Oct 3, 2026News & Insights
What Is Genovese Chain? The Italian Standard Round Link Chain
Genovese chain, the Italian standard round link chain, is common across Italy and the Mediterranean for mooring and general purpose work. What it is, how it is supplied, and its limits.
Buy chain in Italy or around the Mediterranean and one of the forms you will be offered is Genovese chain. It is the Italian standard round link chain, a general purpose chain rather than a lifting one, and knowing what it is and how it is supplied makes ordering easier.
What Genovese Chain Is
Genovese chain, also called Italian standard chain, is a calibrated round link chain: the links are made to a controlled, consistent shape and pitch so the chain runs evenly and sits predictably in a fitting. It is a general purpose chain, not a grade-marked lifting chain, and it is made in low carbon steel. Like the German and American standard chains, the name tells you which national standard it follows. Our German vs American standard chain guide covers how those naming systems differ.
Where It Is Used
Its home market is Italy and the Mediterranean, where Genovese chain is widely used for boat mooring and anchoring lines, general purpose securing and utility work. Heavier, classed anchor and mooring chain for larger vessels is a different, weightier category, and our marine chain guide covers that side. Genovese chain sits in the lighter, everyday range.
Material and Finish
Genovese chain is made in low carbon steel and supplied zinc plated or electro galvanized. The zinc finish is what makes it usable outdoors and near water, slowing corrosion on a chain that will live in a damp or marine environment. Other finishes can be quoted on request.
How It Is Supplied and Ordered
The standard production form is a plastic reel packed in a carton on a pallet, which suits handling one long continuous length. Tell us the chain diameter and the total length you need, and cut-to-length and end fittings can be quoted. Matching the fittings to the chain size keeps the assembly predictable.
Care, Limits and Safety
Two points matter. Genovese chain is a general purpose and mooring chain, not a lifting chain: ordinary commercial chain is not a lifting product, and overhead lifting requires grade-marked lifting chain such as G80 or G100. And any chain in a wet environment should be checked: look for corrosion and for links that are worn or stretched, and take the chain out of service when it is no longer fit. Never weld, heat or repair a chain in the field.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Genovese chain and DIN chain?
They are chains made to different national standards, so the link proportions and the way the chain is specified differ. Genovese chain follows the Italian standard and is common in Italy and the Mediterranean, while DIN chain follows the German standard. Our DIN chain guide covers the German forms. Both are general purpose round link chains, not lifting chains.
Is Genovese chain a lifting chain?
No. It is a general purpose and mooring chain, not a lifting product. Overhead lifting needs grade-marked lifting chain such as G80 or G100.
What finish should I choose for Genovese chain?
Zinc plated or electro galvanized is the standard finish and the right default for outdoor and marine use, because it slows corrosion. If you need a different finish, tell us and it can be quoted.
Boyuan Metal supplies zinc plated Genovese chain to the Italian standard, alongside German and American standard chains, wire rope and rigging hardware. Tell us the chain diameter and the total length, and we will confirm the supply and any end fittings.