Installation Guide for Pneumatic Fenders: STS and STB Applications
1. Introduction
Pneumatic fenders are critical marine assets designed to absorb energy during ship-to-ship (STS) transfer operations and ship-to-berth (STB) mooring. Proper installation is essential for ensuring optimal performance, safety, and longevity. This guide outlines the professional installation procedures for both application types.
2. Pre-Installation Inspection and Preparation
Fender Inspection: Visually inspect the fender for any damage incurred during transport or storage. Verify the valve assembly is intact, secure, and capped.
System Compatibility: Confirm all accompanying components-chains, shackles, pad eyes, ropes, and mooring tails-are certified, correctly rated, and compatible with the fender's specified D-ring or lifting arrangement.
Site Assessment: For STB, inspect the berth structure (piles, dolphins, wharf face) to ensure mounting points are structurally sound. For STS, confirm the vessel's strong points (bollards, fairleads) are adequate for the expected loads.
Pressure Check: Inflate the fender to its recommended working pressure and maintain for 24 hours to check for significant pressure drop, indicating a leak. Conduct this test in a controlled area before deployment.
3. Installation for Ship-to-Berth (STB) Applications
The fender is permanently fixed to a berth structure (quay wall, jetty, or dolphin).
Mounting Hardware Installation: Securely install the primary mounting hardware (brackets, pad eyes, or chain plates) onto the berth structure. These must be engineered to handle the fender's maximum reaction force.
Fender Positioning: Using appropriate lifting equipment (slings attached to D-rings, never the valve), hoist the fender into position against the structure.
Connection & Tensioning: Connect the fender's primary chain or wire rope assembly to the pre-installed mounting points. Apply tension to eliminate slack while ensuring the fender is not over-stretched or compressed in its neutral state. The goal is to prevent swinging while allowing normal deflection.
Anti-Rotation & Secondary Safety: Install anti-rotation lines or secondary safety chains as per design to restrict torsional movement. For floating fenders at tidal berths, ensure the connection system allows for vertical travel without snagging.
Final Orientation: Ensure the fender is correctly oriented (typically with the valve positioned upwards and accessible for maintenance).
4. Installation for Ship-to-Ship (STS) Operations
Fenders are deployed temporarily between two vessels during lightering or transfer operations. They are typically rigged from the service vessel or using a dedicated system.
Rigging Plan: Develop a rigging plan based on the fender size, vessel freeboard, and sea conditions. Determine the number of fenders, their arrangement (parallel, chevron), and the lead of mooring lines.
Deployment: Attach heavy-duty synthetic mooring tails (with certified shackles) directly to the fender's D-rings. These tails absorb shock loads and protect the fender skin from abrasion.
Connection to Vessel: The inboard ends of the mooring tails are connected to the primary vessel's bollards or winches via towing lines or additional tails. Leads must be fair to prevent chafing on rails or sharp edges.
Positioning & Suspension: Lower the fender(s) between the hulls. The fender should be suspended so that it makes contact at the appropriate height, usually near the parallel body of both vessels. Tension is adjusted to prevent the fender from submerging or riding up excessively.
Monitoring & Adjustment: Throughout the STS operation, crew must continuously monitor fender position, tension, and condition, adjusting lines as necessary due to tidal change or vessel drift.
5. Post-Installation Protocol
Conduct a final operational check, ensuring no components are under undue stress or misaligned.
For STB, clearly mark installation records with as-built details (date, pressure, torque values).
Brief all operational personnel on the system's limits and inspection requirements.
6. Critical Safety Notes
Never inflate beyond the manufacturer's maximum rated pressure.
Never lift a pneumatic fender by its valve or using hooks directly against the rubber body.
Always use edge protectors on all slings and lines at contact points.
Always wear appropriate PPE during handling and installation.
Installation must be supervised by personnel qualified in marine fender systems and in accordance with the manufacturer's technical manual and class society guidelines where applicable.