Pneumatic Fenders VS Foam Fenders

Yokohama Type Pneumatic Rubber Fender

Pneumatic fenders are constructed from rubber and reinforced with cord layers, inflated to effectively absorb the energy produced during berthing impacts. These rubber fenders, like foam fenders, are relatively lightweight given their size and offer excellent cushioning thanks to their inflatable design.

To draw a comparison between the two types of fenders, we must examine various aspects of their performance and utility:

Performance
When it comes to performance, some argue that foam fenders provide superior energy absorption capabilities. Reports indicate that foam-filled fenders can absorb up to 40% more energy than pneumatic fenders. However, this performance can significantly vary depending on the manufacturer.

There have been instances where users experienced issues with foam fenders that deformed easily during use. Once deformed, the fender becomes ineffective, leading to not only poor energy absorption but potentially causing damage to both vessels and harbor facilities.

Thus, it is crucial not to assume that all foam fenders outperform pneumatic options. It is wise to source fenders from manufacturers known for high-quality products with proven track records. At NanHai, our foam fenders have been deployed in numerous projects across over five continents.

If you are in need of a foam fender solution, don't hesitate to reach out to us.

Durability
Assessing durability can be complex. How do we measure useful life accurately?

This metric can be misleading as it may not consider the conditions under which the fender is deployed or the frequency of use.

One evident advantage that foam-filled fenders have is their lack of deflation. In contrast, if a Yokohama-type pneumatic fender gets punctured, it will cease to function effectively. Foam fenders, while less efficient in energy absorption post-deformation, can still be utilized in a limited capacity for temporary needs.

Both NanHai pneumatic and foam fenders typically last over a decade.

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Recent experiences from our customers have highlighted confusion over selecting the appropriate marine pneumatic fenders. In response, we have compiled this guide to assist those uncertain about choosing the best pneumatic fender.

What is a pneumatic fender?

Pneumatic fenders, commonly known as Yokohama fenders, represent a robust fender system known for high strength and durability. Typical sizes range from D1.0m x L1.5 to D3.3m x L6.5m. These fenders consist of a vulcanized structure made of an outer rubber layer, a cord layer, and an inner rubber layer, featuring end flanges for inflation. The outer rubber shell is engineered from resilient rubber to withstand external pressures, safeguarding the internal components against wear and tear, even in harsh weather conditions.

The primary function of a pneumatic fender is to use compressed air as a buffer medium to absorb impacts from vessels. This facilitates softer and more flexible docking operations, significantly reducing collision risks. For this reason, pneumatic fenders are commonly employed during ship-to-ship transfer operations and ship berthing processes.

What’s the application of the pneumatic fenders?

Pneumatic fenders are chiefly used for two applications: Ship-to-Ship (STS) and Ship-to-Dock (STD). In the Ship-to-Ship scenario, fenders allow two vessels to berth or moor side by side, whether in a port or open waters. Conversely, in Ship-to-Dock applications, these fenders provide a cushion for vessels docking alongside a wharf or loading dock.

Ship-to-Ship (STS) Operation

In STS transfer operations, there are two types of fenders used:

1. Primary fenders, strategically positioned along the parallel bodies of the vessels to offer maximum protection while moored.
2. Secondary fenders, which protect the bow and stern plates from accidental contact if the ships shift during docking and undocking maneuvers. It is vital to ensure secondary fenders are securely fastened, and they may need repositioning before undocking to account for changes in the vessels' freeboards. Additionally, secondary fenders should be lightweight for ease of movement to mitigate accidental contact risks.

Ship-to-Dock (STD) Operation

Apart from their application in STS operations, pneumatic rubber fenders are also effective for dock and wharf protection. Compared to conventional solid rubber fenders, pneumatic fenders provide superior energy absorption and softer response forces. As floating rubber fenders, they easily adapt to rising and falling tides, making them invaluable assets in large shipyards, docks, and offshore platforms.

Quick Reference for Choosing a Suitable Pneumatic Fender:

To properly calculate an appropriate fender arrangement, it is essential to determine the berthing energy that must be absorbed at the contact point.
Here’s a quick reference for selecting the right pneumatic fender:

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Pneumatic fenders can be produced without a protective net, typically black in color, though they can be customized per client requirements. Boomarine offers three variations of protective nets:

1. Tire-Chain Net Pneumatic Fender: Features multiple tires attached to the fender ball and secured to a specially designed fly ring that allows for flexible rotation, suitable for large vessels.

2. Rubber Mat-wire Net Pneumatic Fender: Utilizes a unique rubber pad, allowing for contraction and expansion based on pressure, making it ideal for medium to small vessels.

3. Rope Net Pneumatic Fender: Crafted from tightly woven nylon rope, this design caters best to small boats.

Summary

Pneumatic fenders find applications not only in protecting various vessels but also in safeguarding ports and docks. By evenly distributing load pressures, they typically exert less torque against docking structures compared to traditionally designed solid fender systems. To choose the right pneumatic fender, consider your specific usage conditions and refer to the earlier sections for guidance.

If you're still uncertain about selecting a pneumatic fender, reach out to us, and we can help recommend the best options tailored to your needs.

Why does Boomarine meet your pneumatic fender requirements?

• All our top-quality pneumatic fenders are compliant with ISO standards.
• With 20 years of experience in manufacturing marine fenders, we thoroughly inspect each final product before shipment. Our pneumatic fenders are designed for a service life of 20 years, with a minimum warranty of 18 months.
• We ensure prompt delivery for orders worldwide.
• We offer competitive pricing across all types of pneumatic fenders.

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