Fenders are the most important piece of equipment used in marine operations. They help protect ships and vessels from colliding directly with the docking platform. However, different types of fenders are available. People generally ask about the differences between pneumatic fenders and Yokohama fenders.
Pneumatic and Yokohama fenders are functionally the same. The reason is that both fenders are pneumatic. They consist of compressed air, which ensures their smooth operation. However, Yokohama fenders are called that because they are made by the Japanese company Yokohama. As a result, they are known as Yokohama fenders.
Experienced people understand that both are similar and serve the same role. However, newbies often view them differently and hold misconceptions about them. These fenders are inflated with compressed air, which ensures their operation. In this article, I will explain both pneumatic and Yokohama fenders and their key differences. So, let’s get started.
What Are Pneumatic Fenders?
Pneumatic fenders are a type of rubber fender that has air filled inside them. This compressed air makes these fenders work efficiently. This way, they absorb the kinetic energy produced during the collision of the ship with the fender. As a result, the ship or vessel remains safe from the impact. These fenders come in different sizes suitable for ships of different sizes.
These pneumatic rubber fenders consist of three layers. These include the inner layer, which contains compressed air. This layer is airtight, which means compressed air does not escape or leak. The outer layer protects these fenders from UV rays, saltwater, and other contaminants. Between the inner and outer layers is a reinforcement layer. This middle reinforcement layer consists of tire cord.
These tire cords protect the pneumatic fenders and provide them with optimal strength. The compressed air present inside the inner layer is responsible for the performance of these fenders. In simple terms, this air provides cushioning when a ship or vessel collides with it. This is because the air compresses when the ship hits the fender. This compression absorbs energy, ensuring the ship does not experience an extreme impact force.
Interestingly, these fenders can be used at docks and ports, as well as during ship-to-ship transfer operations. This indicates the versatility of these pneumatic fenders. These fenders can be used even on small boats, ships, and large tankers and bulk carriers. They work effectively for all types of ships and marine operations. As I said, pneumatic fenders consist of an outer layer made of synthetic materials. This layer makes these fenders durable and wear-resistant.
How Do Pneumatic Fenders Work?
The working of pneumatic fenders is straightforward. First, these fenders are installed on the docking platform. This is true when a ship or vessel is operating at a docking platform. However, in STS operation, these fenders are hung around the ships as they come close to each other. Remember, these fenders consist of chains that keep them hanging. The captain maneuvers the ship to bring it close to the docking platform.
However, ships generally do not stop because they lack brakes. So they hit the pneumatic fenders present at the docking platform. This means the ship or vessel does not directly collide with the docking platform. If they do, they would massively damage the docking platform. Once a ship collides with a pneumatic fender, the air filled in the inner layer compresses. This compression of air absorbs the kinetic energy due to the ship’s movement.
The fender absorbs the impact force through compression. These fenders then regain their shape and do not become permanently deformed. That’s how these fenders work and make the ship or vessel safe during marine operations. Remember, pneumatic fenders are so strong that they can easily handle large ships and tankers. Their installation is carried out carefully to protect as much of the ship as possible when it approaches the docking platform.
What Are Yokohama Fenders?
Yokohama fenders are actually pneumatic fenders. However, they get their name from the manufacturer who first produced them. Yokohama Rubber Company made these pneumatic fenders back in 1958. They ensured these fenders fulfill internal standards and are of the highest quality. Due to this, these fenders were given the name Yokohama fenders.
If you look closely, both pneumatic and Yokohama fenders are the same. For example, both of these consist of compressed air in their inner layers. This layer consists of compressed air, which ensures its smooth working. Every Yokohama fender is actually a pneumatic fender made by the Yokohama company. However, not all the pneumatic fenders are Yokohama fenders. Why?
The reason is that different rubber fenders are manufactured around the world. All of them make decent-quality pneumatic fenders. However, since these fenders were made by a manufacturer other than Yokohama, they are not Yokohama fenders. Yokohama Rubber Company was first founded in 1917.
In the early days, this company manufactured various rubber products. Initially, they were not in the marine industry. Later in 1958, they first made the pneumatic fenders, which consisted of three layers. Their construction, properties, and overall shape were the same as those of regular pneumatic fenders.
However, this company used to follow international standards. This made these fenders durable, high-quality, and lasting for years. The regular pneumatic fenders cannot compete with Yokohama fenders. That’s because ordinary manufacturers do pay attention to quality, and so does Yokohama. In terms of functionality, both pneumatic and Yokohama fenders are the same (since both are pneumatic).
Differences Between Pneumatic and Yokohama Fenders
First things first – both pneumatic and Yokohama fenders are the same in terms of their functionality. They differ only in terms of who makes them. In the section below, I will discuss some other differences between these rubber fenders.
1- Functionality & Origin
The functionality of pneumatic and Yokohama fenders is the same since both are pneumatic. They consist of compressed air and are used to protect the ship or vessel from impact. They can be used for docks, ports, and STS operations. However, these marine fenders differ in origin. Yokohama is a Japanese company, which means Yokohama fenders are made in Japan. In contrast, regular pneumatic fenders can be made in any other country. These can include China, Japan, the United States, and the list goes on.
2- Compliance with International Standards
Regular pneumatic fenders are generally made without following any international standards. In other words, these are cheap copies that manufacturers make to increase their profitability. Therefore, they generally don’t follow international standards. However, the Yokohama Rubber Company adheres to international standards in manufacturing these fenders. Almost all Yokohama fenders comply with the ISO 17357 standard. Complying with these standards can be expensive, but it improves the quality of these fenders.
3- Better Quality (Premium Grade)
Different organizations have different standards. These standards consist of different rules about how a fender should be made. Manufacturers who follow these standards end up making high-quality fenders and vice versa. As I mentioned above, Yokohama is a well-known brand that adheres to international standards. So their fenders are high quality and perform better than other pneumatic fenders. In other words, Yokohama fenders are premium and last for years with better durability.
4- Branding and Company
Yokohama fenders come with specific branding, logo, and identity. These fenders can be identified by their branding elements alone. Additionally, these fenders follow a specific design philosophy or pattern. On the other hand, regular pneumatic fenders have no such branding. These fenders can be available in both standard and non-standard sizes and irregular shapes. However, Yokohama fenders are more consistent in size and shape.
5- Risk of Sudden Failure
Yokohama fenders come with warranty and lifespan claims of specific years. Within this span, these fenders won’t fail and will perform excellently. After specific years, you can change the fenders. However, there is no warranty for regular pneumatic fenders. Additionally, their risk of sudden failure is high, which is a major drawback. Imagine a fender fails when a ship collides with it. This can lead to deadly accidents, as ships may collide with docking structures due to fender failure.
6- High Prices & Regular Maintenance
Yokohama Company makes premium fenders but at a higher cost. The reason is that they follow international standards. Additionally, they also have an in-house team that checks quality and standards. These are some additional elements that increase the cost of these fenders. However, these fenders are durable and require no maintenance.
On the other hand, regular pneumatic fenders are a cheap alternative to Yokohama fenders. However, their quality is low due to their low pricing. As a result, these pneumatic fenders require regular maintenance, which is a major drawback. You’ll consider the cost of their maintenance when buying these fenders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why choose the Yokohama fender?
Yokohama fenders are made by the Japanese company Yokohama. They comply with the ISO 17357 international standard. This makes these fenders high quality, durable, and long-lasting. Additionally, Yokohama fenders generally do not fail, which is a big advantage. That’s why you should consider Yokohama fenders.
What are the different types of pneumatic fenders?
Pneumatic fenders contain compressed air. This air compresses, absorbs kinetic energy, and ensures the working of these fenders. The types of pneumatic fenders are as follows:
- Chain-tire-net (CTN) Pneumatic Fenders
- Hydro-pneumatic Fenders (consist of both air and water)
Conclusion
Let’s conclude – both pneumatic and Yokohama fenders are essentially the same. They are both pneumatic fenders and have the same construction and functionality. However, they differ in their origins and manufacturers. Yokohama fenders are made by the Japanese company Yokohama.
In contrast, regular pneumatic fenders can be made by any company. These fenders are a cheap alternative to Yokohama fenders. People on tight budgets opt for regular pneumatic fenders rather than Yokohama fenders. That’s because Yokohama fenders are very expensive, which can go beyond the budget of many.