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Writer's pictureESC Group

Choosing the Right Marine Fender

Updated: Dec 27, 2021


pneumatic fender

Marine Fender Systems used in the Maritime Industry has evolved throughout time. Utilization of readily available materials such as woods or logs, rope paddings, and used tires has been seen in the earlier centuries. More advanced concepts however have emerged in the contemporary period giving us wide range of marine rubber fenders variety at present.


Marine Fender Manufacturers did not fail to devise and innovate options for Maritime Companies and Authorities in catering the needs of the Industry especially in their quest for loss prevention, in money, time, & human life.


Marine Fender Systems nowadays are highly effective, long lasting, while maintained economical and practical. As assurance measure, marine fenders are installed permanently at the hull or head of a vessel itself and at berthing structures to prevent or minimize damages in cases of collisions or overshooting.


With the vast number of options available in market today, choosing the best material and system for a certain application is a valuable key in a project’s success. As an unselfish contribution, ESC has derived a guide incorporating necessary details and parameters about the products and systems that enables clients to get started on their sourcing process.


Marine Fender Type: Cone Fender

cone fender installation

Features: Considered the most modern and has the highest energy to reaction ratios of any fender currently in use. The high efficiency of the fender allows a smaller, less costly, rubber fender to be installed. They are equipped with large front panels to distribute the reaction force keeping the hull pressure low & distributed.



Marine Fender Type: Cell Fender

cell fender

Features: Known to be the most commonly used fenders which displays the lowest reaction force per unit energy absorbed among all types. They are the most durable rubber fenders available and are currently the largest moulded fenders made.




Marine Fender Type: Arch Fender

arch fender

Features: Simple, one-piece fender units that provides incredible shear resistance. The distinct shape of these fenders helps them dissipate the stress evenly. These are most reliable fenders which serve their purpose effectively even in severe most conditions. Can be installed horizontally or vertically.


Marine Fender Type: Element Fender

element fender

Features: Element fender provides a compact solution for the mounting of fenders in limited areas. They are one of the most durable type which can be installed horizontally or vertically.





Marine Fender Type: Square / D-Type Marine Fender

square fender

Features: Compression-moulded rubber fenders which are directly fastened to structures using bolt fasteners. They are used in tough & demanding environment, designed to operate in harsh conditions, and has great shear resistance and durability.





Marine Fender Type: Pneumatic Fender

pneumatic fender

Features: Marine fenders used as anti-collision devices preventing ship-to-ship contacts. These  floating fender also serves as additional fender system when existing ones at the dock are not enough. Extensively used in ship to ship transfers at open seas, double banking operations, and vessel-to-berth at jetties.


Marine Fender Type: Foam Filled Fender

foam filled fender

Features: Floating type compression fender alternative and works comparably to pneumatic fenders. It consists of an outer polyurethane protective layer, a reinforced rubber nylon cord fabric, and internal space that is filled with foam to absorb impact.




Marine Fender Type: Roller Fender

roller fender

Features: Roller fenders are mostly not designed to absorb high impacts. They are designed to guide vessels in narrow canals


Type by Material: Foam or Rubber Fender

Type by Area of Application: Dock Fender

Accessories: Anchorages

Advantages:

* Low in maintenance. * Their elastomer can turn on its axis in contact with moving ships, helping them move away from the protected line.



Recommended Application: Protection of corners or similar on docks. They are most applicable in dry docks, ship repair yards, and other passage ways.

Marine Fender Type: Cylindrical Fender

cylindrical fender

Features: Extruded cylindrical fenders are simple yet commonly used when talking about safe berthing for different kinds of vessels. They are highly durable against long periods of heavy use. They can be placed diagonally if required.

Type by Material: Rubber Fender

Type by Area of Application: Dock Fender

Accessories: Chain Anchors


Advantages: Very economic design solution in protecting berthing structures. Low maintenance due to easy installation/uninstallation and less steel parts.


Recommended Application: Very wide range of applications & sizes of ships depending on size of fender. Tug havens, general cargo quays, pontoons, piers, cargo berths, fishing berths.


ESC Group, in partnership with PIANC accredited Manufacturers, has over 20 years of experience delivering cost effective marine fender system solutions at competitive prices to Asia, North America, Central & South America, Europe and Middle East. ESC's global network provides an end-to-end solution that is customized to project requirements providing detailed support in close proximity to its valuable clients.


ESC has also developed a tool that aids in calculating berthing loads for the project's complete vessel range which are then used to specify the optimal fender configuration which includes - marine rubber fender selection, frontal panel sizing and location, chain and anchor design and if appropriate cathodic protection design.


Should you require our expertise, please email us at info@escmarinesystems.com or visit our website www.escmarinesystems.com for more information.


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