Marine fenders have a variety of specific applications. Each style has its own purpose. You must make an informed decision when choosing the right boat fender. Otherwise, your property may face damage.
Statistically, boats need to be replaced every 10-20 years. But after effective protection, then the life of the boat can be greatly enhanced. This is thanks to the proper use of fenders. Often overlooked, fenders play a vital role in protecting infrastructure such as docks. They are designed to absorb the impact from the docking of a ship on a pier. This reduces the direct impact on infrastructure such as docks.
Then, what types of marine fenders are available? What do they do and what are their advantages? These are the questions if you are not sure. Then in this post, you will get the complete guide. This can provide informed advice on choosing the right marine fender for your infrastructure.
Table of Contents
What is a marine fender?
Marine fender is a type of protective equipment that is installed on a dock. This equipment is effective in absorbing the impact from a docked vessel on the dock, thus preventing damage to the hull.
Marine fenders are made from a variety of strong materials. Some of the common materials are plastic, rubber and foam elastomers. They are also accompanied by different styles as well as structures.
However, in order to achieve the desired results. Choosing the right fender is crucial. The common factors that affect this are:
- Vessel size: consider the fender size based on the size of the vessel.
- Port type: factors such as the marine environment in which the port is located, the location and orientation of the port.
- Fender material durability: You need to choose a durable material according to the environment in which the fender will be used.
- Safety Factor Requirements: The design and manufacture of marine fenders should comply with industry standards. Ensure stability in extreme situations.
There are different types of marine fenders, which can be roughly categorized into three types.
- One is the inflatable fender, which, as the name suggests, is capable of being inflated.Inflatable fenders vary according to application and structure. There are three common types: sling pneumatic fenders, Yokohama fenders, and submarine fenders.
- Foam fenders are made of closed cell foam and are covered with a strong polyurethane or elastomer skin.Common types are: Netted foam fenders, Netless foam filled fenders, Donut Foam Fenders.
- The other type of fender is the solid fender, also known in the industry as rubber fender. It is a type of fender that can be installed without inflation.There are 5 common types of rubber fenders: Super Cell Rubber Fender,Cylindrical Rubber Fender,Tug Boat Fenders,Super Cone Rubber Fender,D Fenders.
As a professional marine equipment manufacturer in China, Henger can provide the above standard fenders. If you need, we can also customize the fenders according to your needs.
What does a marine fender do?
Marine structural protection: marine equipment can greatly provide protection to ships as well as docks. This equipment minimizes the risk of impact damage. It also maintains the integrity of the hull of the vessel and the marina, thus extending the life of the vessel and the marina.
Energy Absorption and Dispersion: The main purpose of fenders is to absorb the impact energy from the ship. It effectively controls energy dissipation and enhances safety at berth.
Prevent ship damage: Fenders can effectively reduce the accident rate by precise control of berthing during the berthing period. The installation of this equipment reduces berthing forces and prevents hull damage, allowing you to operate continuously and efficiently.
Safe Mooring and Entry: Fenders provide a cushioning point for safe and smooth entry and docking.
Types of Marine Fenders
As we mentioned above, there are different types of marine fenders. The common ones are inflatable fenders (also called pneumatic fenders), foam fenders, and solid rubber fenders. Each type of fender has its own specific applications and advantages. Henger will introduce you to each of them below.
Pneumatic Fenders
Pneumatic fenders are rubberized, air-filled cylindrical bladders. Usually this type of fender does not need to be additionally fixed to the dock, but simply floats in the water. It is one of the most economical modes of protection. At the same time, it can constantly adjust its position according to different requirements. It meets the requirements of ship protection.
Henger’s pneumatic fenders are developed and designed by our company, which can adapt to all kinds of harsh conditions. It is also available in a wide range of sizes according to different customer requirements.
The fenders are also available in the following types.
- Sling Pneumatic fender : This fender is equipped with a sling design. It is ideal for rapid deployment in complex mooring environments and is suitable for scenarios that require quick installation.
- Yokohama Fender: This classic design is widely used worldwide. It is suitable for the berthing needs of tankers, LNG carriers and large container ships.
- Submarine Fender: This fender is especially designed for submarines and low draft line vessels. It provides excellent underwater shock absorption and ensures safe berthing.
Foam Fender
Foam fenders are protective equipment with high impact and abrasion resistance. Buoyant and flexible, this fender is a long-lasting and durable fender option. It is ideal for ports with frequent berthing and for marine applications that require greater durability.
Henger Foam Fenders are also available in a variety of types to suit different applications:
- Netted Foam Fenders: These fenders are equipped with a durable mesh protective layer. This layer increases the abrasion resistance of the fender’s surface and is ideal for high frequency berthing environments.
- Netless Foam Filled Fenders: These fenders do not require additional netting and have a thicker polyurethane coating. As a result, it provides higher protection strength for lightweight and efficient applications.
- Donut Foam Fenders: Donut Foam Fenders can be mounted on docks or guide posts and are able to rotate freely. This makes them particularly suitable for guiding vessels to berth, preventing collisions and minimizing damage to structures.
Rubber fenders
Rubber fenders are fenders made of solid rubber with excellent impact absorption and durability. This type of fender is widely used in all types of ports and harbors, as it is available in a variety of structural designs and can be adapted to different berthing conditions and usage requirements.
Common types of Henger rubber fenders include the following five categories:
- Super Cell Rubber Fender : Adopting high strength cell design, it has greater energy absorption capacity and reaction force. Ideal for berthing large vessels, it is the first choice for harbor applications.
- Cylindrical Rubber Fender: Classic cylindrical design with good flexibility and durability. It is suitable for berthing vessels of all sizes and is relatively easy to install and maintain.
- Tug Boat Fenders: These fenders are designed for tugs and pilot boats and provide high strength protection. At the same time it can also effectively prevent damage to the hull in case of collision, ensuring operational safety.
- Super Cone Rubber Fender: It adopts a conical design structure with high energy absorption and low reaction force. It is especially suitable for scenarios that require higher protection strength and can cope with impacts from different directions.
- D Fenders: D-shaped cross-section design, compact and easy to install. This type of fender is often used for protection needs on small boats or in confined spaces, providing a stable cushioning effect.
Getting information about Marine Fenders
Above we have discussed a lot of information related to types of boat fenders. Hopefully, this will provide you with relevant help.
If you are still not sure what type of fender you need at the moment. Then you can also contact HENGER engineers directly for professional advice.
We have many years of experience in the design and manufacture of fenders and are confident that we can provide you with professional advice on your needs.
At the same time, we can also provide customized options for your various requirements.