Floating Fenders

Floating fenders are a type of protective equipment used primarily for marine applications to prevent damage to vessels and docking structures during docking and undocking operations. They are designed to float on water, which allows them to easily adapt to varying water levels and vessel movements. Floating fenders are commonly used in ports, harbors, docks, and ship-to-ship (STS) transfer operations.

Key Features of Floating Fenders:

1. Buoyancy: Floating fenders are made with materials that ensure buoyancy, enabling them to remain on the water’s surface and protect vessels from direct contact with piers or other ships.
2. Shape: They are typically cylindrical or spherical in shape, which helps distribute the impact forces evenly.
3. Material: Common materials for floating fenders include rubber (often reinforced with steel) and polyurethane, as these materials are durable and resistant to abrasion and weathering.
4. Inflatable vs. Non-Inflatable: Some floating fenders are inflatable (pneumatic fenders), meaning they can be adjusted to different pressure levels to absorb varying amounts of impact. Others are solid and made from rigid or semi-rigid materials.

Types of Floating Fenders:

1. Pneumatic (Inflatable) Fenders: These are air-filled fenders that can be inflated to specific pressure levels, making them highly flexible and capable of absorbing high-impact forces.
2. Solid Rubber Fenders: Made from high-quality rubber, these fenders are often used in smaller vessels or areas with less impact. They are more durable but do not offer the same level of shock absorption as pneumatic fenders.
3. Foam-Filled Fenders: These are filled with foam, which gives them some buoyancy and shock absorption properties, though they are typically less flexible than inflatable types.
4. Spherical Fenders: These are a sub-type of floating fenders, usually spherical or ball-shaped, offering excellent protection for vessels, especially in ship-to-ship transfer operations.