ISO 4050:1977

Overview

ISO 4050:1977 - "Shipbuilding - Inland vessels - 'Rhine' and Hall’s stockless anchors" defines the main characteristics of two common stockless anchor designs used on inland-waterway vessels. The standard specifies dimensional and technical characteristics for the “Rhine” anchor and Hall’s stockless anchor, with illustrative figures and tabulated values for a range of anchor masses and sizes. It was prepared by ISO/TC 8 (Shipbuilding) and includes tolerances that may be agreed with the purchaser.

Key Topics

• Scope and classification
  • Covers stockless anchors intended for inland navigation.
  • Classifies anchors into two types: Rhine type and Hall’s type.
• Dimensions and technical characteristics
  • Main dimensions and masses are provided in Figures 1–2 and Tables 1–2 for multiple anchor sizes.
  • Typical parameters include fluke, shank and crown dimensions and specified mass ranges for each size.
• Permissible tolerances
  • Notes allow tolerances (e.g., ±4% on general dimensions and ±5% on mass) if agreed by purchaser - ensuring manufacturing and procurement flexibility.
• Documentation
  • The standard provides graphical and tabular references rather than prescribing manufacturing methods or materials.

Applications

ISO 4050 is practical for any activity that needs standardized anchor specifications for inland vessels:

• Shipbuilders and shipyards - to select or verify anchor geometry and mass during vessel outfitting.
• Anchor manufacturers - to design and produce Rhine and Hall’s stockless anchors to recognized dimensional specs.
• Procurement and purchasing - to specify anchor requirements in contracts for inland navigation vessels.
• Naval architects and marine engineers - for equipment selection, weight/balance calculations and anchor arrangement design.
• Classification societies and inspectors - to verify compliance with internationally recognized anchor dimensions and masses.

Using ISO 4050 helps ensure compatibility, interchangeability and predictable performance when fitting anchors to inland vessels, supporting safety and operational reliability.

Related standards

• Developed by ISO/TC 8 (Shipbuilding).
• For comprehensive compliance, use ISO 4050 alongside other shipbuilding and inland navigation regulations and classification society rules that govern anchoring equipment, installation and safety.

Keywords: ISO 4050, Rhine anchor, Hall’s stockless anchor, inland vessels, anchor dimensions, shipbuilding standard, anchor specifications, anchor tolerances.