How Big Is a Cruise Ship Anchor Chain?

By Alice Nichols

Cruise ships are some of the most popular vessels used for luxury travel and entertainment. The size of a cruise ship is determined by its length and width, as well as the number of cabins it contains.

But just as important as its size is the weight of its anchor chain, which is essential to keeping it safely moored in port.

An anchor chain is an integral part of a ship’s mooring system, providing the necessary weight to keep the ship from drifting away in strong currents or wind. The size and weight of an anchor chain varies depending on the type and size of vessel it is installed on.

A typical cruise ship uses two separate types of anchors: a main anchor and a secondary anchor. The main anchor is usually heavier than the secondary one, and its chain links can be up to 16mm thick in diameter.

This heavy-duty chain can weigh up to 20 tons! It takes about 300 meters (984 feet) of this type of chain to secure a large cruise ship correctly.

The secondary anchor is usually smaller than the main one, but its chain links can still be up to 12mm thick in diameter. This lighter-weight chain can weigh up to 5 tons and requires about 200 meters (656 feet) for a large cruise ship.

Conclusion:

Cruise ships rely heavily on their anchors and chains for mooring stability while in port. A large cruise ship requires anywhere from 200-300 meters (656-984 feet) of specially designed heavy-duty chains with diameters ranging from 12mm-16mm thick in order to stay securely moored.