How to Choose the Right Pneumatic Fender: A Practical Guide

How to Choose the Right Pneumatic Fender: A Practical Guide

 

Choosing the right pneumatic fender(also called Yokohama fender, marine fender, or floating pneumatic rubber fender) is essential for vessel safety, berthing efficiency, and long-term cost savings. This guide covers key selection factors, compares main product types, and shows you how to get a free, no-obligation technical proposal.

 

What Is a Pneumatic Fender?

A pneumatic fender is a marine fender that uses compressed air as a buffer. It is a floating fender consisting of a multi-layer rubber structure with an internal air chamber. It is suitable for ship-to-ship(STS) and ship-to-dock (STD) operations, providing high energy absorption and low reaction force to protect both the hull and the berthing structure.

 

Key features include:

Floating Pneumatic Fender: Floats on water and adapts to tide changes.

Yokohama Type Pneumatic Fender: A globally used standard for large tankers, container ships, and offshore platforms.

Ship Pneumatic Fender: A general term for marine rubber fenders installed on ships or docks.

 

7 Key Factors for Choosing the Right Pneumatic Fender

1. Vessel Type & Size (DWT, Length, Draft)

The vessel’s deadweight tonnage (DWT), length, and draft determine the required energy absorption. Larger vessels need larger pneumatic fenders with higher guaranteed energy absorption (GEA). A table of recommended fender dimensions (D×L) is available for quick selection based on ship displacement.

2. Berthing Conditions (Velocity & Angle)

The calculation of berthing energy (E) must account for the relative approach velocity and berthing angle. Higher energy requires larger pneumatic fenders or a greater number of them. Fender performance curves provide the data for this selection.

 

3. Application: Ship-to-Ship vs. Ship-to-Dock

Ship-to-Ship (STS): Select primary and secondary fenders based on OCIMF guidelines and ship displacement.

Ship-to-Dock (STD): Consider the quay type, water depth, and tidal range. Floating pneumatic fenders are ideal for large tidal variations.

4. Environment (Waves, Wind, Current)

Harsher conditions (wind, waves, currents) increase impact energy. In such cases, choose larger fender sizes or a higher initial pressure (e.g., Pneumatic 80). For exposed berths, opt for heavy-duty fenders with chain and tire nets.

5. Fender Type: Net Type vs. Sling Type

Feature	Net Type (CTN)	Sling Type
Structure	Fender body + outer protection net (chains & tires)	Fender body with end flanges and shackles for direct lifting
Protection	Excellent abrasion and impact resistance	Lighter, no heavy net
Best For	Heavy-duty applications: large container ships, tankers, STS operations	Sheltered waters, lighter vessels, temporary operations, easy handling
Handling	Heavier, requires cranes or lifting gear.	Easier to handle and install

6. Size & Initial Pressure (50kPa vs. 80kPa)

Size (D×L): Common diameters range from 0.5m to 4.5m, and lengths up to 12m. Larger sizes are used for larger ships and higher energy absorption.

Initial Pressure: 50kPa** (Pneumatic 50) is for standard applications. 80kPa (Pneumatic 80) offers higher capacity per unit volume for tight spaces.

7. Certifications & Standards

Ensure the fender complies with ISO 17357 and has certifications from ABS, LR, BV, CCS, DNV, RMRS, etc. Certified fenders meet strict safety and performance requirements, which is crucial for international projects and insurance.

 

Pneumatic Fender vs. Foam-Filled Fender

Feature	Pneumatic Fender	Foam-Filled Fender
Structure	Compressed air inside a rubber chamber	Solid foam core inside a PU or rubber skin
Energy Absorption	Very high	High, but generally lower than a similarly sized pneumatic fender
Maintenance	Requires regular pressure checks and inspections.	Virtually maintenance-free, no risk of deflation.
Best For	Large ships, STS, high-energy impacts,temporary operations.	Small to medium vessels, permanent installations, low-maintenance needs.

 

 

Get a Free, No-Obligation Technical Proposal

Choosing the right pneumatic fender is a technical decision. To make it easy, our engineers provide a free, no-obligation technical proposal and quotation.

To get started, simply reply with the following information:

Vessel type & DWT / LOA / Draft**

Application: STS or STD

Berth conditions: Max. wave height, wind speed, tides

Preferred fender type: Net type or Sling type

Any special requirements: Certificates, specific pressure, etc.

We will recommend the optimal fender size, quantity, and layout, and provide a detailed quotation with performance data.