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Views: 222 Author: Loretta Publish Time: 2025-09-26 Origin: Site
Content Menu
● Understanding the Kenter Shackle
● Leading German Kenter Shackle Manufacturers and Suppliers
>> Irizar Forge: A Century of Forging Excellence
>> Ketten Wälder GmbH: Specialists in Stainless Steel Chain Solutions
>> Feuerstein (Crosby Feubo): Innovative German Engineering
>> Other Prominent German Suppliers
● Manufacturing Process of German Kenter Shackles
● Materials and Quality Standards
● Applications of Kenter Shackles
● Best Practices for Handling Kenter Shackles
● FAQ
>> 1. What certifications do German Kenter shackle manufacturers provide?
>> 2. What materials are typically used in German Kenter shackles?
>> 3. How do Kenter shackles improve on traditional connecting shackles?
>> 4. Are German Kenter shackles suitable for offshore wind farms?
>> 5. Can German manufacturers customize Kenter shackles?
Germany is globally recognized for its engineering excellence, which extends strongly into manufacturing high-quality marine hardware such as Kenter shackles. Kenter shackles play a critical role in marine anchoring and mooring systems by securely joining lengths of anchor chain, ensuring safety and reliability for vessels operating in the most demanding sea environments. This article explores the leading Kenter Shackle Manufacturers and Suppliers in Germany, highlighting their products, manufacturing processes, quality certifications, and applications in the marine industry.
A Kenter shackle, also known as a joining shackle or detaching link, is a special type of connecting device used to join two separate sections of an anchor chain. Unlike traditional shackles that use bolts or pins, the Kenter shackle consists of two interlocking halves that form a seamless link when connected. This design provides superior load distribution and enhanced strength, making it indispensable in marine applications. Typically forged from high-grade alloy steel or stainless steel, Kenter shackles meet rigorous international certification standards including DNV, Lloyd's Register, ABS, and BV.
Irizar Forge stands as a pioneer with over 100 years of expertise in manufacturing mooring components, including the Smart Con® Link Kenter Joining Shackle. Their product range includes various grades such as R4, R4S, and R5, designed to accommodate chain sizes from 70 mm to 120 mm. Known for reliability, their Kenter shackles are DNV certified and are distributed widely across Europe and North America. Irizar Forge commits to quality at every production stage, from raw material sourcing to final machining and mechanical testing, supplying key sectors like offshore oil & gas, wind energy, and marine renewables.
Ketten Wälder GmbH is a family-owned business with over 75 years' experience producing high-quality stainless steel marine chains and connectors. Located in Upper Bavaria, they specialize in inox chains under their proprietary brand cromox®, renowned for superior corrosion resistance in saltwater and wastewater environments. Their Kenter shackles and related accessories are rigorously tested in-house to ensure durability and optimal performance. Customer-oriented production and tailored modular chain slings make them a trusted partner for various marine applications, from yachts and catamarans to industrial waterworks.
Operating under the Crosby Feubo brand, Feuerstein is acclaimed for its advanced Kenter shackle designs, such as the Raptor Thin/Slim Kenter Shackle. This product integrates a six-tooth interlocking mechanism that optimizes stress distribution, significantly extending fatigue life while maintaining high load capacities. Manufactured and tested in Germany, Feuerstein's shackles consistently meet DNV-GL standards and are certified by other classification societies as required, ensuring suitability for critical marine operations. Their comprehensive manufacturing process includes casting, forging, CNC machining, heat treatment, assembly, and rigorous dynamic and static testing.
- SHZ GmbH (Sächsische Hebe- und Zurrtechnik GmbH): Specializes in certified lifting and securing equipment, including maritime-grade shackles.
- Dolezych GmbH: Offers a wide portfolio of lifting and rigging hardware compliant with marine regulations.
- LS+S Lifting: Supplies premium quality shackles and accessories tailored for shipbuilding and offshore industries.
German manufacturers combine traditional forging techniques with cutting-edge technology to produce shackles that meet global marine industry demands. The manufacturing process typically follows these stages:
- Steel Preparation: Premium grade steel is selected, cut to precise lengths, and inspected for quality.
- Heating and Forging: Steel segments are heated in high-temperature furnaces before being forged under powerful presses into individual shackle halves, ensuring structural integrity.
- Machining: CNC-controlled machining refines the shape, fitting the complex interlocking teeth and assembly features.
- Heat Treatment: Controlled processes enhance mechanical properties such as tensile strength, yield strength, and fatigue resistance.
- Assembly: The two halves are carefully fitted with a coupling element or locking pin that provides secure, yet detachable, joining.
- Testing: Shackles undergo static load testing, dynamic fatigue testing, and corrosion resistance assessments, often in environments simulating harsh seawater conditions and extreme temperatures.
This meticulous production results in high-performance shackles capable of withstanding heavy marine loads and extended exposure to corrosive environments.
German Kenter shackles are predominantly forged from alloy steels or stainless steels with exceptional strength and corrosion resistance. Many manufacturers use proprietary stainless steel alloys formed through rigorous metallurgical processes to ensure long service life in marine environments. Quality management systems aligned with ISO standards accompany all production phases.
Certifications provided include class approvals from:
- DNV (Det Norske Veritas)
- Lloyd's Register (LR)
- American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)
- Bureau Veritas (BV)
These certifications guarantee that the shackles conform to international safety and operational standards for anchoring and mooring hardware.
Kenter shackles have diverse uses within marine and offshore sectors, primarily including:
- Joining Anchor Chains: Seamlessly connecting lengths of anchor chain to form continuous mooring lines.
- Towing Operations: Connecting towing chains and cables for vessels and floating platforms.
- Offshore Construction: Integrating with rigging and lifting assemblies during marine construction projects.
- Renewable Energy: Used extensively in offshore wind farms and tidal energy installations for secure anchoring.
- Replacement Links: Enabling easy replacement of damaged or worn links without cutting the chain.
Their robust design and detachable nature make Kenter shackles indispensable for safe and efficient marine operations.
To maximize the lifespan of Kenter shackles and maintain safety standards, manufacturers and operators recommend:
- Coating all contact surfaces with lithium-based grease to reduce wear during assembly and disassembly.
- Using appropriate tooling, such as a swage shaped to the shackle surfaces, to avoid damage when installing or removing locking pins.
- Regular inspection of shackles for signs of corrosion, wear, or deformation.
- Strict adherence to load limits and manufacturer's guidelines.
- Ensuring proper class certification and traceability for each shackle in use.
Germany remains a leading global supplier of premium Kenter shackles, leveraging decades of industry knowledge, innovative design, and rigorous quality assurance to meet the exacting requirements of marine and offshore markets. Notable manufacturers like Irizar Forge, Ketten Wälder GmbH, and Feuerstein (Crosby Feubo) set the industry standard with certified, durable products suited to a range of marine applications including mooring, towing, and offshore construction. Their commitment to advanced manufacturing processes and customer service makes German Kenter shackle manufacturers a trusted choice for ocean-going vessels and offshore infrastructure worldwide.
Most manufacturers provide certifications from major marine classification societies, including DNV, Lloyd's Register, ABS, and Bureau Veritas, ensuring compliance with international safety and performance standards.
High-grade alloy steels and stainless steels are commonly used to provide excellent mechanical strength and corrosion resistance required for marine environments.
Kenter shackles consist of two interlocking halves forming a seamless and secure joining link, which better distributes load and facilitates easier assembly and disassembly compared to traditional pin shackles.
Yes, they are specifically designed and tested for high fatigue resistance and durability to meet the demanding conditions of offshore wind energy installations.
Many German manufacturers offer a range of sizes and grades and can provide custom solutions tailored to special project requirements.
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[2](https://patents.google.com/patent/DE102016108050A1/en)
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[4](https://enerprof.com.ua/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/crosby_feubo_2020.pdf)
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[6](https://www.chinarubberfender.com/application-of-the-kenter-shackle-in-anchor-chain/)
[7](https://www.damenmc.com/kenter-type-joining-shackle/)
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[9](https://www.ketten-waelder.de/en/)
[10](https://www.pacificmarine.net/marine-deck/ship-anchor-chain-mooring-chain/ship-anchor-mooring-chain-slim-kenter-shackle.htm)
