Marine fenders are safety equipment and are technically compulsory for every vessel. They typically act as a cushion between ships and berthing areas. During docking and mooring, when a boat arrives at a pier, it experiences a sudden hit. Marine fenders generally play a crucial role in absorbing the impact.
The main job of ship fenders is to keep the damage to the ship and the pier to a minimum. They also contribute significantly to overall marine safety by absorbing the kinetic energy of the boats. This absorption generally reduces the structural damage of your boat.
Boat fenders come in many shapes and sizes. These shapes and sizes are usually made to fit different kinds of boats. They also take part in the overall cost of your business. It’s a very important part of making your boats and docks last longer. This way, you can save a considerable amount of maintenance costs.
What are Marine Fenders?
Marine fenders are typically energy-absorbing devices. They protect ships and docks as a barrier between the vessel and the pier. Marine fenders’ main job is to reduce the impact during docking and mooring. When impact, it absorbs the kinetic energy of moving ships. This absorption will prevent damage to both the boat and the structure.
Ship fenders generally distribute the impact force over a large area. This even distribution helps protect your ship hull and the dock from cracks, dents, or other damage. Without fenders, the pressure from docking can cause problems you may not want.
Marine fenders have evolved significantly. In the past, people used wood or bundles of rope as fenders. Although they can provide basic protection, that isn’t enough for continuous operations. Modern ship fenders are made from rubbers, foams, or composites. These materials can absorb much more energy. Also, you can use them in harsh environments. Some fenders may also be equipped with steel panels. The addition of these reinforcement materials typically improves their performance.
Over the years, fender technology has advanced significantly. Engineers now design fenders to meet specific needs. What type of vessel are you using? How about the design? What size are you looking for? Jerry Borg Marine offers a whole package of services, from computer modeling to testing. JBM fenders are more reliable and efficient.
How to Choose the Right Marine Fenders
Marine fenders are not limited to a single shape and size. They can be of various types, shapes, quality, and materials. You must find the most appropriate one to get the best result on your boat or ship. In this case, you must consider a few factors to find the most suitable one. Selecting the right marine fender is crucial for safe and efficient docking.
Type and Size of Vessels
What kind of marine fenders you need depends on the boat’s type and size. When bigger ships arrive and depart, they release more kinetic energy. You’ll need the right size of marine fenders to handle this much force. You can generally categorize vessels into three main types: small, medium, and large.
Yachts or fishing boats are considered small boats. They typically need smaller fenders. These are lightweight and easy to handle. For these boats, you will typically need cylindrical or foam fenders.
Cargos or ferries are mainly considered boats or ships of average size. Here, the vessels are often subjected to large impact forces. Therefore, more massive fenders are typically required. In general, cone or arch fenders are used for cargo ships.
The ship’s hull shape also matters when you choose the marine fenders. Flat-sided ships often need fenders that can evenly distribute impact. However, the choice of fenders is also different for curved or angle hulls.
Which type of Marine Fenders
Did you observe how the marine industry evolved? From the sixteenth century to today, this industry has made significant progress. Walking along with the technology today, you will find many vessels navigating rivers, seas, and oceans.
This diverse market exists due to solid communication between countries. New technology has sped up transmission and made ships safer and more functional. This market is growing, which helps trade and communication around the world. Because of this, marine fenders come in many types to meet this vast market.
Diversity exists because docking conditions and vessel types vary. The following three categories are the most common in the marine industry.
Pneumatic Fenders
Pneumatic fenders are manufactured to be inflatable and flexible. As the name suggests, they are filled with high-pressure air. The materials used for these items are mostly rubber. However, these marine fenders are widely prevalent in large ships and boats.
Foam Filled Fenders
Foam-filled fenders are durable, unsinkable, lightweight, and need little maintenance. They work well for small—to medium-sized vessels in marinas or docks. Two of the most common types are workboat rendering systems and donut fenders.
The workboat rendering system is typically designed for tugboats and workboats. It usually provides continuous protection during vessel operations. These marine fenders are durable and can handle repeated impacts.
Donut fenders are typically circular and fit around monopiles. They rotate and slide to protect vessels during berthing. This unique design technically makes these marine fenders ideal for areas with strong tides.
Marine Rubber Fenders
Rubber fenders are the most popular type of marine fenders. Rubber lasts a long time and works well in various conditions. Marine rubber fenders come in several different styles. Cell, cone, arch, ME, and D are well-known.
Remember that each type of fender is used for a different thing. If you can successfully choose the right one, you can eventually ensure the safety and efficiency of docking.
- Cell Fender offers high energy absorption and is used for large vessels.
- Cone fenders provide excellent stability and performance. These marine fenders are ideal for heavy-traffic ports.
- Arch fenders are robust and compact. These marine fenders are suitable for narrow berths.
- ME rubber fenders and D fenders are lightweight and easy to install. They are commonly used in small to medium-sized docks and pontoons.
Berthing Condition
The type of berthing also significantly impacts the choice of marine fenders. In this case, the depth of the water, the waves, and the weather are very important.
When the tide is higher, shields are usually needed to cover a larger area. In this case, you can pay attention to the highest tide.
The depth of the water may limit the type of fenders you can use. In this case, the best fenders are those with a low shape.
Marine fenders must be robust enough to withstand bad weather, such as high winds or waves. When this happens, docking forces usually get stronger.
Berthing speed produces varying impacts. Ships approaching at higher speeds create more energy. In such cases, marine fenders that can absorb this last longer.
Marine Fenders Materials
The materials used in fenders tell you how long you can use them. Each material, in this case, offers unique pros and cons. Note that the choice of material mainly depends on the docking environments and the type of vessel you are using. Rubber fenders are great for ports with heavy traffic. On the other hand, foam fenders might do better for small marinas.
- Rubber fenders are the most common ones here. They are flexible, durable, and absorb energy well, so people prefer using them for heavy-duty applications.
- Foam fenders are filled with foam. Technically, these fenders are lightweight. They are also resistant to punctures and can handle moderate impacts.
- Composite fenders are known for their strength and flexibility. You can use them in harsh environments.
- Pneumatic fenders are made from reinforced rubber. They are highly elastic and can withstand extreme forces.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Difference Between a Fender and a Bumper?
Both a fender and a bumper are used for protection. People generally know them as components of automotive vehicles, but they are also critical in marine vessels.
A fender protects the wheels and body of the car and vessel. It plays a crucial role in protecting the ship from impact and damage caused when berthing. Conversely, a bumper is a protective structure on the front or rear of a vehicle. It absorbs impact during minor collisions.
What is a Mooring Fender?
A mooring fender is a critical component used in marine environments. It is placed on docks, piers, or ships to prevent damage during mooring. These fenders absorb the impact of the vessel against the dock or another boat. As mentioned in the above sections, they come in various types.
What are Fender Panels?
Fender panels are parts of a vehicle’s body that cover the wheel arches. In the case of vessels, they are protective structures used with mooring fenders. They are typically large, flat panels made of primarily metals.
Get in Touch With Us!
Jerry Borg Marine is a leading manufacturer of marine fenders, airbags, hoses, and buoys. If you want high-quality marine fenders, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our professional team of experts can he