8 Tips for Ship Launching via Rubber Inflatables

Introduction

In shipbuilding, ship launching is a critical step. It affects the safety, cost, and timing of the entire project. Traditional dry docks are expensive to build and maintain, and they are not suitable for every shipyard.

Today, many shipyards choose a better solution: ship launching with rubber inflatables, also called marine airbags or marine rubber rollers bags. These airbags reduce costs, improve efficiency, and make launching safer and easier. NANHAI offers strong, certified airbags to help shipyards around the world launch their vessels quickly and safely.

Why This Topic Is Urgent Now

Shipyards face high competition and rising costs. They need faster and safer ways to launch ships. For example, a shipyard in Southeast Asia launched multiple 2,000-ton barges using marine airbags. This saved them 30% in costs and 10 days per ship compared to using a dry dock.

At the same time, governments want shipyards to follow stricter environmental rules. Marine airbags do not cause oil pollution like traditional slipways. This makes airbag launching a smart, modern choice.

8 Practical Tips for Using Marine Airbags for Ship Launching

1. Choose the Right Size and Layers

Each ship has a different weight and shape. You must choose airbags with the right diameter, length, and number of layers. Common sizes:

• Diameter: 0.8m to 3.0m
• Length: up to 24m
• Layers: 4 to 12 (more layers = stronger)

Send your ship data to NANHAI. We help you pick the correct airbags.

2. Place the Airbags Evenly

You must place the airbags evenly under the ship. This spreads the weight across all airbags and keeps the ship stable during launching. Use a guiding airbag at the front and back to help steer the ship straight.

3. Control the Air Pressure

Don’t overfill the airbags. The usual working pressure is 0.07 to 0.18 MPa. NANHAI airbags come with safety valves and pressure indicators to keep pressure safe and stable.

4. Check for Leaks Before Use

Before launching, check every airbag. Inflate each one and watch for pressure drop. If the pressure drops more than 5% in 1 hour, there may be a leak. You can use soapy water or a leak detector.

5. Use Multi-layer Airbags for Strength

Our airbags have strong tire-cord layers. Choose 6 to 12 layers based on your ship’s weight. More layers mean better durability. One NANHAI airbag can last 80–100 launches with good care.

6. Select High-quality Rubber

Our airbags use natural rubber with strong tensile strength (≥18 MPa) and high stretch (≥400%). This makes them tough, flexible, and weather-resistant.

7. No Dry Dock? No Problem!

You don’t need a slipway or dry dock to use marine airbags. You can launch ships from simple concrete or flat ground. Just use a crane or winch. This saves time and money.

8. Store and Maintain Your Airbags

After use, clean the airbags and keep them in a dry, cool place. Avoid sun, oil, or chemicals. With proper care, airbags can last up to 10 years.

Why Choose NANHAI Marine Airbags?

• Custom solutions for each ship type and size
• Trusted by over 50 countries, certified by ISO14409, CCS, ABS, BV
• High-quality control for every material and product
• 24/7 engineer support for safety and technical advice

FAQ

Q1: Why use marine airbags instead of a dry dock?

Answer: Marine airbags are cheaper, faster, and easier to use. You don’t need a large dry dock or slipway. It’s a good option for small and medium shipyards.

Q2: How do marine airbags work for launching ships?

Answer: Marine airbags are placed under the ship. When filled with air, they lift and roll the ship into the water. They reduce stress on the ship’s bottom and provide a smooth launch.

Q3: How many airbags do I need for my ship?

Answer: It depends on your ship’s weight, size, and hull shape. Normally, you place one airbag every 1 to 1.5 meters under the ship, plus 2–3 spare airbags.

Q4: How many times can I reuse a marine rubber airbag?

Answer: A good-quality airbag from NANHAI can be reused 80 to 100 times with proper use and storage.

Q5: Are there international standards for marine airbags?

Answer: Yes. Standards like ISO14409 and ISO17682 ensure the safety and performance of marine airbags.

Contact NANHAI Today for a Free Quote and Plan!

We have more than 10 years of experience in ship launching with rubber airbags. Whether you are launching a new ship or doing repair work, we can provide the best airbag solution for your needs.
Contact us now to get your free custom plan and price!