What material are rubber fenders made of?

Why this matters — and why now:
Imagine docking your vessel at a busy harbor and making contact with a concrete quay. A split-second impact without the right buffer can leave you with expensive structural damage or hull scratches, not to mention downtime and repair costs. At NANHAÏ, we understand how critical the choice of fender material is to protect your asset—and your operations. With global shipping traffic rising and port infrastructure under stress, securing the right fender is more urgent than ever.

Featured Snippet: Quick Answer

Manufacturers typically use high-quality natural or synthetic rubber compounds—such as natural rubber blended with SBR, EPDM, neoprene, or nitrile—to make ailes en caoutchouc. These compounds offer excellent elasticity, UV and seawater resistance, and strong energy absorption — perfect for heavy‑duty marine applications.

Diving Deeper: Fender Materials in Practice

• Natural rubber / SBR: Often used in extruded or molded profiles like D‑fenders, cell and cone types. Offers high tensile strength, tear resistance, and flexibility.
• EPDM rubber: Synthetic elastomer highly resistant to weathering, ozone, UV rays and temperature swings. Ideal for exposed dockside installations.
• Neoprene or NBR (nitrile): Used where resistance to oils, fuels or chemicals is needed. Offers firm but flexible impact absorption in chemical‑exposed environments.
• Pneumatic (air‑filled) fenders: Built from multiple layers of synthetic cord‑reinforced rubber sheets wrapped and vulcanized together. Strong, elastic and suited for ship‑to‑ship and offshore mooring.
• Foam elastomer fenders: Often closed‑cell foam rubber (synthetic or natural latex/PUR), sometimes encased in tougher skin. Lightweight, buoyant and low‑maintenance.

FAQ

• What’s the difference between rubber fenders and foam fenders?
Rubber fenders offer superior durability, energy absorption, and resistance to saltwater, UV and abrasion, making them suitable for heavy-duty and long-term use. Foam fenders are lighter, floatable, and simpler to install, but may wear faster in harsh environments.

• What is pneumatic marine fender made from?
They are constructed with reinforced, cord-layered synthetic rubber sheets, designed to hold air at pressure. This makes them highly elastic and suitable for high-impact environments like ship-to-ship transfers.

• Which rubber compound resists UV and weather best?
Engineers choose EPDM rubber for its standout resistance to UV, ozone, temperature swings, and harsh outdoor conditions.

• Are all marine rubber fenders made from the same materials?
Different fender types use different rubber compounds. For example, D- or cell-type fenders often use natural rubber/SBR. EPDM works well in UV-exposed areas, while neoprene or nitrile is the go-to choice for fuel resistance.

How NANHAI Sets the Standard

Au NANHAÏ, we don’t just use standard rubber mixes—we reinforce our rubber fenders with multiple strands of synthetic tire cord (typically three or more) for unmatched resilience. We tailor the material and form—whether for a solid extruded D-fender or a pneumatic ship-to-ship buffer—to deliver optimal energy absorption, extend service life, and give you peace of mind.

Réflexions finales

You don’t just choose a rubber compound—whether it’s natural rubber/SBR, EPDM, neoprene/NBR, or foam-enhanced rubber—you make a performance decision. It’s about protecting assets, minimizing long-term maintenance, and ensuring safe, efficient docking every time. With decades of experience, NANHAÏ ensures your fender matches your vessel, conditions, and lifespan needs. Contact us to tailor your ideal solution.