Pneumatic Fenders
Pneumatic Rubber fenders have been in use for around 50 years. The development of the Pneumatic Fender has progressed through the years in conjunction
with the changing shapes, designs and size of ships and ship technology. These
days Pneumatic Fenders are widely used in the off-shore transfer of oil and other chemicals. For gas, bulk, car and passenger carriers and on many installations
of floating structures, pontoon and off-sore platforms.
Pneumatic Fenders are constructed of three vulcanized layers each providing an
important function in the construction and lifespan of the fender. The three layers are (1) the inner rubber layer (2) the cord layers of reinforcement and (3)
the outer rubber layer.
The outer rubber layer has a special compound that provides extra tensile and
tear strength to protect the fender from harsh weather conditions and heavy
usage whilst the inner rubber layer is specifically designed to seal the air inside
and to prevent any leakage much like the inner tube of a tire. The reinforcement layer has cross hatched synthetic tire cord designed to evenly distribute
the stress.
By sandwiching the reinforcing cord layer between the inner and outer rubber
layers it is protected from abrasion and degradation from outside forces. The
reinforcement is specifically designed to be pressure holding and fatigue resistant.
Pneumatic Fenders Performance 50 kPa Pressure Fenders
The performance of Pneumatic Fenders can be modified by changing the internal operating pressure of the fender.
There are two standard internal pressure ratings 50kPa and 80kPa.
Performance figures based on 60% deflection.
Size
DxL
E
R
Hull
Valve Test
Size
Pressure
DxL
kNm
kN
kPa
kPa
kPa
0.5x1.0
6
64
132
200 2.0x3.5
0.66x1.1
8
74
126
200 2.5x4.0
0.7x1.5
17
137
135
200 2.5x5.5
1.0x1.5
32
182
122
200 3.3x4.5
1.0x2.0
45
257
132
200 3.3x6.5
1.2x2.0
63
297
126
200 3.3x10.6
1.35x2.5 102
427
130
200 4.5x9.0
1.5x3.0 153
579
132
200 4.5x12.0
1.7x3.0 191
639
128
200
Performance figures based on 60% deflection.
E
R
kNm
kN
308
875
663
1381
943
2019
1175 1884
1814 3015
3067 5257
4752 5747
6473 7984
Hull
Valve Test
Pressure
kPa
kPa
kPa
128
200
137
175
250
148
175
250
130
175
250
146
175
250
158
175
250
146
175
250
154
175
250
Pneumatic Fenders Performance 80 kPa Pressure Fenders
The performance of Pneumatic Fenders can be modified by changing the internal operating pressure of the fender.
There are two standard internal pressure ratings 50kPa and 80kPa.
Size
DxL
E
R
Hull
Valve Test
Size
Pressure
DxL
kNm
kN
kPa
kPa
kPa
0.5x1.0
8
85
174
250 2.0x3.5
0.66x1.1 11
98
166
250 2.5x4.0
0.7x1.5
24
180
177
250 2.5x5.5
1.0x1.5
45
239
160
250 3.3x4.5
1.0x2.0
63
338
174
250 3.3x6.5
1.2x2.0
88
390
166
250 3.3x10.6
1.35x2.5 142
561
170
250 4.5x9.0
1.5x3.0 214
761
174
250 4.5x12.0
1.7x3.0 267
840
168
250
Performance figures based on 60% deflection.
E
R
kNm
kN
430
1150
925
1815
1317 2653
1640 2476
2532 3961
4281 6907
6633 7551
9037 10490
Hull
Valve Test
Pressure
kPa
kPa
kPa
168
250
180
230
300
195
230
300
171
230
300
191
230
300
208
230
300
192
230
300
202
230
300
Pneumatic Fenders Physical Properties
As standard the fender dimensions are give as diameter x length and in millimeters.
The dimensions given are for the body only part of the fender.
The weight is shown for the two standard type of fender, net less ‘Sling’ type
and Chain and Tyre Net (CTN) type.
Wire Netted and Rope Netted fenders are available on request
Body Dia- Body
meter
Length
(mm)
(mm)
500
1000
660
1100
700
1500
1000
1500
1000
2000
1200
2000
1350
2500
1500
3000
1700
3000
2000
3500
2500
4000
2500
5500
3300
4500
3300
6500
3300
10600
4500
9000
4500
12000
Weight Sling Weight CTN
Type
Type
50kPa (kgs) 50kPa (kgs)
32
110
34
125
55
150
98
200
113
220
156
320
240
350
290
530
330
580
465
960
1080
1240
1320
1850
1840
1710
2250
2570
3060
4660
5390
6990
Weight Sling
Type
80kPa (kgs)
32
34
55
98
113
156
240
290
330
465
1080
1320
1840
2250
3060
-
Weight CTN
Type
80kPa (kgs)
110
125
150
200
220
320
350
530
580
960
1240
1850
1710
2570
4660
5390
6990
Pneumatic Fenders Variations
CTN Type
Pneumatic Fenders are usually supplied with a protective Chain & Tyre Net
(CTN) fitted around the body giving extra protection to the body of the fender.
The CTN is constructed of galvanised chain and shackles covered at the joins
with used truck tyres (or aircraft tyres on request) and along the length of the
chain with rubber tubes. Anti-scratch matting can also be supplied inside the
tyre centers for added protection if required. On smaller diameter fenders a
chain net or rope net can also be supplied.
Sling Type
Pneumatic Fenders that are supplied without a factory fitted CTN are referred
to as a sling type, this fender has modified end fittings allowing the fender to be
lifted and installed efficiently.
RIB Type
If a low-maintenance options is desired the fender body can be manufactured
with reinforced rubber ribs crossing the body in a grid format. This provides extra protection for the fender body but does not suffer the wear and tear of conventional CTN protection.
Fender body color
Various color’s can be achieved on the outer layer of the fender providing for
berth identification or corporate branding. As standard the fenders are supplied
in Black but the can be offered in Orange, Red, Grey, Cream or other colours
upon request.
Pneumatic Fenders Light Weight - Performance
The performance of our light weight Pneumatic Fenders can be modified by
changing the internal operating pressure of the fender.
There are two standard internal pressure ratings 50kPa and 80kPa. The following table gives the relevant performance figures and weight for each type.
Size
DxL
50 kPa Pressure Fenders
Internal E
R
Hull
Weight Test
PressuPressure
re
kPa
kNm kN
kPa
Kgs
0.5x1.0 50
6
64
132
20
0.7x1.5 50
17
137
135
40
1.0x1.5 50
32
182
122
60
Performance figures based on 60% deflection.
80 kPa Pressure Fenders
Internal E
R
Hull
Weight Test
PressuPressure
re
kPa
kPa
200
80
200
80
200
80
kNm
8
24
45
kN
85
180
239
kPa
174
177
160
Kgs
25
45
65
kPa
250
250
25
Pneumatic Fenders Light Weight - Description & Properties
Our light weight fenders are designed with convenience in mind. They are
strong but portable and ideal for use with small pleasure craft, cruise ships,
work boats and naval vessels. These fenders come in a range of sizes and options of black or grey rubber. Additional equipment such as rope or wire nets,
mooring lines and protective covers are also available upon request.
Physical Properties
As standard the fender dimensions are give as diameter x length and are in millimeters.
The dimensions given are for the body only part of the fender.
The fenders do not have a central tensioning member and are therefore referred to as ‘Body Only’ type as opposed to ‘Sling’ type.
Body Diameter
(mm)
500
700
1000
Body Length
(mm)
1000
1500
1500
Weight Body Only type
50kPa (kgs)
20
40
60
Weight Body Only type
80kPa (kgs)
25
45
65
Pneumatic Fenders Hydro-Pneumatic vertical fenders
Our range of Hydro-pneumatic fenders are designed to be installed vertically
making them ideal for use with submarines or vessels whose impact point is
likely to be below the waterline such as Catamarans, Semi-Submersible
platforms and Drilling Rigs.
The fenders are manufactured with a water tight bladder inside that has external access points for ballasting and trimming.
The bottom end of the fender is fitted with an additional ballast weight to prevent the fender from flipping.
The fenders can be installed on most Quay structures and come in a range of
sizes to suit the application and a range of vessels.
Pneumatic Fenders Hydro-Pneumatic Fender Performance
Hydro-Pneumatic Fender – Performance
The performance of our light weight Pneumatic Fenders can be modified by
changing the internal operating pressure of the fender.
There are two standard internal pressure ratings 50kPa and 80kPa. The following table gives the relevant performance figures and weight for each type.
50 kPa Pressure Fenders
80 kPa Pressure Fenders
(Water 60% / Deflection 40%)
(Water 60% / Deflection 40%)
Size
Internal E
R
Hull
Body
Test
Internal E
R
Hull
Body
Test
PressuPressuPressuPressuDxL
re
re
Weight
re
re
Weight
kPa
kNm
kN
kPa
Kgs
kPa
kPa
kNm
kN
kPa
Kgs
kPa
1.7x7.2
50
107
625
164
940
200
80
140
821
215
1140
250
2.0x6.0
50
123
610
163
930
200
80
161
802
214
1100
250
2.5x5.5
50
171
681
158
1300
250
80
225
895
208
1460
300
2.5x9.1
50
303
1206
170
2300
250
80
398
1584
223
2480
300
3.3x6.5
50
338
1017
152
2200
250
80
443
1336
199
2520
300
3.3x10.6
50
617
1860
170
4200
250
80
811
2443
223
4700
300
4.5x9.0
50
995
2158
170
5000
250
80
1307
2888
228
5500
300
4.5x12.0
50
1315
2906
172
7000
250
80
1728
3817
226
7600
300
Performance figures based on water ballast 60% and deflection 40%
Pneumatic Fenders Hydro-Pneumatic Fender – Physical Properties
Hydro-Pneumatic Fender – Physical Properties
As standard the fender dimensions are give as diameter x length and are in millimeters. The dimensions given are for the body only part of the fender.
Body Diameter
(mm)
1700
2000
2500
2500
3300
3300
4500
4500
Body Length
(mm)
7200
6000
5500
9100
6500
10600
9000
12000
Weight of Body
50kPa (kgs)
940
930
1300
2300
2200
4200
5000
7000
Weight of body
80kPa (kgs)
1140
1100
1460
2480
2520
4700
5500
7600
Pneumatic Fenders Quality
We understand how important it is to design, manufacture and supply high
quality and reliable fenders that can be put into service in the harshest environments with confidence.
This is why all our fenders manufactured since 2002 have been accredited and
certified to the international standard ISO17357. This is not a standard that you
have to ask for with us, this is something we supply as standard across our
range to ensure quality in materials and reliability in service.
We employ a strict in-house quality assurance program backed up with a detailed report available to all customers along with a third party inspection of
our manufacturing processes, material sourcing and finished product testing. With over 10 years experience in the supply of Pneumatic Fenders for Ship-toship use and for ship-to-shore use it is important to us that we supply high
quality products that will perform as required to back up our reputation as a
leading supplier of high quality fenders.
Lower quality materials and cheaper products that are not manufactured to the
highest standards can often fail at critical moments such as during the transfer
of crude oil in exposed location; such an accident can lead to environmental
damage as well as expensive and timely repairs or worst still health and safety
considerations for personnel working in the environment.
This is why we take quality so seriously and why every single fender fully complies with the requirements of ISO17357.
Pneumatic Fenders Installation - Ship to Ship & Ship to Shore applications
Ship to Ship applications
After selection of the correct size fender suitable for the combined energy of
the two vessels (calculations can be found here>>) the fenders should be equally spaced along the length of the smallest vessel. At each end it is recommended that a smaller secondary fender is installed to protect against rolling due to
swell and wind during transfer operations. The fenders can be slung individually
from mooring points along the deck or all linked together in a line fastened only
at each end of the vessel. Davits can be installed along the deck to assist in mobilisation and securing of fender for use. Please see the installation diagrams
below for more details. Further detail can be found in the Transfer Guide published by the International Chamber of Shipping. Mooring equipment suggestions along with a table of recommended dimensions and capacities can be
found here >>
Ship to Shore applications
For installation in tidal locations it is recommended that the fender is mounted
to the quay at the midpoint of high and low tide, this allows the fender to rise
and fall on tides with the least amount of slack in the moorings. Alternatively
the fenders can be slung from mooring points along the top of the quay including mooring rings, mooring bollards or specially installed brackets. If the fenders are installed on a dolphin then the mooring lines can be installed along the
side walls of the dolphin moving them well clear of the berthing surface. It is
important to note that the fender will significantly change shape under full
compression so a sufficient flat surface clear of protrusions is required for installation. It is not recommended to install pneumatic fenders onto mono-pile
structures. Mooring equipment suggestions along with a table of recommended dimensions and capacities can be found here >>
Pneumatic Fenders Maintenance
Maintenance
For continued performance during service and longevity of life it is important
that all pneumatic fenders are maintained on a regular basis. If done to the recommended schedule given at time of purchase then the cost of maintaining the
fenders can be kept to a minimum. If access to the fenders location or ability to
carry our regular maintenance is difficult such as offshore applications and remote installations then our ribbed fender can offer a reduced maintenance option. In the unlikely event of serious damage where a onsite repair is needed
our site crew can be available for repair or maintenance. Our fenders are supplied with tools for inflation and basic repairs.
Tel. +45 33 26 63 00, Fax +45 33 26 63 01, Email [email protected], Scandiagade 25, DK-2450 København SV