What Are Pneumatic Fenders Used For?

What Are Pneumatic Fenders Used For

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.

Would you like to learn more about types of inflatable fenders and their uses? If so, see this link: Learn more about Pneumatic fenders types

Henger Pneumatic Rubber 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 and can withstand harsh marine environments. Their strong rubber outer layer and synthetic fibre layer ensure good durability. The internal bladders are filled with compressed air to maintain shape and performance under pressure.HENGER fenders are manufactured in accordance with ISO 17357-1:2014. This goes some way to ensuring high quality materials and dimensions, guaranteeing long-term reliability and safety. They effectively reduce the need for maintenance and downtime, ensuring the safety and efficiency of offshore operations.

Energy absorption and reaction forces

Pneumatic fenders have a high energy absorption capacity. They effectively absorb kinetic energy when a vessel is at berth, reducing the impact on the hull and dock. This ability minimizes the risk of damage. Compared to other fenders, inflatable fenders have a lower reaction force, reducing the stress on the mooring structure. This extends service life and reduces maintenance costs. In addition, the low reaction force makes the fender more adaptable, especially in oblique contact.

Easy to deploy and maintain

Inflatable fenders are simple in design and easy to deploy and move quickly. They are ideal for temporary or emergency use and can be operational in a short period of time. During installation, the fenders are lightweight and easy to handle, reducing disruption to port operations. Inflatable fenders require very little routine maintenance, usually just checking air pressure and external conditions. This low maintenance requirement significantly reduces operating costs and improves the efficiency of port operations.

Buoyancy and Stability

Pneumatic fenders provide stability for docking ships. Inflatable fenders remain stable and do not change position under changing tides and wave action. They are designed to allow ships to dock smoothly. This reduces the risk of accidents even in bad weather and unstable sea conditions. The low friction characteristics of the inflatable fenders keep the ship undamaged and effectively dampen vibration, ensuring safety.

Environmentally friendly design

Inflatable fenders are made of environmentally friendly materials such as natural rubber, which meets the requirements of sustainable development. They are designed to have a low environmental impact and reduce carbon footprint. While reducing maintenance and extending service life, inflatable fenders help protect the marine environment and are ideal for environmental protection.

Versatility and Customization

Inflatable fenders can be customized to fit various sizes and types of vessels. They are widely used in commercial harbors, oil and gas terminals, offshore platforms, and many other applications. Whether it is ship-to-ship transfer or floating dock operations, inflatable fenders offer the best solution. Their high degree of customization allows them to be perfectly adapted to different port and marine operation requirements.

Sizes & Customisation

Standard Sizes and Customisation Options

Henger Shipping Supply manufactures pneumatic fenders in a variety of standard sizes as defined by ISO 17357-1:2014. These sizes are standard. They range from 0.5 to 4.5 meters wide and 1 to 12 meters long. They work for most offshore operations. Common sizes include 3.3 meters by 6.5 meters and 2 meters by 3.5 meters, which are commonly 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

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.

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.

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.

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