Ribbed Type Pneumatic Fender

Reliable Berthing Protection with Lower Lifetime Maintenance

Ribbed Type Pneumatic Fenders are engineered for ports, shipyards, offshore terminals, and ship-to-ship (STS) operations where high energy absorption, superior safety, and minimized operational costs are non-negotiable.

Key Benefits: Designed for Low Maintenance & High Safety

Dramatically Lower Maintenance:

Eliminates external chain-and-tire net assemblies, cutting down routine repair costs, spare parts inventory, and labor hours by up to 70%.

Hull-Friendly & Non-Marking Contact:

The continuous rubber surface eliminates exposed metal hardware, preventing costly scratches and paint damage on high-value vessels (such as cruise ships, naval vessels, and LNG carriers).

Built for High-Frequency Operations:

Molded ribs distribute contact pressure evenly across raised surfaces, extending fender service life in busy commercial terminals.

Streamlined Routine Inspections:

Without complex external hardware, routine checks are reduced to monitoring internal air pressure, checking the air valve, and quick visual inspections.

Versatile Floating Construction:

Naturally adapts to extreme tidal variations and multi-directional vessel movements. Suitable for quay walls, floating docks, offshore platforms, or vessel-suspended deployment.

Operational Problems We Help You Solve

Frequent Chain Net Replacements:

Stops the costly cycle of constantly buying replacement tires, chains, and corroded shackles.

Saltwater Corrosion Failures:

Zero exposed steel netting means no rust stains on hulls, no snapping chains, and zero corrosion-related downtime.

Shipowner Claims for Hull Damage:

Protects painted hulls from hard contact points caused by broken chains or worn tires.

Unplanned Terminal Downtime:

Simple maintenance routines keep equipment active and operational without interrupting port schedules.

Typical Applications

Ribbed Type Pneumatic Fenders are ideal for demanding marine applications, including:

Commercial Container & Bulk Cargo Terminals
Oil, Gas, and LNG Terminals
Ship-to-Ship (STS) Transfer Operations
Cruise & Passenger Terminals
Naval Facilities & Defense Ports
Shipyards, Dry Docks & Floating Docks
Offshore Platforms & Wind Energy Support Facilities

Heavy-Duty Multi-Layer Construction

Outer Rubber Layer: Premium marine-grade rubber formulated to resist seawater, intense UV exposure, ozone degradation, and severe weather.

Integrated Rubber Ribs: Vulcanized directly into the outer layer during manufacturing, creating a seamless defense barrier without relying on external tire-chain nets.

Reinforcement Cord Layers:

Multiple layers of high-tensile synthetic tire cord distribute internal pressure uniformly and withstand repeated heavy compression.

Inner Rubber Layer:

High-density, air-tight compound engineered for maximum pressure retention during extended deployments.

Heavy-Duty End Fittings:

Hot-dip galvanized or stainless steel end flanges engineered for safe lifting, towing, and mooring connections.

Technical Specifications & Compliance

Standard ribbed pneumatic fenders meet rigorous international maritime standards:

Diameter Range: 500 mm to 4,500 mm

Length Range: 1,000 mm to 12,000 mm

Initial Internal Pressure: 50 kPa (Pneumatic 50) or 80 kPa (Pneumatic 80)

International Standard: Fully compliant with ISO 17357-1

Class Certifications: Available with third-party inspection and certification (CCS, DNV, ABS, LR, BV) upon request.

Operating Temperature: Suitable for -20°C to +50°C (Custom cold-climate formulations available).

Quality Testing & Inspection

Every fender undergoes strict quality control protocols prior to dispatch:

24-hour air tightness test

Internal pressure & safety valve verification

Dimensional and surface defect inspection

Hydrostatic pressure test (when specified by project scope)

Packaging, Delivery & Global Support

Deflated Delivery:

Compacted for efficient ocean container shipping.

Pre-Inflated Delivery:

Ready for immediate site installation upon arrival.

Supplied with lifting accessories, inflation valves, and operation manuals.

Need Custom Sizing & Engineering Support?

Choosing the right fender depends on your specific operational conditions. Our marine engineering team calculates energy absorption requirements based on:

Vessel type & maximum displacement (DWT)

Berthing velocity & angle

Water level variations & tidal ranges

Allowable dock reaction force

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between a ribbed pneumatic fender and a sling type pneumatic fender?

A: The main difference is the external protection system. Ribbed pneumatic fenders use integrated rubber ribs, while sling type fenders are protected by tire-chain nets. Ribbed designs generally require less routine maintenance because there are no chains or tires to replace.

Q: Does the ribbed design affect energy absorption?

A: No. Energy absorption is determined by the pneumatic chamber and internal construction. The ribs mainly protect the outer surface from abrasion during berthing.

Q: Where are ribbed pneumatic fenders commonly used?

A: They are widely used in commercial ports, LNG terminals, offshore facilities, naval bases, floating docks, shipyards, and ship-to-ship transfer operations.

Q: How do I choose the correct size?

A: Selection depends on vessel size, berthing energy, installation conditions, water level changes, and operating frequency. Providing project details allows the appropriate size and pressure rating to be recommended.

Q: What maintenance is required?

A: Routine maintenance mainly includes checking internal pressure, inspecting the rubber surface, verifying valve sealing, and examining end fittings.

Q: Can ribbed pneumatic fenders be manufactured according to ISO 17357?

A: Yes. They can be manufactured in accordance with ISO 17357 requirements when specified by the project.

Q: Are custom sizes and accessories available?

A: Yes. Diameter, length, internal pressure, end fittings, lifting arrangements, and accessories can all be customized according to project requirements.

Q: What documents can be supplied before shipment?

A: Depending on project requirements, documentation may include dimensional inspection records, air tightness test reports, pressure test records, material certificates, and other inspection documents.

We're known as one of the most professional ribbed type pneumatic fender manufacturers and suppliers in China. Please be free to buy bulk ribbed type pneumatic fender at reasonable price from our factory.