Introduction and Maintenance of Marine Rubber Fenders

Introduction and Maintenance of Marine Rubber Fender

What is the purpose of the marine fenders?

Marine Rubber fenders are a type of marine equipment that are used to prevent ships, boats and other naval vessels from colliding against each other or against docks, wharves and piers. They are also known as marine bumper. 

How to choose the best rubber for marine working environment?

When choosing marine rubber,considering the material composition is fundamental. Nitrile rubber, silicone rubber, and EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) are popular choices for their resilience to water, weathering, and temperature fluctuations.

How to do maintenance work for marine fenders?

Taidun Marine rubber fenders are widely used in ports, marinas, and other docking facilities to protect ships and ports from being damaged during berthing operations. Natural factors, such as large waves and strong winds, usually have the biggest contribution to damaging both the vessel and port. Marine rubber fenders are an integral part of safe harbor operation and are used to protect vessels and ports from the damaging effects of contact between them. They also help to minimize the risk of potential accidents and injuries due to contact between ships and ports.Hence, in order to protect both assets, it is recommended that marine rubber fender is installed in every port and dock. Rubber fender is available in various types and sizes. Marine rubber fenders are designed to deform elastically and absorb the energy of the impacting vessel. Several factors which must be considered in choosing the right type of rubber fender are: type of dock, type and configuration of vessels that moor, and the berthing speed.

At the same time, marine rubber fenders are an affordable and effective solution to reduce the risk of costly repairs and downtime while providing a safe and secure port environment.

Rubber fenders are always in contact with the corrosive sea water. Therefore, sufficient maintenance is required in order to have long lasting rubber fenders. The main key to marine fender maintenance lies in the anchor maintenance. Anchor, made of galvanized iron, is used to attach fenders onto the pier wall. Following installation, anchors and fenders do not require any special treatment. However, the anchors need to be periodically checked to make sure that they are still in a good condition, for instance, the anchors are not rusty and still in their perfect shape (no breakage). Rust weakens the strength of the anchor, which can yield the fender to partially or even fully collapse from the pier wall. On the other hand, the rubber fender itself does not need special maintenance as the formula of the rubber contain antioxidant and anti ozone to protect the rubber from oxidation and degradation due to ultraviolet radiation and ozone.

In conclusion, the maintenance of marine fender depends on the maintenance of the anchors. It is true that anchors are only the accessories of the fender; however, they are as important. Therefore, to have a long lasting marine fender system, these two components must be monitored continuously.