Pneumatic rubber port fenders, also known as pneumatic rubber fenders or inflatable rubber fenders, are devices used in maritime environments to protect ships and docks during mooring operations. These fenders are specifically designed to absorb energy and minimize damage to both the vessel hull and the jetty or other mooring structures.
Key Characteristics and Advantages
Energy Absorption: Pneumatic rubber fenders excel in energy absorption, which is a critical property for protecting ships and docks. They utilize the compressibility and elasticity of air to increase their energy absorption capacity.
Hull Pressure and Reaction Force: These fenders have low reaction force and low hull pressure, meaning they can absorb significant energy while reducing the forces on both the vessel hull and the jetty structures.
Safety and Durability: Pneumatic rubber fenders are highly resistant to failure and conform to accepted standards. They have been proven through extensive testing programs and are resistant to sunlight, ozone, oxygen, heat, and weathering, providing an extremely long service life.
Ease of Installation and Repair: These fenders are easy to install and repair, which reduces maintenance costs. They can be moored to ships and docks with wire or chain lines easily.
Availability in Various Sizes: Pneumatic rubber fenders are available in many sizes to suit clearance requirements and different sizes of ships.