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Views: 222 Author: Loretta Publish Time: 2025-09-23 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● Importance of Joining Shackles in Marine Applications
● Leading Joining Shackle Manufacturers and Suppliers in Spain
>> Links Marine
>> Irizar Forge
● Manufacturing Process of Joining Shackles
● Applications of Joining Shackles
● FAQs
>> 1. What types of joining shackles are produced by Spanish manufacturers?
>> 2. Are joining shackles from Spain certified?
>> 3. Do Spanish manufacturers offer OEM services?
>> 4. What materials are typically used for joining shackles?
>> 5. What kind of after-sales support is available?
Spain stands as a prominent hub for the manufacturing and supply of joining shackles, a crucial component in marine engineering, ship mooring, offshore operations, and maritime industries worldwide. Due to its strategic geographical position, centuries-old maritime heritage, and commitment to adopting advanced manufacturing technologies, Spain is home to some of the industry's most reliable and innovative joining shackle manufacturers and suppliers. This article delves into the top players across the country, their manufacturing capabilities, certifications, OEM services, product ranges, and industry applications, providing a comprehensive guide for international brand owners, wholesalers, and marine equipment producers looking to source quality joining shackles from Spain.
Joining shackles serve as fundamental connecting units in marine equipment systems, including anchor chains, mooring lines, and rigging assemblies. They ensure secure and flexible connections between chain segments or components, absorbing heavy loads and harsh environmental stresses encountered at sea. Given their critical safety role, joining shackles must be manufactured to rigorous standards of mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, and operational reliability.
Spanish manufacturers emphasize using high-tensile alloy steels, advanced forging and heat treatment technologies, and precision machining to create shackles that meet international marine safety standards. The most common materials include R4, R4S, and R5 grade steels, selected for their superior strength-to-weight ratios and resistance to sea corrosion. These manufacturing processes, combined with certifications from bodies such as Lloyd's Register, DNV, Bureau Veritas, and ABS, ensure Spanish joining shackles meet or exceed global maritime quality benchmarks.
Vicinay Marine, headquartered in Bilbao, is a globally recognized leader with over a century of experience. They specialize in manufacturing various types of joining shackles, including stud link connectors and custom engineered joining links tailored to offshore rigs, FPSOs, and commercial vessels. Their shackles come in diameters ranging from 40 mm to 220 mm and utilize sophisticated heat treatment processes alongside certified welding to ensure maximum mechanical performance. Vicinay Marine offers comprehensive OEM services with technical support and a global delivery network, making it a top choice for marine equipment suppliers.
Located in A Coruña, Trillo Anchors and Chains boasts a deep-rooted history as one of Spain's oldest marine hardware manufacturers. Their product lineup includes a broad range of joining shackles such as Kenter shackles, D-type variants, and other specialized connectors suitable for large freight carriers and offshore uses. Trillo holds ISO 9001 certification and complies with Lloyd's Register standards. The company is capable of fast shipment from extensive inventories and provides customizable OEM services, catering to demanding aquaculture and marine infrastructure projects.
Serving primarily the Mediterranean luxury yacht and marina sectors, Links Marine operates out of Mallorca. They supply certified stud link chains spanning sizes from 12.5 mm to 114 mm and a diverse selection of joining shackles, including Kenter links, D shackles, and anchor swivels. Their re-galvanization services extend product longevity, supported by expert technical consultation for yacht owners and marina management. Links Marine maintains a commitment to quality and tailor-made customer service, making them a preferred partner for maritime leisure applications.
Irizar Forge, based in Lazkao, is a specialized forging company known for innovative joining shackles such as their "Smart-Con Link Kenter Joining Shackle." Their products are crafted from premium R4, R4S, and R5 steels and include unique safety mechanisms like the Smart-Con stud locking system. Certified under IACS-W22 guidelines and DNV OS-E 302 standards, Irizar Forge shackles are engineered for extreme marine and offshore conditions. Their production includes forging, heat treatment, machining, and surface finishing, with bespoke manufacturing capabilities spanning working loads from 120 t to 4000 t, making them ideal for heavy-duty rigging and mooring operations.
Situated near major Spanish ports, Bilbao Anclas y Cadenas specializes in rapidly delivering joining shackles including Kenter shackles and D-type shackles to shipping and offshore clients. Their focus on high production capacity and product flexibility supports large-volume orders without compromising quality. Bilbao Anclas y Cadenas ensures full certification compliance, enabling their shackles to be used confidently in strenuous marine environments. Their strategic location facilitates prompt logistics and efficient client advisory services.
Understanding how joining shackles are manufactured highlights the precise craftsmanship and quality control these Spanish companies uphold. The key manufacturing process stages are:
- Cutting and Heating: Steel bars are cut precisely into lengths double the shackle body size. They undergo controlled heating to prepare for forging.
- Roll Forging and Punch Bending: Heated steel is hammered and bent into the basic shackle shape, aligning grain structures to optimize strength.
- Die Forging: This process compacts the steel grain further, enhancing mechanical properties like toughness and fatigue resistance.
- Heat Treatment (Quenching and Tempering): This critical step imparts high fatigue resistance and controlled ductility, ensuring shackles are strong yet not brittle.
- Machining: Steps including edge cutting, burr removal, drilling, tapping, and thread rolling refine the shape and prepare surfaces.
- Surface Treatment: Shot blasting and protective coatings such as galvanization are applied to prevent rust and withstand saltwater corrosion.
- Quality Inspection and Testing: Rigorous load testing and dimensional inspections confirm the structural integrity and compliance with certification standards.
These stages require advanced equipment, experienced personnel, and strict process control to produce shackles capable of enduring extreme maritime conditions.
Spanish joining shackles cover a wide range of designs and grades to suit different marine applications:
- Kenter Joining Shackles: Split into two halves for easy joining of chains, incorporating safety pins or special locking studs. Sizes vary widely, often from 70 mm to 120 mm chain sizes.
- D-Type Shackles: Featuring a ‘D' shaped body for securing anchor and mooring chains, offered in various strength grades.
- Anchor Swivels: Allowing rotation between chains and anchors to avoid twisting.
- Custom Forged Shackles: Tailored in size, strength, and finish per client specifications, often with advanced safety mechanisms.
Key technical attributes include the use of premium R4 to R5 grade steels, heat treatments imparting six times the working load limit (W.L.L.), and compliance with international certifications. Surface treatments like galvanization prolong lifespan in corrosive sea environments.
Joining shackles manufactured in Spain serve essential roles in:
- Commercial and cargo vessel anchor systems.
- Offshore oil and gas platform mooring.
- Luxury yacht and marina mooring hardware.
- Underwater rigging and subsea installation.
- Aquaculture infrastructure connections.
- Salvage, towing, and emergency mooring operations.
Their versatility and reliability support critical maritime operations where safety and durability are paramount.
Spanish manufacturers continue to advance joining shackle design and production through:
- Advanced Metallurgy: Developing stronger, lighter steel alloys for enhanced strength-to-weight ratios.
- Automation: Incorporating automated forging, welding, and inspection to reduce defects and boost production efficiency.
- OEM Customization: Tailoring shackles to unique customer specifications, including private labeling and specific coatings.
- Digital Traceability: Integrating certification tracking and supply chain transparency through digital platforms.
- Sustainability: Adopting greener manufacturing practices with better energy efficiency and recycling initiatives.
These innovations uphold Spain's reputation as a cutting-edge producer within the global marine hardware market.
Manufacturers in Spain often provide comprehensive after-sales support:
- Technical consultation for correct product use and installation.
- Spare parts availability and re-galvanization services to prolong service life.
- Maintenance guidance on inspection protocols to detect wear or corrosion.
- Rapid delivery and emergency replacement services to minimize downtime.
Such support ensures long operational lifespans and enhances client trust.
Spain's joining shackle manufacturers and suppliers combine a proud maritime legacy with modern forging technologies and stringent certifications to deliver superior-quality marine fasteners globally. Notable companies like Vicinay Marine, Trillo, Links Marine, Irizar Forge, and Bilbao Anclas y Cadenas lead the sector with extensive product ranges, OEM flexibility, and robust after-sales services. Their joining shackles withstand the most demanding operational conditions across commercial shipping, offshore, and luxury marine applications. Buyers worldwide seeking certified, reliable, and customizable joining shackles will find trustworthy partners within Spain's advanced marine hardware industry.
Spanish manufacturers produce several types of joining shackles, including Kenter shackles, D-type shackles, anchor swivels, and custom forged shackles, designed for various marine and offshore applications.
Yes, leading Spanish joining shackles are certified by global classification societies such as Lloyd's Register, DNV, Bureau Veritas, ABS, and ISO 9001, ensuring compliance with internationally recognized safety standards.
Most top Spanish manufacturers provide OEM and private label services, offering customization in design, materials, coatings, and load specifications to meet specific customer needs.
Joining shackles are commonly made from high-tensile alloy steels, such as R4, R4S, and R5 grades, selected for their mechanical strength, fatigue resistance, and corrosion resistance in marine environments.
Spanish joining shackle suppliers offer post-sale technical support, spare parts supply, re-galvanization services to extend product lifespan, and maintenance advice to ensure safe and long-lasting operation.
[1](https://www.anchorchainjn.com/top-anchor-chains-manufacturers-in-spain.html)
[2](https://hilifting.com/how-the-shackle-is-produced/)
[3](https://www.irizarforge.com/en/products/forged-shackles/smart-con-link-kenter-joining-shackle)
[4](https://www.irizarforge.com/en/smart-con-link-kenter-joining-shackle)
[5](https://www.linksmarine.es/newpage)
[6](https://www.bilbaochain.com/Cadenas/Grilletes/Joining-Kenter.html)
[7](https://www.damenmc.com/kenter-type-joining-shackle/)
[8](https://www.wac-corp.com/how-to-install-kenter-shackle/)
[9](https://www.anker.de/application/files/2917/2310/2568/ASDO_Brochure_LTM_Offshore__Shackles_lowre.pdf)
[10](https://www.maritime-equipments.nl/mod/Projects01/_Files/Mooring_Chain_Guide_e-Feb14.pdf)
