Ship Launching Airbags

Reliable & Cost-Effective Solutions for Safe Ship Launching

Henger’s ship launching airbags are engineered with care. These airbags are manufactured and tested in accordance with ISO 14409:2013 international standards to ensure safety and reliability. These airbags provide safe and efficient ship launching operations in a variety of environments. Henger’s airbags are ideal for shipbuilders looking for a cost-effective solution. Henger’s commitment to quality is reflected in our adherence to global standards. This makes our marine launching airbags a trusted choice for shipbuilders around the world.

Marine launching airbag introduction

Ship launching airbags are also known as marine airbags, inflatable ship airbags, roller airbags, air flotation airbags and rescue airbags. This equipment is specialized in launching, towing, landing, salvaging ships and moving wrecks. Airbag launching as an innovative technology, compared with “top-mounted launching”, “side-mounted launching”, “floating launching” and other launching methods. It breaks through the limitations of traditional rails and provides a more flexible and efficient solution. Due to the convenience, cost-effectiveness, and versatility of airbags. It makes airbags gradually be widely used from small shipyards to large shipyards.

Henger’s Marine Launch Airbag is made of an outer layer of rubber and a layer of synthetic tire cord. The overall shape is an elongated cylindrical airbag. The outer rubber material is strong enough to be used in different applications. The synthetic tire cord layer is a reinforcing layer, arranged at a specific angle. This design not only increases the strength and toughness of the airbag, but also ensures an even distribution of stress.

Depending on the number of reinforcing layers, marine launching airbags can be categorized into various types, and these types have different load carrying capacities. The more layers the airbag has, the more weight it can carry. This allows for the safe launching of larger vessels.

As of today, we have completed several project deliveries worldwide. These airbags have also successfully helped launch cargo ships, barges, tankers and tugboats. Our airbags have a maximum capacity of 100,000 DWT.

Structure of marine launching airbags

HENGER’s marine launching airbag consists of an outer layer of rubber, a synthetic cord layer, an inner layer of rubber and an end connector. Its end shoulders are made of multiple layers of rubber.

Inner and outer rubber

HENGER’s airbags are manufactured and tested in accordance with international standards. The outer rubber has sufficient tensile and tear strength. It protects the cord layer from abrasion and can be used in all types of weather. The inner rubber is vulcanized for reliable performance.

Structure of marine launching airbags

Synthetic Tire Cord Ply

The synthetic tire cord ply provides a reinforcing layer for the airbag and is made of rubber wrapped around a layer of synthetic tire cord fabric. The cord ply is made using the monolithic winding technique. This technique involves twisting multiple synthetic tire cord plies together at a defined angle. This achieves the goal of maintaining internal pressure and distributing stresses evenly. At HENGER, we use either 1400 dtex/2 or 1400 dtex/3 synthetic cord. The warp cord density is more than 95 per 100 mm width. This allows the airbag to maintain good structural stability under high pressure. The tensile breaking strength of a single cord exceeds 310 Newton (N). Below is a comparison of the tensile breaking strength of our cords with that of ISO 14409:

Standard/specification breaking strength (N/per cord)

ISO 14409: 205 N

HENGER 1400 dtex/2: 215 N

HENGER 1400 dtex/3: 313 N

Rubber Airbag End Fittings

The end connector is an important part of the airbag. It mainly inflates and deflates the airbag and monitors the air pressure in real time. These fittings are standard on HENGER, do not buy extra. Specifically there are:

  • Airbag body end
  • End flange (Q235 HDG)
  • Sealing gasket
  • Inflatable end with 3-way fitting (Q235 HDG)
  • Inflatable end with 3/4′ ball valve (brass)
  • Inflatable end hose connection (Q235)
  • High quality pressure gauge
  • Sealing end end plug (Q235 HDG)

Types of Ship Launching Airbags

Henger’s ship launching airbags are available in various types to meet different load bearing needs. Based on load-bearing capacity, airbags are categorized into the following main types:

  • General Purpose (QP): Designed for general purpose use, usually with three to five layers.
  • High load capacity type (QG): with six to eight layers, suitable for higher strength needs.
  • Very High Load Capacity (QS): Consists of nine or more layers and is designed for larger vessels.

Each type of airbag meets specific launching requirements to ensure a safe and efficient launching process. The choice of airbag is influenced by a number of factors: vessel weight, size and launching location. With advances in technology and materials, the range of applications for ship launching airbags is constantly expanding. They provide reliable, flexible and cost-effective solutions for shipbuilders worldwide. For more information or the best advice, please consult Henger’s engineers.

Schematic diagram of vessel launching airbags with synthetic fiber cord layers

marine airbags Specifications & Performance

Henger’s marine launching airbags have been carefully designed by a team of experienced engineers to deliver optimum performance. They are essential for launching a vessel into the water from a construction or repair yard. The specifications of the airbags determine their suitability for adaptation to different types and sizes of vessels. These specifications typically include the diameter, length, effective length and carrying capacity of the airbag.

Diameter and Length: Ship launching airbags range from 0.5 meters to 3 meters in diameter, with lengths varying according to project requirements. Effective lengths range from 1 meter to 32 meters. This size range allows for the most appropriate airbag to be customized to the size and weight of the vessel.

Design drawing of launching airbags in diameter and length

Load carrying capacity: Load carrying capacity is an important indicator of airbag performance. It depends on the design of the airbag, the strength of the material and the number of cord layers. Ordinary airbags have 3 layers of cord, while airbags with ultra-high load carrying capacity may have 10 layers or more. The load carrying capacity of airbags ranges from 10 tons per meter to more than 40 tons per meter for different types of ships. However, it should be noted that the load carrying capacity is not only related to the size and number of layers of the airbag. It is also affected by the air pressure inside the airbag and external environmental factors (e.g. buoyancy).

Performance parameters: The efficiency of airbags is closely related to their ability to withstand high pressure. They must remain sufficiently flexible and strong when subjected to high pressure. The calculation of lifting capacity involves not only the pressure of the airbag, the contact area and the weight distribution of the ship. The interaction between the air pressure inside the airbag and the external buoyancy force also needs to be considered. Ensuring that the airbag deforms minimally under load provides stable support.

DiameterWorking pressureWorking heightBearing capacity per unit length
KN/mTon/m
D=1.2m  0.17Mpa0.7m133.6113.62
0.6m160.3016.34
D=1.5m 0.13Mpa0.9m122.6312.5
0.8m143.0314.58
0.7m163.4316.66
D=1.8m0.11Mpa1.1m120.9612.33
1.0m138.2214.09
0.9m155.5915.86
0.8m172.8517.62
0.7m190.2219.39

Achieving operational excellence by launching airbags

Launching process and arrangements

The first step is to place the airbag under the hull. The width of the vessel and the length of the airbag determine how the airbag is arranged. The arrangement of airbags can be in straight line, staggered or double layer form.

Straight line arrangement: suitable for vessels whose length does not exceed the length of the airbag. This arrangement is simple and efficient, suitable for small and medium-sized ships.

Staggered arrangement: suitable for larger vessels. The staggered arrangement spreads the load and enhances the stability of the vessel.

Double deck arrangement: for the largest size vessels. The double-deck arrangement further spreads the loads and ensures that the vessel remains stable during launching.

Safety and quality standards

Ensuring the integrity of airbags for ship launching is of paramount importance. Therefore, airbags must meet stringent safety and quality standards.

ISO certification: Ship launching airbags must comply with international certification standards such as ISO 14409. These standards specify the material, dimensions, strength and performance requirements for airbags.

Material selection: We use high-strength synthetic fibers such as polyester and nylon. These materials ensure that the airbags have excellent abrasion and tear resistance.

Testing procedures: Airbags undergo rigorous testing, including airtightness tests and burst tests. These tests ensure that the airbags are durable and safe to use.

Maintenance and Training: Henger provides regular maintenance services and specialized training for operators. This ensures that the airbags are safe and efficient in use.

Benefits of Using Ship Launching Airbags

The adoption of ship launching airbags brings with it a variety of advantages that have greatly contributed to the growth of the marine construction and maintenance industry. Key benefits include cost-effectiveness, flexibility, and reduced need for fixed infrastructure. In addition, safety and operational efficiency are improved. It is a practical, safe and cost-effective solution to the challenges of launching ships.

Cost-effectiveness and flexibility:The use of ship launching airbags can significantly reduce the operating costs of shipyards. Traditional methods require significant investment in the construction and maintenance of shipyards and dry docks. Airbags are simple to set up and can be quickly deployed and dismantled. This not only saves money, but also offers the possibility of multiple use. In addition, the high degree of flexibility makes it particularly suitable for shipyards with limited space or remote locations.

Reduced infrastructure requirements: The use of airbag technology significantly reduces the reliance on large fixed infrastructures. Airbags are suitable for a wide range of environments and conditions, breaking through the limitations of fixed launching facilities. This provides more competitive opportunities for small and medium-sized shipyards to launch and repair vessels efficiently without the need for large-scale infrastructure.

Improved safety and efficiency: The use of ship launching airbags can significantly improve the safety and efficiency of launching operations. Airbags work in a controlled environment, reducing the risk of accidents and protecting the ship and crew. Compared to traditional methods, the airbag launching process is more efficient, shortening the time from construction to commissioning of the vessel. This not only improves the turnaround speed of the shipyard, but also enhances the overall operational efficiency.

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FAQ

marine launching airbag is a device used to safely launch a vessel from a construction or repair yard.Henger’s airbags are made of high-strength synthetic fibers and have a multi-layer construction. These airbags provide stabilizing support depending on the size and weight of the vessel. By precisely controlling the inflation and deflation of the airbags, the launching process is ensured to be smooth and safe.

There are four main types of ship launching methods:

Gravity launching: Using the ship’s own weight, it is naturally sunk into the water by gravity. This method is easy to operate, but requires precise design and a large waterway.

Float-out launching: The ship is placed on a floating platform, which floats on the surface of the water, and then gradually lowered so that the ship slowly sinks into the water. This method is suitable for large vessels and ensures a smooth launching process.

Mechanical launching: The ship is moved from the construction platform to the water using mechanical equipment such as chutes, rails or lifting devices. Mechanical launching is suitable for ships of all sizes but requires strong equipment support.

Airbag launching: The vessel is supported by airbags and the inflation and deflation of the airbags is controlled to achieve smooth launching. This method is economical and flexible, applicable to ships of different sizes. And it can be quickly deployed and dismantled, reducing the dependence on fixed infrastructure.

The price of a ship launching airbag is calculated based on the surface area of the airbag, not the weight. Rubber airbags usually have two tapered ends, but for ease of calculation we usually consider the airbag as cylindrical. The calculation formula is as follows:

S=π×Diameter×(Diameter+Effective Length)×Number of Layers

The total price is obtained by multiplying the surface area by the unit price. The unit surface price may vary significantly from factory to factory. Therefore, the specific price needs to be contacted with us according to your needs.Henger’s sales team will provide you with a detailed quotation to ensure that you get the best price plan.

Generally speaking, marine airbags have a lifespan of 5 to 8 years with proper use and proper maintenance. This depends on how often the airbag is used and how it is maintained and stored. After 3 to 5 years of use, the rubber airbags must be thoroughly inspected to determine if they can still be used.

Choosing the right airbag for marine launching requires consideration of the size and weight of the vessel, the launching environment and the specific needs of the vessel, and Henger’s team of engineers can provide professional advice and customized solutions according to your vessel’s specifications and launching conditions.

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