Ship airbags launching—also known as marine airbag launching or inflatable ship launching—is a smart, flexible way to move vessels into the water. Unlike traditional dry docks or permanent slipways, this method uses heavy-duty rubber airbags that roll ships safely into the sea.
Why Do We Need Ship Airbags Launching Technology Today?
More shipyards today face cost constraints and land limitations. Traditional ship launching methods often demand large investments in fixed infrastructure and heavy equipment. In contrast, airbag technology provides a low-cost, reusable, and mobile solution.
For example, a shipyard in Indonesia successfully launched several 3,000-ton vessels on uneven terrain using airbags alone. They avoided building a costly dock and saved both time and money.
Ship launching airbags give shipyards a smarter, more flexible way to operate—even in tough environments.
China Leads the Way in Ship Airbags Innovation
China created and refined ship launching airbag technology in the 1980s. The Chinese government developed its first industry standard—CB/T 3795—in 1996. Since then, the technology has advanced rapidly.
In 2011, China introduced ISO 14409:2011, the first international standard for ship launching airbags. This document sets global guidelines for airbag design, classification, materials, performance, testing, and inspection.
Thanks to this standard, countries around the world now recognize China’s authority in this field. The standard has allowed shipbuilders to confidently use airbags with consistent quality and safety.
By leading global standards, China has put its marine airbag technology on the world stage.
Widespread Use in Chinese Shipyards
Shipyards across China have embraced airbag launching. By 2012, over 80% of ships under 30,000 DWT launched using airbags. Even larger bulk carriers—like those of 34,000 DWT, 57,000 DWT, and up to 82,000 DWT—used airbags with success.
For example, NANHAI Ship Airbag Engineering launched a vessel with a deadweight of over 80,000 tons, using inflatable airbags. The ship itself weighed 16,000 tons, proving the method’s reliability for heavy ships.
Going Global: A Proven Export from China
China hasn’t just used this technology—it’s also exported it. Countries across Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore), the Middle East (Turkey, Iran), and even North and South America (United States, Brazil) now use marine airbags.
Chinese manufacturers like NANHAI and Jinan Changlin now supply airbags worldwide. These products meet ISO standards and perform reliably in shipyards around the globe.
Marine airbags made in China now serve shipbuilders from Asia to the Americas.
Innovative New Uses: From Offshore to Aquaculture
China also explores new uses for marine airbags. In October 2020, the world saw the launch of “National abalone No.1,” China’s first deep-sea intelligent aquaculture cage, which floated smoothly into the Bohai Sea using 34 high-buoyancy airbags.
Earlier in 2012, the “Liaohe No.1” offshore wind installation vessel was successfully launched using airbags in Liaoning Province. These success stories show how the ISO standard has opened the door for broader applications.
With every launch, marine airbags prove their value in both traditional shipbuilding and cutting-edge marine projects.
Why More Shipyards Choose Marine Airbags
Let’s break down the reasons:
Cost savings: No need for expensive dry docks or cranes.
Safety: Even pressure distribution protects the ship’s structure.
Flexibility: Easily adjusted for different hull shapes and ground conditions.
Portability: Use them anywhere—even in remote shipyards.
Eco-friendliness: Minimal environmental impact.
Global certification: ISO standards ensure quality and safety.
Conclusion: Ship Launching Airbags Is the Future
More and more shipyards worldwide turn to airbag technology because it works. This once-local Chinese innovation now fuels global growth and modern shipbuilding. With ISO standards in place and proven results across industries, marine airbags have become an essential tool for the future.
From traditional shipyards to modern offshore platforms, inflatable airbags are shaping the next generation of maritime operations.
Featured Snippets
What is ship launching using airbags? Ship launching with airbags uses large rubber inflatables to roll ships safely into the water without permanent launching facilities.
Who invented the marine airbag launching? China developed the technology and introduced the ISO14409:2011 international standard.
Why are ship launching airbags used worldwide? They lower costs, increase flexibility, and comply with global safety standards.
People Also Ask (PAA)
What are the benefits of ship launching airbags? They reduce cost, simplify the process, and adapt to a variety of ship sizes and ground conditions.
Are marine airbags safe for large ships? Yes. When properly used and manufactured to ISO standards, they handle ships up to 80,000 DWT.
How does airbag launching compare to traditional dry docks? Airbag launching is faster, cheaper, and doesn’t require permanent infrastructure.
What is ISO 14409:2011? It’s the international standard for designing and testing ship launching airbags, created by China.
Can marine airbags be reused? Yes. Quality airbags can last through dozens of launches with proper care.
Where are marine airbags commonly used today? They are widely used in China, Southeast Asia, the Middle East, and the Americas.
