Marine fenders come in a variety of styles, each with a different purpose. They are also used on a wide range of boats and mooring situations. You need to make the right choice when selecting the correct marine fender. Otherwise, your boat will be left without any safety protection and vulnerable to damage.
It is generally accepted that boats need replacing every 10 to 20 years. But if you use the right type of marine fender, you can ensure that your boat lasts as long as possible and any damage is kept to a minimum. While it is important to use the right marine fender. But it is also important to keep them in good condition and replace them when they wear out.
So, what types of marine fenders are there? What are the main differences between each type? If you’re not sure, don’t worry. This article will tell you everything you need to know. This way, you’ll be able to make a better choice when selecting the right marine fender for your needs.
What is a Marine Fender?
When a boat docks, it will always hit the dock, the edge of the dock, the port wall, or the pier. Therefore, marine fenders are designed to be used in ship and mooring conditions. Marine fenders can reduce the impact and protect it from damage. In this way, any damage caused by these routine collisions will not occur.
In addition, a vessel alongside a mooring is constantly subject to collisions and friction. Without suitable protection, collisions and friction can damage the hull. If this happens, repairs can be expensive and time away from the water can be costly.
Whether tugboat, yacht or holiday boat. It is important to keep the fenders in good condition on all boats. Marine fenders can be easily replaced when repairing the boat. Regular inspections ensure that your business operations or the boat itself are as cost-effective as possible.
Marine fenders are usually made from a range of durable materials. Most often, they are made from foam elastomers, plastics or rubber. In addition, marine fenders may differ in type and style, and the materials used to make them may also differ.
Yokohama Fender
Yokohama Fender has been in widespread use for more than 50 years. They are considered the best way to prevent collisions. This is because they are the easiest to use and are inexpensive. Pneumatic marine fenders are cylindrical airbags made of rubber that are filled with air. This allows the fender to float freely in the water.There are various types of pneumatic rubber fenders depending on the application.
In addition, pneumatic marine fenders can usually be fitted with a tyre or chain mesh on the outside. This provides better coverage of the fender’s body. Pneumatic marine fenders are very flexible and suitable for a variety of situations. For example, when there are changes in the tides or when the boats do not match.
The main features of pneumatic marine fenders:
- Withstand and absorb forces by inclined berthing at an oblique angle
- Easy to deploy and fast application
- Requires minimal maintenance
- Available in a variety of sizes and types
Recommended uses for pneumatic marine fenders:
- In ports with extreme tidal variations
- Ship-to-ship lightering operations
- Oil and gas facilities
- Temporary berthing
Cell Marine Fenders
Cell marine fenders are the most commonly used marine fender type in the commercial sector. They are usually made of rubber and are very flexible, which makes them suitable for use between ships and docks. In addition, they are usually round with a hole in the middle to provide optimum low reaction forces. Cell marine fenders are therefore ideal for keeping ships and moorings safe during docking.
A cellular marine fender is robust, absorbs water well, and has a long service life. These are three important qualities that all marine fenders should have. Durability is important because if the fender doesn’t last, you’ll have to keep buying new ones. This increases costs and reduces profitability.
Key features of cellular marine fenders:
- Easy installation
- High-performance strength
- Low reaction force
- Innovative and excellent design for longevity
- Wear-resisting
- It can deflect up to 50 percent of the force in an axial direction
Recommended uses for cellular marine fenders:
- Oil and LNG facilities
- Bulk terminals
- Offshore platforms
- Container berths
- RoRo and cruise terminals
- Multi-user berths
Cone Marine Fenders
Cone marine fenders are a variant of cellular fenders that are becoming increasingly well-known in the commercial sector. Their construction means they can cope with a wide range of situations. Cone marine fenders can be used for large vessels such as tankers and cruisers. As they are based on cellular fenders, they are very similar in construction and have many of the same features.
Tapered fenders can withstand the strong impacts from large vessels. They are conical in shape and fitted with a flange to provide stability. This means that the enormous impact forces are evenly distributed and neither the vessel nor the quay is damaged. They have proven their effectiveness in many different tidal conditions.
The main features of conical marine fenders:
- Robust and durable, they remain in good condition for a long time
- High shear stability
- Efficient geometry for a long service life
- Stable even when compressed at a large angle
Recommended uses for conical marine fenders:
- Tankers and cruise ships
- Dolphins and monopiles
- RoRo and cruise terminals
- Oil facilities
- Cargo berths
Arch Marine Fenders
Arch marine fenders can be used for small and medium-sized vessels in most situations. They are ideal for tight spaces or where access is difficult. Arch fenders are one-piece designs that can be secured vertically or horizontally on each side to the required area. This means that the fender can withstand high pressure without breaking.
Although smaller than most fenders, the arch fenders are still extremely durable. Thanks to the way they are made, they provide excellent protection for boats and a range of mooring situations, even in the harshest conditions. What’s more, they are very flexible and customizable and can be adapted to your needs.
Features of the arched marine fender:
- Robust, easy to use and long-lasting
- Proven solution for safe operation
- One-piece rubber with increased tension
- Easy to connect to steel plates
- Available in a wide range of sizes
- High durability reduces maintenance tasks and costs
- Ideal for situations where installation space is limited
- Suitable for a variety of marine environments, including berths, cargo holds, and ports
Recommended uses for arched marine fenders:
- Cargo berths
- Harbors for work boats
- Harbors for ferries and cruise ships
- Berths for barges and tugs
Pile Marine Fenders
Pile fenders ensure that the ship and the fender only come into contact at one point, regardless of the water level. To provide optimum safety, the fenders must be tailored to each ship. This means that they can come in a variety of variations. Pile marine fenders are made from a single panel and are suitable for protection against specific ships.
You will find this type of fender often used in conjunction with the other types mentioned earlier. They are therefore very flexible and can provide good protection in many different situations. Most often, they are used in conjunction with tapered and cellular marine fenders.
Summary
Marine fenders are essential tools for ensuring the safety and efficiency of operations at sea. Different types of marine fenders have their own unique uses. They can cater to different vessel sizes, environmental conditions, and mooring requirements. Choosing the right marine fender is essential for protecting vessels and port infrastructure from potential damage during berthing or mooring.
With technological advancements, Zhonghaihang marine fenders offer increased durability, flexibility, and performance. This makes them a valuable investment in maintaining the safety and longevity of the marine environment. If you have any further questions, don’t worry. Zhonghaihang’s team of experts is on hand to answer any questions you may have and to address any concerns you may have before purchase.
