The type of rubber fenders that is most suitable for an application depends on many variables, including dimensions and displacement of the vessel, maximum allowable stand-off, berthing structure, tidal variations and other berth-specific conditions. The size of the fender unit is based on the berthing energy of the vessel which is related to the square of the berthing velocity.
Types 1– Ship to Quay (STQ)
Marine fenders are used at ports and docks on quay walls and other berthing structures. They absorb the kinetic energy of a berthing vessel and thus prevent damage to the vessel or the berthing structure. The many types of marine fenders include:
•Cylindrical fenders
•Arch fenders
•Cell fenders
•Cone fenders
•Pneumatic fenders
•Foam elastomer fenders
Types 2– Ship-to-Ship (STS)
For bunkering operations between two vessels, floating fenders such as pneumatic or foam elastomer fenders are typically used.
Types 3—Boat Use
Boat fenders are used on recreational boats, tugboats, ferries, naval vessels, passenger vessels, luxury yachts etc. Boat fenders are also available in different types, such as:
•D fenders
•Square fenders
•Wing fenders
•Tug boat fenders
•Lightweight foam elastomer fenders
Shapes of fenders, function and applications
Cylindrical fenders are commonly used fenders which ensure a safe and linear berthing for different kinds of vessels. Cylindrical (extruded) fenders are an economical solution to protect most berthing structures, and offer ease of installation.
2. Arch Fenders
Arch fenders were introduced to improve upon the performance of Cylindrical Fenders. Arch fenders have a better Energy / Reaction force ratio and recommended for all types of applications. The shape of these fenders helps to dissipate the stresses evenly. These extruded fenders are very easy to install and are maintenance free.
Super cell fenders are best employed for small or large vessels where Reaction Force is an important criterion. Among all types of fenders, Cell fenders offer minimum reaction per ton-meter energy absorbed. The very geometric shape gives it sturdiness, shear resistance, compact structure and the capacity to absorb energy equally from all directions.
4. Cone Fenders
Cone fenders are an improved version of Cell type Fender recently introduced and recommended for all types of applications including high tidal variation sites. This advanced feature of lesser height of fenders improves material handling capabilities of Deck / Vessel Cranes which reduces overall cost of the project. Due to the geometrical shape of the fenders it can deflect more and it can absorb more energy from any direction.
These fenders are extensively used for ship to ship transfers at mid seas, double banking operations, and as vessel-to-berth at dock/jetties. The special property of a pneumatic fender is its low reaction force at low deflection. This property of pneumatic fenders makes them the most suitable fender for liquid cargo vessels and defense vessels with very sensitive equipment. These fenders have excellent energy absorption characteristics and linear load deflection characteristics.
These fenders are typically made of a closed-cell Polyethylene foam core, which is encapsulated in a nylon or Kevlar reinforced Polyurethane skin. The performance of foam elastomer fenders is comparable to that of a pneumatic fender, but the fenders will not lose their function in case the skin gets punctured. Foam elastomer fenders cannot deflate.
7. D Fenders
D type fenders are commonly used on vessels as well as small jetties. They are compression moulded with steel inserts if required.
Square fenders are commonly used on vessels as well as small jetties. They are compression moulded fenders generally used on tugs, boats and ships.
9. Wing Fenders
Wing fenders are compression moulded fenders and are generally used on tugs, boats and ships. Easy to install and replace. Do have excellent sea water resistance and resistance to ozone ageing and ultra violet rays.
10. Tug Boat Fenders
These fenders are made of high abrasion resistance rubber with good resilience properties. They are very popular with small port craft owners and tug owners. These fenders are compression moulded in high pressure thermic fluid heated moulds and have excellent sea water resistance.
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