INFORMATION FROM DNV TO THE MARITIME INDUSTRY

NO. 1 APRIL 2005

Casualty Information
Ship Type: Any

Size (GRT): Any

Year of build: Any

Loss of anchor
Course of events
A vessel lost one anchor and four lengths of
chain cable during anchor handling.
During the vessels previous drydocking,
a number of chain cable lengths had been
renewed on port and starboard side, including a number of Kenter shackles (joining
shackles) as found necessary, due to wastage
in excess of allowable limits.
The remaining part of the anchor chain
cable lengths and Kenter shackles were at
that time found to be in satisfactory condition.

Extent of damage
One anchor and four lengths of chain cable
had to be replaced, including Kenter shackles.
Probable cause
The probable cause of the damage was the
fracture of a Kenter shackle.
According to available information, the
loss of anchor and chain cable lengths was
attributed to the fracture of one of the Kenter shackles that had not been renewed in
drydock. See enclosed sketch and photo.
>>

The intricate shape of the various parts

illustrates how large forces are to be transferred through relatively small contact areas,
and proper design and well machined faces
and corners are very important for the durability of such shackle.
Experience has shown that a number of
anchors and chain cable lengths have been
lost due to failure of Kenter shackles, where
fatigue cracks have developed from poorly
designed machined faces and corners.
In the above case it is assumed that the
failure may be attributed to mishandling of
the Kenter shackle during opening/ fitting
operation. Since in most cases Kenter shackles on old anchor chains are rusty/frozen,
and opening up and reassembly requires the
use of heating or mechanical force, cracks
are likely to develop and should result in
replacement rather than re-use.

Det Norske Veritas

NO-1322 Hvik, Norway
Tel: +47 67 57 99 00
Fax: +47 67 57 99 11

The purpose of Casualty Information is

to provide the marine industry with
lessons to be learned from incidents of
ship damage and more serious accidents.
In this way, DNV hopes to contribute to
the prevention of similar occurrences in
the future. The information included
is not necessarily restricted to cover ships
classed with DNV and is presented,
without obligation, for information
purposes only.

Queries may be directed to

DNV Maritime, Maritime Technology and
Production Centre (Dept. for Development
Learning & Support), NO-1322 Hvik, Norway.
Fax +47 67 57 99 11. E-mail MTPNO350@dnv.com
Copyright and disclaimer: This publication may be
reproduced freely on condition that Det Norske
Veritas (DNV) is always stated as the source.
DNV accepts no responsibility for any errors or
misinterpretations.

6,500/ 4-2005

Casualty Information
is published by DNV Maritime,
Maritime Technology and
Production Centre
(Dept. for Development
Learning & Support)

Design: DNVE Graphic Communications 0504-032

Print: GAN Grafisk

Lessons to be learned
When a chain cable length is replaced due
to wear and tear, the Kenter shackle(s) are
normally worn as well and should be
replaced.