Marine Horizontal Capstan

Heavy-Duty Horizontal Capstans for Marine Mooring Operations
A horizontal capstan is designed for heavy-duty rope handling, mooring, and towing operations that require high pulling force and reliable performance.
NYBON Marine manufactures customized horizontal capstans for ports, offshore vessels, tugboats, and commercial ships, providing dependable operation in demanding marine environments.
What Is a Horizontal Capstan?
A horizontal capstan is a marine deck machine with a horizontally mounted rotating drum used for pulling ropes during mooring, towing and docking operations.
Compared with vertical capstans, horizontal capstans are often selected for larger vessels and heavy-duty applications because they offer:
- Higher pulling capacity
- Stable rope handling
- Easy maintenance
- Flexible deck installation
They are widely used on:
- Cargo vessels
- Tugboats
- Offshore support vessels
- Harbor terminals
- Marine engineering ships
How Does a Horizontal Capstan Work?
The motor drives the horizontal drum through a gearbox. As the rope wraps around the drum, friction generates the pulling force needed for docking and mooring operations.
Working principle:Motor→Gearbox→Horizontal Drum→Mooring Rope→Docking Operation

Main Components
Horizontal Drum
Designed for stable rope handling during heavy-duty operations.
Drive System
Available with: Electric drive, Hydraulic drive
Brake & Control
Provides: Smooth operation, Reliable holding, Safe control
Nybon Horizontal Capstan Winch Applications
Ideal for cargo terminals and commercial ports.
Offshore Support Vessels
Suitable for offshore engineering and platform support.
Tugboats
Provides reliable rope handling during towing and berthing.
Large Commercial Ships
Used for docking and heavy-duty mooring operations.
Types of Horizontal Capstans
Electric Horizontal Capstan
Suitable for: Cargo vessels, Harbor terminals, Commercial ships
Advantages
- Stable operation
- Easy maintenance
- Energy efficient
Hydraulic Horizontal Capstan
Recommended for: Offshore vessels, Heavy-duty marine work, Continuous operation
Advantages
- High torque
- Excellent durability
- Reliable performance

Just For Your Trust
How to Select the Right Horizontal Capstan?
Customized Horizontal Capstan Solutions
NYBON Marine provides customized horizontal capstans based on:
- Required line pull
- Drum size
- Installation dimensions
- Drive system
- Control options
- Corrosion protection
OEM and project-based manufacturing are available for shipyards and marine contractors worldwide.
Each horizontal capstan undergoes comprehensive inspection before delivery.
Quality procedures include:
- Material inspection
- Precision machining
- Welding inspection
- Assembly testing
- Load testing
Why Choose NYBON Marine?
- Professional marine winch manufacturer
- Specialized marine equipment manufacturer
- Heavy-duty engineering capability
- Customized OEM solutions
- Strict quality management
- Worldwide project experience
- Marine Fittings Available
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a horizontal capstan used for?
Horizontal capstans are used for heavy-duty mooring, towing, and docking operations on vessels and at port facilities.
What is the difference between a vertical and horizontal capstan?
A vertical capstan is generally preferred where deck space is limited, while a horizontal capstan is commonly selected for higher pulling capacity and larger marine applications.
Can the capstan be customized?
Yes. Pulling capacity, drum dimensions, drive system and control methods can all be customized.
Which industries use horizontal capstans?
They are widely used in ports, offshore engineering, commercial shipping, and tugboat operations.
Do you provide hydraulic models?
Yes. Hydraulic horizontal capstans are available for demanding offshore and heavy-duty applications.








