Ships and docks use pneumatic fenders, also called Yokohama fenders, for protection. These tools play a key role in maritime safety. They were designed & made by Henger Shipping Supply. They use compressed air to absorb energy and lessen the impact. They are ruggedly built. They often have a rubber outer layer and a synthetic fabric layer. These features ensure durability, even in tough marine environments.
These fenders are versatile. They can be used for ship-to-ship transfers, ship-to-quay operations, and offshore platforms. They are well adapted to a variety of environmental conditions, including high tidal changes and rough seas. Also, pneumatic fenders need little maintenance. They have a long service life. This makes them ideal for temporary moorings or emergencies.
All our Fender products comply with international standards. These include ISO 17357-1:2014. This ensures their quality and reliability. They meet modern maritime safety requirements.
Table of Contents
What is a pneumatic fender?
Pneumatic fenders are also known as Yokohama fenders. They are inflatable marine devices. They absorb the energy generated by a ship during docking or berthing. These fenders act as a cushion between a ship and a dock or other vessel, mitigating impact and preventing damage. They are usually made of a strong outer rubber layer. This layer is reinforced with synthetic tire cord fabric. Inside, there is an air bladder filled with compressed air.
Pneumatic fenders were first developed in 1958 by the Yokohama Rubber Company of Japan. They were originally designed for the high seas. But, they have evolved into standard gear for modern offshore operations. The Yokohama fender was revolutionary. It provided a more reliable and durable alternative to traditional foam fenders. Those fenders were less good at absorbing energy and often required more maintenance.
The pneumatic fender’s invention addresses several key maritime industry needs. Normal fenders can’t handle the bigger, heavier modern ships. This makes them more likely to get damaged while docked. Yokohama’s pneumatic fenders provide a solution. They have great energy absorption and low reaction forces. These features reduce the impact on the vessel and docking structure.
Pneumatic fenders are vital in modern marine operations due to their ability to absorb large amounts of kinetic energy. As a vessel approaches a dock or other vessel, the kinetic energy generated by its mass and speed must be controlled to prevent damage. Pneumatic fenders use compressed air in their bladders. They compress and absorb the energy. This action safely dissipates it and reduces the forces that reach the vessel and dock.
This energy-absorbing capability is vital for many maritime activities. These include ship-to-ship transfers, offshore platform operations, and berthing in harbors with large tides. Pneumatic fenders improve safety. They do so by managing the energy and forces in these operations well. This also cuts maintenance costs and extends the life of ships and docks.
For more information, please see What are Yokohama fenders?
Pneumatic fender applications
Ship to Ship Transfers
Pneumatic fenders are vital in ship-to-ship transfer (STS) operations. They are effective in absorbing impact energy between ships, reducing the risk of damage to both ship and cargo. This is especially true when transferring hazardous materials such as oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG). The energy absorption capacity of pneumatic fenders is critical. They help minimize collision impacts between ships and safeguard the safety and efficiency of operations. Even in bad weather conditions, the buoyancy of pneumatic fenders helps ships dock smoothly, reducing the risk of accidents.
Ship Docking Operations
Pneumatic fenders are common cushioning devices in ship docking operations. They work effectively in both temporary and permanent berthing situations, protecting the ship and terminal facilities from damage. Moreover, pneumatic fenders are able to adapt to tidal changes and provide long-term stable protection for ships. What’s more, these fenders require little maintenance and are cost-effective. This makes them ideal for harbors and other berthing facilities.
Oil & Gas Terminals
At oil and gas terminals, pneumatic fenders provide rugged protection against strong shocks and extreme environmental conditions. The shock-absorbing properties of these fenders limit cracks and leaks during collisions, reducing the risk of resource wastage and environmental pollution. They ensure operational safety at oil and gas terminals and safeguard the long-term stable operation of the facilities.
Liquefied Natural Gas Receiving Terminals
Liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals operate in a very demanding environment. Pneumatic fenders play an important role in this environment. They have excellent shock absorption properties and low temperature durability. This ensures that LNG carriers can dock smoothly and complete loading and unloading operations in extreme weather. In addition. The buoyancy and shock absorption of pneumatic fenders provide stabilizing support in bad weather. This reduces the risk of accidents and environmental damage.
Offshore Platforms and Naval Operations
Pneumatic fenders are also widely used in offshore platforms and naval operations. Whether it is a drilling rig, production platform, or naval vessel (including submarines). Pneumatic fenders provide effective collision protection. These fenders absorb strong impacts and protect the platform from service vessels or other external factors. Particularly in submarine docking operations, the low pressure and adaptive buoyancy of pneumatic fenders ensure safe docking and disengagement.
Floating docks and pontoons
Pneumatic fenders also play a key role in floating piers and pontoons. They effectively absorb the impact energy between the ship and the floating structure, minimizing collision damage. Whether it’s a floating pier or a pontoon, pneumatic fenders provide stabilizing protection. They ensure the safe docking of ships and the long-term reliable operation of floating structures.
Features and Benefits
Durability and longevity: Inflatable fenders are long-lasting. They withstand harsh marine environments. Their design ensures durability and performance.They are made to ISO 17357-1:2014 standards. This ensures quality and reliability. They reduce maintenance needs, keeping operations safe and efficient.
Energy absorption and reaction forces: Pneumatic fenders absorb a lot of energy. They reduce the impact on the hull and dock. This minimizes damage risks.They have a lower reaction force than other fenders. This reduces stress on mooring structures. It also extends their service life and lowers maintenance costs.
Easy to deploy and maintain: Inflatable fenders are simple and easy to use. They are great for quick needs and can start working fast. They are light and easy to move, which helps ports run smoothly.They need little upkeep, just checking air and conditions. This saves money and makes ports more efficient.
Buoyancy and Stability: Pneumatic fenders keep ships stable when docking. They stay put even with changing tides and waves. This makes docking safer, even in bad weather.They also protect ships from damage and vibrations. This ensures safety during docking.
Environmentally friendly design: Inflatable fenders are made from eco-friendly materials like natural rubber. They have a low environmental impact. This makes them good for the planet.
Versatility and Customization: Inflatable fenders fit many vessel sizes and types. They’re used in many places, like harbors and oil terminals. They’re customizable for different needs.
Sizes & Customisation
Standard Sizes and Customisation Options
Henger Shipping Supply makes fenders in many sizes, following ISO 17357-1:2014. Sizes range from 0.5 to 4.5 meters wide and 1 to 12 meters long. They fit most offshore needs.
Common sizes are 3.3 meters by 6.5 meters and 2 meters by 3.5 meters. These are often used for ship-to-ship operations.
If you want to learn more about choosing the right fender size for your boat. I recommend checking out our Yokohama Fender Size Guide. This guide contains everything you would want to know about sizing.
Customised options
Henger Shipping Supply offers custom sizes to fit your specific needs, along with standard options. Customization can involve changes in size and shape. These changes suit specific vessels or docking conditions. They can also involve changes in internal pressure. For example, custom fenders can have higher internal pressures. This enhances energy absorption. Or, they can have specific dimensions to fit unique docking situations. You can also use extra layers or special coatings. These resist wear and harsh conditions. Custom rope and attachment systems ensure safe and effective deployment. They are tailored to the specific needs of the application.
Summary
Henger Shipping Supply’s high-quality pneumatic fenders are essential. They protect ships and docks during ship-to-ship and ship-to-dock operations. These Fender products are tough. They absorb energy well and meet ISO 17357-1:2014 standards. They are widely used in busy commercial ports and harbors as well as specialized vessels such as tankers, LNG carriers, and warships. Our Fender products can be customized to meet exact needs. They ensure safe and efficient docking in many maritime conditions.
FAQ
What are the main applications of pneumatic fenders?
Pneumatic fenders are mainly used for ship-to-ship transfers. They are also used for ship-to-docking operations and to protect offshore platforms. Pneumatic fenders are essential to prevent damage during berthing and docking.
How do pneumatic fenders absorb kinetic energy?
Pneumatic fenders use compressed air to absorb energy. They then dissipate the energy during berthing. This reduces the impact on the vessel and docking structure.
Can pneumatic fenders be customized?
Yes, Henger Shipping Supply’s pneumatic fenders can be made in custom sizes and pressures. They are made to meet specific needs. Manufacturers offer many sizes and shapes. They suit different vessel types and berthing conditions.