There are several types of ships existing for various kinds of applications. There are also many different types of rubber fenders in use with different features for different berthing conditions. Therefore, it’s very important to choose the right type of rubber fenders for different ships.

Ships come in every imaginable shape and size. Berths should accommodate the largest design ships, but they must also cater for small and intermediate ships, particularly if these represent the majority of berthing. On many export berths the ships might arrive “in ballast” condition with a reduced draft and displacement. If this is standard practice then the design should consider fenders for this situation, also assessing the risk that a loaded ship might need to return to the berth fully laden.

The features of a ship will affect the fender selection and design. For example, cruise ship operators do not like black marks caused by contacting cylindrical rubber fenders. Container ships and car carriers may have large bow flares so a fender must articulate to match the angle. Many ships have beltings (sometimes called ‘belts’ or ‘strakes’) which may sit on or catch under fender panels, so larger bevels or chamfers may be needed. Double hulled tankers, gas carriers and other soft-hulled ships can only resist limited contact pressures which means a big contact area of fender panel is needed.

The hull form or curvature of the ship is important. The bow radius influences where a ship contacts the fender relative to its centre of mass, also the number of fenders compressed depending on their spacing.

Bow flares may push the upper edges of the fender closer to the structure so upper edges of the panel, chain brackets etc need to be checked for clearance.

Below are the most common classes of commercial ship and the main features: