Anchoring systems: Anchor types, installation, and design

Station keeping of floating facilities requires mooring lines that terminate at anchors located on or within the seabed. This article provides an overview of currently available anchoring technology, including guidance on the types of seabed and mooring configurations that each are suited to, and the considerations that need to be made in the design process. Design approaches for the various anchor types are outlined, with examples showing how these approaches capture observed performance both during installation and in service. The information and guidance provided in this article serves as a stepping‐stone toward a complete design, which should be based on expert geotechnical advice and appropriate use of design codes, design recommendations, and the literature.