Famous anchor takes centre stage in Hong Kong

One of the world’s most famous skylines has a new nautical look.

A giant anchor that belonged to the largest ship ever built has been hauled into place on the waterfront of Central in Hong Kong, as part of plans to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the city’s maritime museum. 

The anchor of the ultra large crude carrier Seawise Giant, acquired by the museum’s emeritus chairman, Anthony Hardy, has officially arrived at the Hong Kong Maritime Museum Jockey Club Anchor Plaza. This free access plaza is located on the Hong Kong Island harbourfront, behind Central Piers 9 and 10, and adjacent to the museum, next to the famous piers of the Star Ferry. The project is expected to be completed and open to the public by September 2025.

The plaza will provide a brand-new interactive public learning space to showcase Hong Kong’s rich maritime cultural heritage. In addition to displaying the anchor of the Seawise Giant, the plaza will feature a walkthrough pavilion with immersive ArtTech displays and interactive screens, allowing visitors to delve deeper into Hong Kong’s marine life and maritime history. 

The 36-ton anchor, which originally had 20 shackles of chain, was once installed on the 657,019 dwt Seawise Giant, the largest cargo vessel ever built. The ship, once owned by Hong Kong shipping magnate C.Y. Tung, was dismantled on the beaches of Gujarat, India, in 2010 after 35 years of service.