Pneumatic Fenders Overview
Pneumatic Rubber Fenders (often referred to as Yokohama-style fenders) are the industry-leading solution for high-energy ship-to-ship (STS) and ship-to-dock (STD) operations. They utilize compressed air as a medium to absorb kinetic energy, acting as a floating, high-performance cushion between vessels or against quay walls.
Most are equipped with a Chain-Tyre Net (a network of used tires linked by chains) or a Sling-type protective jacket to prevent the fender body from being punctured by sharp hull protrusions.
Products Details
Superior Energy Absorption: Due to their air-filled nature, they can undergo massive deflection (up to 60%+ of their diameter) while maintaining a stable cushioning effect, absorbing far more kinetic energy than solid or foam fenders.
Extremely Low Reaction Force: Because the internal air pressure remains relatively low even during maximum compression, they exert minimal force on the ship's hull and the quay structure.
Excellent Adaptability: Being floating devices, they rise and fall with the tide, ensuring they are always in the optimal position to protect the hull—a significant advantage over fixed fenders in areas with high tidal ranges.
Angle Performance: They maintain excellent performance even when a vessel approaches at an inclined angle (up to 15°), which is common in real-world berthing scenarios.
Ease of Deployment: They are relatively lightweight and can be easily moved or deployed as needed, making them ideal for temporary berthing, emergency scenarios, or shifting operations.
|
Nominal Size (Diameter x Length) |
Initial Pressure (kPa) |
Energy Absorption (GEA) (kN·m) |
Reaction Force (kN) |
Approx. Body Weight (kg) |
|
500 x 1000 mm |
50 |
7 |
44 |
32 |
|
1000 x 1500 mm |
50 |
24 |
161 |
87 |
|
1200 x 2000 mm |
50 |
47 |
289 |
117 |
|
1500 x 3000 mm |
50 |
113 |
551 |
197 |
|
2000 x 3500 mm |
50 |
227 |
893 |
365 |
|
2500 x 4000 mm |
50 |
489 |
1989 |
650 |
|
3300 x 6500 mm |
50 |
1339 |
4123 |
1650 |
|
4500 x 9000 mm |
50 |
3507 |
8688 |
3500 |
|
Nominal Size (Diameter x Length) |
Guaranteed Energy Absorption (GEA) (kN·m) |
Reaction Force at GEA (kN) |
Hull Pressure at GEA (kN/m²) |
|
500 x 1000 mm |
8 |
85 |
174 |
|
1000 x 1500 mm |
45 |
239 |
160 |
|
1200 x 2000 mm |
88 |
390 |
166 |
|
1500 x 3000 mm |
225 |
785 |
170 |
|
2000 x 3500 mm |
452 |
1280 |
175 |
|
2500 x 4000 mm |
880 |
2210 |
185 |
|
3300 x 6500 mm |
2410 |
4850 |
205 |
Application Areas
- Ship-to-Ship (STS) Transfers
- Ship-to-Dock (STD) Berthing
- Oil, Gas, and Energy Terminals
- Offshore Platforms and Energy Infrastructure
- Military and Naval Establishments
- Emergency or Temporary Port Solutions
Certification
