Kedge Anchor

An anchor carried or laid away from a vessel so that hauling on its rode can move, turn or assist the vessel.

A kedge is often smaller and easier to transport than the main bower anchor, but small or lightweight is not its defining property. It may be used for kedging, warping off a grounding, controlling orientation, providing a second holding direction or supporting a planned manoeuvre.

Its type, mass, rode and setting method must suit the seabed and expected load. A kedge should not be relied upon merely because the main anchor is inadequate; the reason for inadequate holding, load sharing, changing direction and safe retrieval all require assessment.