Anchor winch & Windlass

Discover our high-performance anchor windlass/mooring winches for offshore applications. Designed to withstand the challenges of the open sea, this equipment is an indispensable tool for your offshore operations. 

Two hydraulic AS SCAN anchor winches mounted on newbuilding no. 153, Skulebas. Each winch has a pull of 50 kN and 330m of 22mm wire.

Our anchor windlass/mooring winches are constructed with a robust and corrosion-resistant design, ensuring reliable performance in the toughest offshore conditions. The design and arrangement of our winches is adapted to your needs and fits every possible vessel type. Special attention is always given to safe operation, reliability and environmental performance.

Control system

The control system facilitates deployment and retrieval of anchors. It is generally operated via a local pvg valve or a remote control valve, offering the operator the flexibility to manage the winch from different locations on the vessel.

PVG 32 control valve block mounted on winch with internal piping

An integral part of the control system is the brake. The brake system is crucial for safely managing the release and retrieval of the anchor. In most cases, the brake system is automatically engaged when the control is released, preventing the anchor from free-falling or the chain from running out uncontrollably.

Advanced sensor control system

On AS SCAN anchor winches, we can also incorporate sensors and automated systems into the control system, enhancing their functionality. For instance, some winches come equipped with chain counters, which provide real-time data on the length of the chain that has been deployed or retrieved. This feature aids in precise anchor positioning, essential in various marine operations.

Additionally, advanced anchor winches may include features like automatic free-fall control, which allows the anchor to be dropped rapidly in emergency situations. This feature is managed through the control system, providing the operator with the flexibility to deploy the anchor quickly when needed.

We have supplied windlass systems for 10 autonomous vessels, which can be remotely operated from a shore station.

Hydraulic or electric drive

At the heart of the control system is a robust motor, typically powered by hydraulic or electricity. The motor is the driving force that allows the winch to manage the heavyweight of anchors and their chains.

Anchor winch for chain equipped with manual claw clutch for chain wheel

Hydraulic motors

We only use recognized motor brands that are specifically designed to manage the heavy-duty, high-torque tasks required to lower and raise anchors efficiently. 

There are different types of hydraulic motors used in anchor winches, including gear motors, vane motors, and piston motors, each with their own strengths and specific applications.

Hydraulic anchor winch with a MTS 250 motor and Reggiana RR2500 gearbox. Cable lifter designed for 36mm K3 Grade chain. Equipped with a manual band brake with a brake holding load of 475kN, and manual clutch for chain wheel. The winch is manual control by a PVG 32 valve. Nominal pull is 60kN.

There are several advantages of using hydraulic motors on your AS SCAN anchor winch. Firstly, hydraulic motors are known for their high starting torque, which is ideal for the heavy lifting associated with anchor winches. Secondly, they can maintain a steady, controlled speed, even under variable loads, which is critical when managing the deployment and retrieval of anchors. It features one- or two speed motors for flexible operation. Our hydraulic system is made for a high-pressure hydraulic drive (250bar).

Anchor winch made for a Norwegian wellboat built at Aas Mek. Verksted. 

Moreover, hydraulic motors are robust and durable, capable of withstanding the harsh maritime environment. They are less prone to overheating compared to electric motors, especially when under continuous use, making them a reliable choice for commercial operations.

Electric motors

AS SCAN use frequency controlled stepless speed electric electric motors designed to handle heavy loads. A high torque motor is essential because the anchor and chain can weigh several tons. 

The motors we use are usually of the AC (alternating current) type, known for their durability and efficiency. AC motors are more suitable for heavy-duty applications such as anchor winches due to their ability to maintain consistent power output over extended periods of use.

Electric driven anchor winch. Designed for 206m ø20mm wire. 1.56 ton pull. Frequency controlled AC electromagnetic brake motor, 4kW, 3x230V, 50Hz. Angle gearbox with ratio 1:101.

Additionally, the electric motors in our anchor winches feature a high level of ingress protection to prevent damage from water and other environmental factors. This is commonly denoted by an IP rating; for instance, an IP68 rating signifies complete dust resistance and the ability to withstand long periods of immersion in water.

The electric motor operates in tandem with a gearbox, which adjusts the output speed and torque. The gearbox reduces the speed from the motor, thereby increasing the torque. The type and size of the gearbox and motor is always designed to fit each vessels.

Many of the winches also feature an electric brake system for added safety. This system can hold the anchor and chain in place even if power is lost, preventing them from uncontrollably descending.

Specifications

Standard features include:

• Anchor winch pull up to 35 tonnes
• Chain dimensions between 11-54mm
• Provisions for chain, wire, and/or mooring
• Single, double, or triple drum configuration
• Double- (1x motor for two drums) or single arrangement
• Declutchable drums for wired anchor arrangement or mooring operations
• Hydraulic- or manual operated brake and clutch system
• Tested according to established class requirements e.g., DNV GL, ABS, Lloyds

Warping head for anchor winch

It can offer a dual functionality, serving as an anchor windlass to manage your vessel's anchor, and a warping head for multiple uses including hauling and lifting operations at the dock or sea.

Single alu warping head anchor winch

An anchor winch can be outfitted with one or two warping heads. We always deliver warping heads with a high surface quality with no sharp edges or burrs.

Since the hydraulic warping head has to take heavy tensile, so their material should have good tensile strength and hardness. The material we use are mainly cast iron og aluminium. 

Our references

Below is a selection of the shipyards we have delivered windlass and anchor winches to:

Aas Mek. Verksted from Norway

Grovfjord Mek. Verksted from Norway

Assens Shipyard from Denmark