An anchor capstan is a machine that can be installed on the deck or through the deck for anchoring operations. It has the same function as the windlass, but has a different appearance. Generally speaking, an anchor capstan can be used for both anchoring operations and mooring operations. An anchor capstan has only one drum, which winds the anchor rope during operation, but does not clamp and store the anchor rope on the drum. Through the rotation of the drum, the anchor capstan controls the loosening and releasing of the anchor rope to achieve anchoring operations. One advantage of using an anchor capstan on board is that the rope pulling can be done from any direction, but the anchor rope should be at a certain angle to the anchor chain towline, which should not exceed 5 degrees above or below the centerline of the towline. If there is not much space on the ship, an anchor capstan can be selected for anchoring operations. Part of the anchor capstan can be installed below the deck. This installation method can save space on the deck.