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What Is The Rubber Fender?

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A rubber fender (also called a marine fender) is a critical safety device made of specialized rubber, used in ports, docks, and ships to absorb impact energy during vessel berthing (docking) or ship-to-ship operations. Its primary purpose is to protect both the vessel and the dock structure from damage caused by collision forces.


Core Purpose & How It Works


  • Energy Absorption:

When a ship docks, its kinetic energy (from momentum, wind, or currents) is converted into heat through rubber compression. This reduces impact force by 50–80%, preventing structural damage.

Formula: Kinetic Energy = 1/2(mass × velocity²).

Example: A 50,000-ton ship docking at 0.3 m/s generates ~2,250 kJ of energy – absorbed by the fender.

  • Protection:

Prevents dents in ship hulls, cracks in concrete docks, and deformation of steel piers.


Key Features & Materials


ASPECT DETAILS
Material

High-grade synthetic rubber (e.g.,EPDM for UV/salt resistance, CR for oil resistance) + embedded steel plates/fabric layers for strength.

Critical Traits - Seawater/UV/ozone resistant

- Operates in -40°C to +70°C

- Low rebound force (avoids "bounce-back" damage)

- Long lifespan (5–15 years)

Not Automotive! Different from car bumpers– marine fenders handletons of force(e.g., 1,000+ kN) in harsh saltwater environments.


Common Types & Uses


TYPE

BEST FOR VISUAL CLUE

D-Shaped 


Small/medium docks, cost-effective Flat back, curved front (like "D")

Cylindrical 

Large ships (tankers/cruise ships), 360° impact Tube-shaped, often hung vertically

Pneumatic 

Floating docks, tidal zones

Air-filled, adjusts to water level


Why It Matters


  • Prevents Costly Damage: A single unprotected docking can cause $100,000+ in repairs (e.g., hull deformation, dock collapse).

  • Safety Compliance: Required by international standards (ISO 17357, PIANC guidelines) for all major ports.

  • Efficiency: Enables faster, safer berthing – critical for busy ports handling 100+ ships daily.


Key Industries Using Rubber Fenders

  • Ports & Harbors (container terminals, oil jetties)

  • Shipyards (during vessel construction/maintenance)

  • Offshore Platforms (FPSOs, LNG terminals)

  • Naval Fleets (warship docking)


In Simple Terms

Think of a rubber fender as a "shock absorber for ships" – it’s the thick, black, often cylindrical/ring-shaped rubber block you see lining docks or hanging from ships. When vessels touch it, the rubber squishes to safely soak up the crash, like a pillow for giants.


JIER MARINE is the leading global manufacturer of high performance marine fender system and mooring bollard system, specializing in the design, manufacture and sale of rubber fenders and fender system and bollard system with over 20 years of experience in the engineering and manufacture of rubber fenders and bollards and the related marine accessories.

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