Outer Rubber Layer: Abrasion-resistant and weather-proof compound that protects internal layers from seawater, ozone, and sunlight.

Synthetic Tyre Cord Reinforcement: High-tensile, cross-woven synthetic cord layers that uniformly distribute compression loads.

Airtight Inner Rubber Layer: Low-permeability rubber core engineered for stable, long-term internal air retention.

Key Features & Operational Advantages

High Energy Absorption with Low Reaction Force
Acts as an elastic compressed-air cushion, absorbing significant impact energy while keeping reaction forces minimal. This reduces structural stress on vessel hulls, berth walls, and dolphin structures.

Complete Protection for Sensitive Hull Coatings
Eliminates external metal chains and tyres, preventing scratches, marks, or damage to painted hulls, specialized anti-fouling coatings, or sensitive vessel surfaces.

Exceptional Maintenance Efficiency
With no chains, shackles, swivels, or net tyres to inspect, repair, or replace, lifecycle operating and labor costs are significantly lower than chained alternatives.

Automatic Tidal Adaptability
Floats dynamically on the water surface, continuously rising and falling with tides to maintain correct alignment during loading and unloading.

Cost-Effective Freight & Easy Handling
Can be deflated and vacuum-packed for shipping to substantially cut ocean freight volume. On-site inflation and deployment are straightforward using standard lifting equipment.

Typical Applications

Ship-to-Ship (STS) Transfers: Offshore bunkering, lightering, and gas/oil transfers requiring safe vessel separation.

LNG & Energy Terminals: Applications requiring low reaction forces to safeguard delicate containment hulls and terminal loading arms.

Naval & Passenger Facilities: Preserves stealth coatings, high-finish naval paint, and commercial cruise liner hulls.

Floating Docks & Shipyards: Impact protection during vessel maintenance, repair, and launch procedures.

Technical Specifications & Compliance

Diameter Range: 500 mm to 4,500 mm

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

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

Design Standard: Fully compliant with ISO 17357-1:2014

Fittings: Hot-dip galvanized or stainless steel end flanges, air valves, and safety release valves.

Third-Party Certification: Inspection certificates available upon request from ABS, DNV, BV, LR, or CCS.

Fender Selection & Engineering Support

Proper fender sizing depends on berthing kinetics rather than vessel dimensions alone. Key parameters for selection include:

Maximum vessel displacement & berthing velocity

Allowable quay wall and hull reaction forces

Local tidal range and environmental sea conditions (wind/waves)

Quality Assurance & Testing

Air Leakage & Hydrostatic Testing to ensure pressure stability under maximum load.

Material & Hardness Verification for outer rubber and cord bonding strength.

Safety Valve Calibration to guarantee correct pressure relief under extreme overload conditions.

Dimensional & Visual Inspection for defect-free surface finish and precise flange alignment.

Maintenance Recommendations

Periodic Inspection: Check operating pressure using a calibrated pressure gauge.

Visual Checks: Inspect the smooth rubber surface for severe cuts or localized gouges.

Hardware Check: Confirm valves, security caps, and towing lugs remain tight and corrosion-free.

Storage: When not in use, store deflated or under low pressure in a clean environment away from direct heat sources and petroleum products.

FAQ

Q: What is the difference between smooth type and chain tyre pneumatic fenders?

A: Smooth type pneumatic fenders have a plain rubber exterior without tyre nets or chains. They are commonly selected where hull protection and simplified maintenance are priorities, while chain tyre models provide additional protection against abrasion in demanding berthing environments.

Q: How do I select the correct fender size?

A: The appropriate size depends on vessel displacement, berthing energy, approach speed, quay structure, tidal conditions, and allowable reaction force. These factors should be evaluated together to ensure suitable performance.

Q: Which internal pressure should I choose?

A: The most common options are 50 kPa and 80 kPa. The choice depends on the required energy absorption, reaction force, and the operational requirements of the berth.

Q: Can the fender be customized?

A: Yes. Diameter, length, flange material, valve configuration, color, identification markings, and packaging can all be customized to suit project requirements.

Q: How often should the air pressure be checked?

A: Pressure should be checked periodically as part of routine maintenance. The inspection interval depends on operating conditions and the maintenance schedule of the facility.

Q: Can a damaged pneumatic fender be repaired?

A: Minor surface damage can often be repaired. If the reinforcement layers are affected, the fender should be inspected to determine whether repair or replacement is appropriate.

Q: How are pneumatic fenders transported?

A: They are generally shipped in a deflated condition to reduce transportation volume and freight costs. Inflation is completed on site before installation.

Q: What environments are smooth type pneumatic fenders suitable for?

A: They are widely used in commercial ports, LNG terminals, offshore platforms, naval bases, shipyards, floating docks, and ship-to-ship transfer operations where reliable floating impact protection is required.

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