Anchoring and mooring systems

Anchoring is a common and vital operation on any ship. However, it has been widely felt that anchoring equipment designs have not kept up with the evolving industry demand for anchoring ships in deeper and more exposed anchorages. When identifying the challenges associated with anchoring procedures, there was an evident need to review the minimum required construction standards of the windlasses, as vessels are currently anchoring at depths above their lifting capacity. Mitigating the safety risks associated with anchoring operations is paramount in an industry that has been striving to eliminate personnel injuries, prevent harm to the environment and limit damage to equipment.

INTERTANKO is regularly at the forefront of discussions in improving this vital area in all arenas and platforms – we have also introduced a guidance document ‘Anchoring Guidelines a risk-based approach’,. In addition, INTERTANKO took the initiative to establish a Joint Industry Working Group to consider possible, specific mitigating measures, through regulatory processes or through additional manufacturing standards to improve safe operations in deep waters and environmental conditions ships are often exposed to. Finally, INTERTANKO will attempt to work with Classification Societies and OCIMF to close the gap between the OCIMF MEG 4 and IACS standards for tankers.