Maintenance Tips to Extend the Life of Your Monopile Donut Fender

Why This Matters

Many ports and terminals rely on monopile donut fender to protect both vessels and berthing structures. However, without regular maintenance, even the most robust marine fenders can wear down quickly. At NANHAI, we’ve seen firsthand how neglect can lead to unexpected failures. For instance, one customer experienced a sudden fender jam during peak hours, forcing emergency dock closure and resulting in days of costly disruption. Clearly, timely upkeep isn’t just good practice—it’s a necessity.

Key Maintenance Tips

Remove Debris to Keep the Fender Rotating Smoothly
Inspect the area between the donut fender and the monopile regularly. Marine growth, sand, and trash often build up, making rotation difficult. Clearing this debris ensures the fender performs properly.

Check for Damage During Every Inspection
Look for cracks, cuts, or deformations on the surface. When you spot damage early, you can repair it before it affects energy absorption or structural strength.

Wash With Freshwater to Prevent Rust and Corrosion
After exposure to saltwater, rinse the fender with clean freshwater. This prevents corrosion of internal parts and keeps the rotation system working reliably.

Lubricate Rotational Bearings
Make sure the low-friction pads, often made of UHMW-PE, remain clean and functional. If your fender design supports lubrication, apply it regularly to ensure smooth operation.

Additional Best Practices to Maximize Longevity

1. Create a Maintenance Schedule
   Don’t leave inspections to chance. Instead, set fixed intervals—monthly or quarterly—to check all your ship fenders. This habit builds long-term consistency.
2. Clean and Store the Fender Correctly (If Removable)
   When you take the fender out of the water, clean it thoroughly and store it in a shaded, dry, and well-ventilated space. These simple steps help preserve the foam and PU shell.
3. Act on Small Issues Immediately
   A tiny crack today might become a major problem tomorrow. By sealing it early with approved materials, you’ll extend the product’s life and reduce repair costs.
4. Replace Worn-Out Bearing Pads
   Over time, even durable UHMW pads can degrade. Replace them as needed to maintain full rotation and prevent stress on the fender.
5. Track and Log Heavy Impacts
   Whenever a vessel makes a hard berthing, take notes. This log helps you identify fenders under high stress and prioritize their inspection.

Why Customers Trust NANHAI

At NANHAI, we design marine fenders for extreme durability, but we also believe smart maintenance adds years to their service life. When you take care of your equipment, your dock runs smoother, your vessels stay safer, and your long-term costs go down. That’s the kind of value your operations deserve.

FAQ

• How often should you inspect a monopile donut fender?
  You should inspect them every 1–3 months, depending on usage and environmental conditions.
• Can you repair the polyurethane coating on donut fenders?
  Yes. You can use marine-grade sealants to patch small surface cracks and prevent further damage.
• What’s the best way to clean a donut fender?
  Use freshwater and soft brushes to remove salt and grime without damaging the surface.
• Do donut fenders need lubrication?
  Some models include bearings that benefit from light lubrication. Always follow manufacturer guidelines.

Maintaining your monopile donut fender doesn’t need to be complicated, but it does need to be consistent. By following these simple tips from NANHAI, your ship fenders will continue to perform effectively for years to come.

Would you like a printable maintenance checklist or a custom fender care guide tailored to your port? Let us help you stay ahead of problems.