floating drilling machines such as jack-ups, semisubmersibles, and submersibles.
Mooring
The term used to describe a vessel secured to the seabed with anchors.
Mooring Anchor
A heavy anchor employed as a permanent mooring for buoys or floating offshore installations
(rigs, production vessels).
Mooring Buoy
A large buoy to which ships can moor using mooring lines or by means of the anchor cable.
Mooring hawser
An assembly of rope and fittings, terminations, flotation aids and anti-chafe protection.
Mooring Line
A steel wire rope, a natural fibre or manmade fibre rope used to tie up and secure the vessel
to the seabed. A generic term which can also include mooring wires.
Mooring Shackle
A heavy duty bow shackle, listed under the anchors and cables components. It is used when
the vessel needs to moor up to buoys.
Mooring Swivel
An additional fitting placed into the mooring line. The swivel ensures that components in the
mooring line can rotate without building torque.

O
OCIMF
Oil Companies International Marine Forum, a London based organisation of marine
representatives from SPM terminal operators, primarily oil companies.
OIM
Offshore Installation Manager.
 TERMINOLOGY
160

Onshore
That direction towards the coastline from seaward (opposite is offshore).

P
Padeye (horizontal, vertical)
A metal structure with a hole for a shackle or pin (on a vertical padeye, the axis of the hole is
parallel to the deck. On a horizontal padeye, the axis is perpendicular to the deck. Vertical
padeyes are often referred to as free-standing padeyes).
Pay out
To slack off on a line.
PCC
Permanent chain chaser.
Pendant
A single wire or chain that leads from the apex of a towing bridle to the tow line.
Pitch
The vertical rise or angle to horizontal of an object.
Pop-Up Pins
Pins located near the stern roller of an anchor handling vessel used primarily to secure
mooring chain, wire, and other components during mooring operations.
Port side
A reference to the left side of the vessel when looking forward.
PTC
Polyester tubular cloth.
PU
Polyurethane elastomer.

R
Reference load
A nominal pre-tension load, approximately 1% of the breaking load, which is applied to the
rope to remove slack when taking certain measurements.
Roll
The horizontal beam movement of a ship or object.
Rope
A group of strands of fibers or wires, twisted or braided together, to form a single pliable
member.

S
SWL
Safe working load. A load less than the yield or breaking load by a safety factor defined by a
code, standard or good engineering practice.
Shackle (anchor, chain)
U-shape metal fittings, closed at the open end with a pin; used to connect wire and chain to
padeyes, etc.
Shark Jaw
A device located near the stern roller of an anchor handling vessel used primarily to secure
mooring chain, wire, and other components during mooring operations.

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Shuttle tanker
An oil tanker specially designed or adapted for loading at offshore terminals requiring
specialised mooring or bow loading equipment.
SPM - Single Point Mooring
An integrated mooring arrangement for bow mooring a tanker or floating production system.
SALM 
Single Anchor Leg Mooring system.
Single rope assembly
An assembly of a single rope with terminations at each end. Ancillary equipment fitted as
requested.
Splice
End connection of a rope by means of a splicing the end into the rope.
Spliced eye
A loop formed at the end of a rope and secured by interweaving the strands or braids.
Spring line
A mooring or docking line leading at an angle less than 45° with the fore and aft lines of the
ship; used to turn a ship or prevent it from moving ahead or astern.
Starboard
Defined by the right of the ship when facing forward. Starboard is indicated by a green light
or painted surface.
Stopper
A length of rope or chain employed to temporarily take the weight of a rope or wire, while it
is transferred from a winch to secure cleats or bollards.
Stopper
A short length of rope secured at one end and used to stop it from running.
Swivel
An anchor chain component fitted to turn freely and reduce twisting and kinking of the
anchor chain.
SWL
Safe working load. The load that a rope or working gear may carry economically and safely.

T
Tandem mooring
A hawser-mooring arrangement between two vessels, either bow-to-bow or bow-to-stern.
It is normally taken to mean a mooring arrangement between the bow of a conventional
tanker and the stern of bow of an FPSO or FSO.
Thimble
A grooved metal component fitted snugly into an eye splice.
Tugger
Small winches typically located forward of the back deck on the port and starboard sides and
used to assist in handling smaller loads.
Turret
A vertical column around which a vessel – mostly an FPSO - can weathervane (sometimes
360° ) while the anchor lines attached to its bottom hold it in place. Through an ingenious
system fluids can be transferred between the ship and the turret.
Type Approval
An abstract endorsement by the Classification Society of the anchor’s design, or “type”,
which is in turn classified according to its category of performance.
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V
Veer
To pay out chain or line.

W
Wave Height
That vertical distance between the crest of a wave and the lower part of the trough.
Wave Length
Is defined by the distance between two adjacent crests of waves.
Wet breaking strength
The average breaking strength of prototype ropes that have been soaked in water and
conditioned by 10 load cycles.
Windlass
The name given to a heavy duty mooring winch in the fore part of the vessel engaged as an
anchor cable lifter. They are generally multi-purpose, providing warping barrels for mooring
rope use.
Wire rope
Rope made of wire strands twisted together, as distinguished from the more common and
weaker fiber rope.
Wire rope pendant
A long wire strap.
Work Wire
Shorter length of wire rope, usually attached directly to the winch drum.

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A
Anchor behaviour in the soil 41
Anchor design
Anchor design, criteria for 30
Consolidation effect 41
Cyclic effect factor 52
Fluke/shank angle 34
Fluke area 35
Holding capacity 28
Rate effect 42
Shank shape 29
Streamlining of the anchor 28
Strength during anchor handling 36
Strength during proof loading 36
Strength in extremely hard soils 38
Strength of an anchor design 36
Strength of the fluke 37
Strength of the shank 37

Anchor loads and safety factors 39

Anchor orientation 77
Anchoring points 16
Anchor tests 48
Anchor types
Characteristics of anchor types 20
Gravity installed anchor 18
Angle, changing the fluke/shank 64
Assembly STEVPRIS®Mk5 / STEVSHARK® 60
Assembly STEVPRIS®Mk6 62

B
Ballast in fluke, STEVPRIS® 82
Boarding in deep water 81

C
Certification 45
Certificate, how to read 46
Chain 11
Chain components 132
Chasers
Chasers 68, 140
Chasers, application 68
Chaser equilibrium 83
Chaser types 69
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Connectors 13
Connecting a swivel 64
Connecting links 134
Conversion table 156

D
Dead weight 17
Decking, the STEVPRIS® anchor 77
Deploying from the anchor rack 80
Deployment for permanent moorings 84
Dimensions
Of Vryhof anchor types 114
Of other anchor types 124
Of STEVTENSIONER® 129
Stevin STEVPRIS®Mk5 114
STEVMANTA® - permanent 120
STEVMANTA® - mobile 121
STEVPRIS®Mk5 116
STEVPRIS®Mk6 118
STEVSHARK® 115
STEVSHARK®REX 123
Drag
Drag & penetration
Drag embedment anchor 17
Drag embedment anchors 41
Drag, penetration and UHC
STEVIN®Mk3 UHC, drag & penetration 148
STEVPRIS®Mk5 UHC, drag & penetration 150
STEVPRIS®Mk6 UHC, drag & penetration 152
STEVMANTA® UPC 153

F
Fibre ropes 11
Fibre rope, Synthetic 146
Fluke/shank angle, change 64
Forerunners 132

H
History of drag embedment anchors 19
History of Vryhof anchor designs 22

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I
Installation
Boarding in deep water 81
What not to do! 79
Installation procedure STEVMANTA® 90
Laying anchors 74
STEVPRIS® installation 74
STEVMANTA® installation 89
STEVMANTA® retrieval 89

M
Moorings
Deployment for permanent moorings 84
Mooring components 11
Mooring line 11, 29
Mooring line catenary 142
Mooring lines, comparison of 155
Mooring systems 9

N
Norwegian Contractors (1984) 50

P
Piggy-backing 85
Methods 86
With hinging anchors 86
With two STEVPRIS® anchors 87
With a chaser 88
Pile 17
Pile or anchor 59
Pre-installation of a mooring system 110
Pre-tensioning, duration of 105
Proof loading
Proof loads for high holding power anchors 44
Proof load test for HHP anchors 126
Proof load/break load of chains 130

Q
Quality assurance 47

R
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Racking the STEVPRIS® 80

Required installation vessel 109
Retrieving anchors 76
Retrieving the STEVMANTA® 89
Rigging for assembly STEVPRIS®Mk6 65
Rope connector 15
ROV connection 104

S
Setting the fluke/shank angle 64
Shackles 13
Synthetic fibre rope 11
Soil mechanics, aspects of, in anchor design 30
STEVTENSIONER®
Acoustic data transmission 104
Handling the STEVTENSIONER® 106
Shackles 136
Soil classification 32
Soil survey 58
Soil table 54
The STEVMANTA®
Retrieval 91
Installation 89
The STEVPRIS®
Characteristics of anchor types 20
Changing the fluke/shank angle 64
Deployment for MODUS 74
Installation 74
STEVPRIS®Mk5 64
The STEVTENSIONER®
Local storage and data display 105
Measurement of the tensions applied 103
Tensioning modes 108
The STEVTENSIONER® 101
STEVTENSIONER® product range 107
Umbilical and measuring pin 104
Umbilical cable 104
Working principle 101
STEVMANTA® Single line installation procedure 89
STEVMANTA® Single line installation procedure 94
STEVMANTA® Double line installation procedure 97
STEVMANTA® installation with STEVTENSIONER® 97
Subsea connectors 15
Suction anchor 18
Supply vessels/anchor handling vessels 109
Swivels 135
Connecting a swivel to the STEVPRIS® anchor 66

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Connecting link C-type 13

Connecting link kenter type 13
Connecting link pear shaped 13
Connecting links 134
Synthetic fibre rope 11
Synthetic rope 146

T
Tensioning
3-way Tensioning 108
Cross tensioning 108
Against a reaction anchor 108
Terminology 157
Test curves, reading 49
Tests in the Gulf of Mexico 51
Tests with STEVMANTA® 53

U
UHC, drag & penetration
STEVIN®Mk3 UHC, drag & penetration 148
STEVPRIS®Mk5 UHC, drag & penetration 150
STEVPRIS6®Mk6 UHC, drag & penetration 152
STEVMANTA® UPC 153
Uplift 51

V
Vertical load anchor 18
Vertical load anchors 42

W
Wire clamp 15
Wire rope 144
Wire rope sockets 138
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VRYHOF MANUAL
Vryhof is a trusted partner to many of the offshore
industry’s leading companies, delivering innovative
and customer-focused anchoring and mooring
solutions. We are committed to the highest standards
of safety and integrity and are proud of our legacy and
impeccable track record, delivering value in everything
we do. Our 50-year history of setting standards and
leading the way in the offshore sector makes us unique
in terms of our expertise and breadth of services.

In recent years, Vryhof and its installation partners

have taken full scope permanent mooring projects
for offshore oil & gas and renewables applications
by offering innovative and cost effective solutions
including design, procurement, installation, life
extension and decommissioning.

Vryhof consists of: Deep Sea Mooring,

MoorLink and Vryhof Anchors.

vryhof.com
03-2018
The information contained in this manual
is for guidance purposes only and may be
subject to changes.
© Vryhof. All rights reserved.