Rubbex Fenders
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Rubbex Fenders
Fenders are protective devices used to absorb impact energy and prevent damage when a vessel or vehicle makes contact with another object — such as a dock, jetty, quay, ship, or even a structure. They act as a buffer between vessels and docking surfaces or between two vessels during berthing.
They are crucial in maritime operations, ensuring safety, equipment protection, and shock absorption during berthing, mooring, or docking.
Functions
- Impact Energy Absorption – Reduce the forces transferred to the ship’s hull and dock structure.
- Protection – Prevent costly repairs to vessels, port infrastructure, and offshore platforms.
- Safety Enhancement – Protect crew, dock workers, and cargo by minimizing sudden jolts during berthing.
- Shock Distribution – Evenly spread the load to avoid concentrated stress on specific structural points.
- Durability in Harsh Conditions – Withstand saline water, UV exposure, and continuous mechanical stress.
Types Of Fenders
Rubber Fenders
| Type | Description |
|---|---|
|
D-Type Fender |
Used on tugboats, jetties, trucks – easy to install |
|
Square Fender |
Stronger than D-type, more contact area |
|
Cylindrical Fender |
High energy absorption – used on quay walls and piers |
|
Cone Fender |
Advanced shape – very high energy capacity |
|
Arch Fender |
Highly durable and used in exposed berthing structures |
|
W Fender |
Common on tugboats, flexible mounting |
|
M Fender |
Similar to W but with wider leg spacing |
|
Cell Fender |
High energy absorption, used in large ship berths |
Foam-Filled Fenders
- Constructed with closed-cell EVA foam core + tough outer skin
- Unsinkable and puncture-resistant
- Ideal for ship-to-ship transfers
Pneumatic Fenders (Yokohama Type)
- Air-inflated fenders used for ship-to-ship or ship-to-dock
- Lightweight and portable
- Equipped with chain net or tire net for protection
Polyurethane (PU) Fenders
- Lightweight, anti-corrosive
- Used in modern docks, trucks, or warehouses
Truck Dock & Industrial Fenders
- Used in loading bays and warehouse docks
- Usually made from EPDM/Natural rubber blocks or strips
Technical Data & Specifications (Sample – Varies By Type)
| Parameter | Typical Range |
|---|---|
|
Height |
100 mm – 2500 mm (or custom) |
|
Width |
100 mm – 2000 mm (or custom) |
|
Length |
1000 mm – 3000 mm (or custom) |
|
Material |
Natural Rubber, EPDM, EVA Foam, PU |
|
Hardness |
60 – 75 Shore A |
|
Energy Absorption |
10 kNm – 3000 kNm (depends on type/size) |
|
Reaction Force |
100 kN – 4000 kN |
|
Installation |
Bolt-on / Chain-suspended / Embedded |
|
Temperature Range |
–30°C to +80°C |
Applications
Fenders are used across multiple industries and operational setups:
Ports and Harbors – For vessel berthing at piers, jetties, and quay walls.
Ship-to-Ship (STS) Transfers – During offshore cargo transfers between tankers, bulk carriers, and supply ships.
Ship-to-Dock (STD) Berthing – For commercial, cargo, and passenger vessels docking at fixed or floating terminals.
Oil & Gas Terminals – For safe mooring of tankers and LNG carriers.
Cargo Terminals – To protect both bulk and container handling areas.
Naval Bases – To safeguard military ships and submarines.
Inland Waterways – Used in river ports, ferry terminals, and canal locks.
Industrial Loading Bays – For barge and vessel docking in manufacturing and logistics facilities.
Truck or Warehouse Docking – Used in logistics hubs to prevent truck and dock damage.
Merits & Demerits
| Merits | Demerits |
|---|---|
|
Prevents damage to ships and docking structures |
Initial cost can be high for large-scale installations |
|
Absorbs high impact energy effectively |
Requires periodic inspection and maintenance |
|
Available in multiple types for different applications |
Rubber and foam types can degrade under extreme UV without protective coating |
|
Increases operational safety and efficiency |
Pneumatic types may lose air over time if not maintained |
|
Customizable in size, shape, and energy absorption rating |
Large fenders require substantial installation space |
|
Long service life with proper care |
In remote areas, replacement parts may be harder to source |
