Fenders are of great value in the protection of ports and harbors. However, there are many types of fenders which are used for different protective purposes.
Rubber fenders are protective devices made of elastic material. This equipment is capable of absorbing as well as dissipating a lot of kinetic energy. By absorbing the kinetic energy of a ship while docking, it protects the ship as well as the dock.
Rubber fenders are therefore extremely important for modern harbors. It provides maximum protection for these infrastructures. This also reduces maintenance costs.
As a universal protective equipment, many people may not understand its concept very well. Today, HENGER will take a closer look at the concept of “What Are Rubber Fenders”. In this article, we will discuss its specific features/applications/and classifications in detail.
Table of Contents
What is a rubber fender?
HENGER’s rubber fenders come in different categories, but they all serve the same purpose: to protect the ship.
As we mentioned above, rubber fenders are usually made of elastic materials that provide strong protection for ships and docks.
These elastomers are usually made of EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) and neoprene rubber. Both of these materials have excellent corrosion resistance and are well suited to the harsh environment of the sea.
Fenders were not first made of rubber, but of wood. However, the performance of fenders made from wood was not ideal and it was not until later that rubber fenders were introduced.
Rubber fenders have been used in various marinas for protection due to their good protective properties until now, and HENGER has cooperated with many famous shipyards and provided them with rubber fenders with good performance.
Types of rubber fenders
There are several types of rubber fenders, each with a specific application. But they all serve the same purpose. Below is a list of rubber fenders:
Characteristics of Rubber Fenders
Rubber fenders play an important role in protecting ships during docking. These guards are effective in absorbing energy, thereby reducing damage and avoiding costly repairs. Here are some of the benefits of rubber fenders to help you understand why they are so popular?
Elasticity:Rubber materials are highly elastic, which allows them to deform and absorb energy when struck by a ship. When the force is removed, it returns to its original shape.
Tensile strength: The tensile strength of rubber fenders is another distinguishing feature of rubber fenders. It allows rubber fenders to withstand large tensile forces without breaking. This allows the rubber fender to meet the demands of intense collisions.
Durability and Resistance:Rubber fenders are always used on the beach. HENGER’s rubber fenders can withstand a wide range of natural environments, such as UV/seawater corrosion. For example, UV/sea corrosion.
Resistance to compression and deformation:Rubber fenders maintain their original shape and performance even after being compressed for a long time. That’s why we always emphasize: buy rubber fenders from professional fender manufacturers. Because fenders from specialized manufacturers are able to meet this basic requirement.
What are rubber fenders used for?
Rubber fenders have a wide range of applications in various industries. Here are some of the industry-specific applications we have compiled:
Ports and Harbors: Being installed on quay walls and piers is one of the most common ways. Fenders can provide protection for piers and ships during docking and mooring.
Ship-to-ship operations: Rubber fenders are also often installed on ships to prevent vessels from colliding with each other.
Marine Terminals: Rubber fenders are also common in marine terminals. They are often used to protect lifting equipment as well as equipment such as cargo handlers to ensure proper transportation of goods.
Ship Towing: Rubber fenders can also be installed on ships for ship towing. They are often installed at the bow or stern of a ship to protect it.
How to maintain ship fenders?
Perform regular inspections: Rubber fenders are regularly inspected for damage such as cracks, perforations or deformation. Particular attention needs to be paid to the high stress parts of the fender.
Cleaning: The fender is cleaned regularly to remove dirt, grime and other contaminants from the surface. To avoid damage to the rubber fenders, it is recommended that they be scrubbed with a mild soap and detergent with a soft brush.
Lubrication: Use lubricant to lubricate the chains and shackles to avoid rust and other problems.
Repair and Replacement: If the rubber fenders have serious problems, they should be repaired or replaced immediately to avoid more serious problems. For more information, please contact HENGER for professional advice.
Conclusion
That’s all we have to say about the concept of what rubber fenders are. If you have any questions, you can also contact us directly for professional advice.
We can also provide you with professional customized rubber fender solutions, check out our product catalog as well as get more insights.