What Is an ABS Approved Stockless Anchor? Certification Guide

International shipbuilding and offshore operations require anchor certification because it serves as a mandatory structural safety standard. The ABS approved stockless anchor meets all classification requirements, which provide dependable performance, complete traceability, and suitable operation in harsh ocean environments.

For shipowners, shipyards, and offshore engineering contractors, it is crucial to understand the ABS certification standards when purchasing ship anchoring equipment. This guide will explain what ABS certification means, the certification requirements, the testing procedures, and how to select qualified suppliers.

What Is an ABS Approved Stockless Anchor?

A stockless anchor is the most widely used anchor type for commercial vessels. Unlike traditional stocked anchors, it lacks a transverse bar (stock), making it easier to store in the anchor chain locker. Common types include:

When the label of an anchor states that the anchor is ABS accredited, it means that the anchor has been built, tried, and verified following the standards set by the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS).

ABS is one of the world’s leading classification societies. Its approval confirms that the anchor:

Meets structural safety standards
Complies with material and mechanical property requirements
Has passed proof load and inspection testing
Is eligible for installation on ABS-classed vessels

Relying on a non-approved anchor in a vessel working in ABS-class will probably attract some grounded reasons for non-compliance upon inspection.

Why ABS Certification Is Critical for Marine Anchors

Marine anchors are primary safety components. In heavy weather or emergency anchoring situations, failure is not an option.

ABS certification ensures:

1. Structural Integrity: The anchorages must be capable of withstanding the forces generated by the movement of the vessel, the action of wind, and the resistance from the seabed.

2. Insurance and Port Compliance: Ships without qualified anchoring equipment may encounter issues related to insurance or deficiencies in port regulations.

3. Vessel Classification Approval: For newly-built vessels, the anchor equipment must meet the requirements of the classification society before delivery.

4. Quality Control and Traceability: ABS mandates the recording of all materials and manufacturing processes for traceability purposes.

Compared with non-certified anchors, an ABS class anchor provides higher reliability and global acceptance.

ABS Certification Requirements for Stockless Anchors

To obtain certification from the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), drag anchors must meet the structural, material, and testing standards specified in the “American Bureau of Shipping Rules for Building and Classing Steel Vessels”. Certification is not a mere paperwork process, but a rigorous inspection process conducted at multiple stages of production.

1. Approved Material and Mechanical Properties

ABS requires anchors to be manufactured from certified marine-grade cast steel. The material must meet specific criteria, including:

Controlled chemical composition
Minimum tensile strength and yield strength
Verified elongation properties
Impact toughness testing (where applicable)

Each casting batch must be accompanied by a Mill Test Certificate (MTC) and heat number traceability to ensure full material origin verification.

2. Dimensional and Structural Compliance

The anchor must be manufactured strictly according to approved technical drawings. ABS inspectors verify:

Nominal weight and allowable tolerance
Shank cross-sectional dimensions
Fluke geometry and structural symmetry
Pin, crown, and connection integrity

Dimensional deviations beyond ABS tolerance limits can result in rejection or rework.

3. Proof Load Testing Requirements

Proof load testing is mandatory for ABS certification. The anchor is subjected to a specified tensile load based on its rated weight.

The objectives of proof load testing are:

Confirm structural integrity under simulated service loads
Detect casting weaknesses or hidden defects
Ensure no permanent deformation occurs

Testing is either witnessed directly by an ABS surveyor or conducted under approved procedures with documented verification.

4. Non-Destructive Examination (NDE)

ABS requires inspection of critical structural areas using recognized NDT methods, including:

Ultrasonic Testing (UT) for internal defects
Magnetic Particle Inspection (MPI) for surface cracks
Visual and dimensional inspection

Inspection records must be documented and submitted as part of the certification package.

ABS approval is granted only when all technical, material, and testing requirements are fully satisfied.

Manufacturing Process of an ABS Approved Stockless Anchor

Producing an ABS approved stockless anchor requires controlled manufacturing procedures and inspection readiness at every stage.

1. Engineering and Drawing Approval

Before production begins, technical drawings must align with ABS standards. Key parameters such as weight class, shank geometry, and fluke angle are confirmed to ensure compliance.

2. Casting and Material Control

High-grade molten steel is poured into precision molds under carefully monitored temperature conditions. Strict quality control ensures:

Uniform casting density
Minimal porosity
Accurate dimensional formation

Each casting is assigned a unique heat number for traceability.

3. Heat Treatment

After casting, the anchor undergoes heat treatment processes such as normalizing or tempering. This stage ensures:

Improved mechanical strength
Controlled grain structure
Required hardness levels

Heat treatment records are maintained for inspection.

4. Machining and Finishing

Critical areas, including pin holes and connection points, are machined to meet tolerance standards. Proper machining ensures smooth operation and structural stability during anchoring operations.

5. Inspection and Testing

The anchor then undergoes:

Dimensional verification
Non-destructive testing
Proof load testing

ABS surveyors review inspection procedures, confirm compliance, and validate documentation before issuing approval.

6. Surface Protection and Final Marking

After certification, the anchor is coated with marine-grade anti-corrosion paint. Permanent markings typically include:

Manufacturer identification
Anchor weight
Heat number
ABS stamp (where applicable)

This ensures traceability throughout the anchor’s service life.

How to Verify an ABS Approved Stockless Anchor

When sourcing marine anchors, buyers must verify certification authenticity to avoid compliance risks.

1. Examine the ABS Certificate

A valid ABS certificate should clearly state:

Manufacturer name
Anchor model and type
Certified weight
Applicable ABS rule reference
Inspection and approval date

The certificate must correspond exactly to the delivered anchor.

2. Confirm Material Traceability

Each anchor should have a stamped heat number that matches the Mill Test Certificate. This ensures the steel used meets ABS material standards.

3. Review Testing Documentation

The supplier should provide:

Proof load test report
NDT inspection report
Dimensional inspection record

Documentation should include inspector signatures and testing parameters.

4. Check Physical Markings

ABS approved anchors typically include identification markings stamped or cast into the body. These markings support verification during port inspections or vessel surveys.

If uncertainty exists, buyers may confirm documentation directly with ABS or request third-party verification.

How to Choose an ABS Approved Stockless Anchor Supplier

Selecting a reliable stockless anchor supplier is essential for ensuring compliance and long-term operational safety.

1. Proven ABS Project Experience

Choose manufacturers with a consistent track record of supplying anchors for ABS-classed vessels. Experience reduces certification delays and compliance risks.

2. Integrated Testing Capabilities

Suppliers with in-house proof load testing facilities and NDT capability offer:

Faster delivery timelines
Better quality control
Transparent inspection processes

3. Multi-Classification Support

A qualified marine anchor supplier should also be capable of providing certification from other major classification societies such as DNV, LR, BV, or CCS. This reflects broader compliance expertise.

4. Production Capacity and Export Experience

Evaluate whether the manufacturer can handle:

Full weight ranges (e.g., 100 kg to 20,000 kg)
Custom design requests
International shipping documentation

Global export experience ensures smoother logistics and documentation handling.

5. Documentation Transparency

A professional ABS approved stockless anchor supplier should provide a complete documentation package including:

ABS certificate copy
3.1 Material Certificate
Proof load test report
NDT report
Packing list and inspection checklist

Clear documentation demonstrates reliability and strengthens buyer confidence.

An ABS approved stockless anchor is more than a marine component—it is a certified safety structure essential for vessel classification and operational compliance. From material selection and manufacturing control to proof load testing and ABS survey inspection, every step must meet strict standards.

When sourcing marine anchors for classed vessels, ABS approval is not an option—it is a requirement for structural integrity and regulatory confidence.