Pool TW Anchor: Insider Tips and Best Deals

The Pool TW anchor is a high holding power (HHP) anchor known for its wide flukes and high efficiency in soft seabeds. It’s a go-to choice for larger commercial vessels, including tankers, container ships, and offshore units that require reliable performance during extended anchorage or harsh weather. Compared to traditional stockless anchors, the Pool TW provides significantly more holding strength per kilogram, which means ships can achieve the same security with less anchor weight — a valuable advantage when deck space, chain tension, or hull stress are factors.

Pool TW Anchor
Quick Overview
Best For	Large vessels needing high holding power in soft seabeds, including tankers, bulk carriers, and offshore units.
Holding Power	High Holding Power (HHP). Provides up to 2–3x the holding force of a standard stockless anchor of equal weight.
Weight Range	Available from 500 kg to over 25,000 kg. Popular models for VLCCs and capesize bulkers typically exceed 10,000 kg.
Seabed Compatibility	Excellent in clay, mud, and silt. Moderate in sand. Less effective in rocky or weedy bottoms due to wide fluke profile.
Stowability	Fits most standard hawsepipe systems with slight modifications. Larger fluke area requires more clearance in some setups.
Certifications	Recognized as HHP by all major classification societies (e.g., DNV, ABS, LR). Often pre-approved for new builds.
Pros	✅ Extremely high holding force in soft bottoms ✅ Requires less weight to achieve the same security ✅ Reliable performance during storms and surge ✅ Widely used and well-documented
Cons	❌ Wide fluke can limit compatibility with some hawsepipes ❌ Heavier versions may be difficult to retrofit ❌ Less effective on rocky or grassy seabeds ❌ May require more careful alignment to set correctly
Maintenance	Check fluke welds and pivot pins regularly. If used in silty or clay-heavy harbors, rinse post-deployment to prevent sediment buildup. Recoat as needed to prevent corrosion on large surface areas.
Price Range	Typically ranges from $10,000 to $60,000+ depending on size and class certification.

Find the Best Anchors and Best Deals

Our team helps vessel owners like you find the right anchor for your ship — without the pressure. We work with top suppliers to help you compare specs, get the best pricing, and avoid costly mistakes. Whether you’re outfitting a new build or replacing an old anchor, we’re here to make the process easier and faster. Get started with our quick quote request form below.

📈 Insider Tips

Pool TW Anchor – Insider Tips
Tip	Details
Fluke Position Affects Initial Set	If the anchor lands unevenly or with one fluke tilted, it may drag before setting fully. Use controlled tensioning during the drop to encourage even fluke contact.
Rinse After Muddy Holds	Pool TW flukes can retain compacted mud and clay, especially after long stays. If not flushed, this buildup reduces effectiveness on the next drop and accelerates corrosion inside weld seams.
Inspect Weld Seams After Heavy Surge	Surge-prone anchorages can put pressure on the wide fluke plates. After strong tides or storms, visually inspect for hairline fractures around key weld points, especially near the shank junction.
Use Marked Chain Lengths for Proper Scope	Due to the Pool TW’s high holding force, some crews under-deploy chain and lose holding efficiency. Use marked segments to ensure you're laying out at least 5:1 scope where possible.
Keep Track of Local Seabed Reports	The Pool TW excels in clay and silt, but performance drops on rocky bottoms. Study port charts and logs — crews sometimes assume it’s a fluke issue when it’s really incompatible terrain.
Test Before Long-Term Moorings	Before committing to long-term offshore anchoring, test-hold with increasing power (dead slow to full astern). Pool TW anchors are known to hold tight once set but can take a moment to seat in some silty bottoms.
Pre-Fit Hawse Modifications if Replacing Stockless	Pool TW anchors may need slightly widened hawsepipes compared to Hall or Spek anchors. Measure hawse clearance before retrofitting to avoid jamming or awkward seating.