World record shackle from GN Rope Fittings

Bob van den Haak, GN Rope Fittings sales manager, dwarfed by the new giant shackle. Photo: GN Rope Fittings

GN Rope Fittings has broken its own world record for the fourth time by making an even larger forged shackle.

With a working load limit (WLL) of 3,750 tonnes, the new giant shackle beats the Dutch company’s 2023 record of 3,000 tonnes. Its first world record was in 2009 with a 1,750 tonne shackle, closely followed by a 2,000 tonne version. In 2016 came a 2,500 tonne model.

The new giant is designed for inline pulls of 3,750 tonnes and out-of-plane loads to 3,500 tonnes at an angle of 10 degrees. Its saddle has a diameter of 1,050 mm and there is a pin secured by horseshoes on both sides for easier handling.

GN claims the size of the saddle as the largest manufactured in the industry. It is designed and engineered to optimise the D/d ratio (the rope or sling’s diameter in relation to the bend radius). Another first, GN said, is the shackle’s flat bow section at 790 mm wide.

High capacity

Synthetic ropes/slings up to 265 mm diameter/wide can be accommodated, allowing them to lie flat on a straight section of the bow. This wider and flat contact area eliminates compression forces that would otherwise occur if the ropes were stacked or bearing against each other, GN explained.

Designed using finite element analysis, the shackle was proof load tested to 4,575 tonnes and subjected to mechanical and non-destructive testing.

Customer First Subsea will use the new giant shackle on the Fengmiao offshore wind project. It is a reusable asset adaptable for future large offshore projects worldwide, the manufacturer said.

Bart Vossenberg Jr, GN Rope Fittings executive director. Photo: GN Rope Fittings

Bart Vossenberg Jr, GN Rope Fittings executive director, said, “Setting a new world record is always special, but doing it for the fourth time is a true testament to the passion and expertise of our team in Nieuwkoop.

“Every record-breaking shackle we’ve produced has pushed the boundaries of what’s technically possible in forging and design.”

Since starting out in 1923 GN Rope Fittings was developed from a manufacturer of small tools manufacturer into a leading producer of forgings for heavy lifting, mooring, anchor handling and rigging.

GN has 100 employees and an 18,400 square metre factory in Nieuwkoop with presses up to 10,000 tonnes and test benches to 6,000 tonnes. The GN Group also includes De Haan Special Equipment and STB Stahlhammer Bommern in Germany.