Precautions for Ship Launching Airbags

When launching a ship with airbags, every step is crucial for its safety and for the crew. A small oversight — a sharp object on the slope or a weak airbag — can cause significant financial losses, structural damage, or even injuries. So, following proper precautions is a must.

Precautions for Ship, Slope, Ship Launching Airbags, Winch, and Air Compressor

Ship
1. Grind down all burrs, weld seams, and sharp edges on the bottom plate.
2. Inspect and pressure-test all hull weld seams.
3. Measure main dimensions and check the load waterline.
4. Finish painting the hull.

Slope
1. Clear nails, stones, and other sharp debris from the slope.
2. Keep the slope flat, with horizontal variation less than 80 mm. Fill in any hollows.
3. Make sure the ground can carry at least twice the working pressure of the airbags.
4. The slope can be soil, sand, or concrete, but its slope should account for the ship’s size. The slope’s profile may combine lines and arcs.
5. Keep a certain length of slope under water. This helps ease the launch.

Ship Launching Airbags
1. Inspect all ship launching airbags and make sure they’re in good condition.
2. Calculate their size, number, and spacing carefully to match the ship’s weight and shape.

Winch
1. Use a low-speed winch with a payout speed of 9–13 m/min.
2. Calculate the pulling force to account for resistance during launch.
3. Move the ship forward at a maximum of 6 m/min under wire control.
4. Check the wire rope frequently and perform maintenance in time.

Air Compressor
1. Select the air compressor based on total air volume, inflation time, and pressure requirements.
2. Install a pressure control valve on the air storage tank.
3. Provide a distribution box if multiple airbags need inflation at the same time.

NANHAI Ship Launching Airbags

Every launch is a delicate process. Proper preparations and careful follow-up make a big difference. NANHAI provides high-caliber marine airbags to help your ship launch safely and efficiently. Contact us today for a consultation or a custom solution tailored to your ship’s dimensions.

People Also Ask

• What pressure should a ship’s airbag be filled to?
  Usually filled to its rated pressure, following manufacturer guidelines — typically 0.05–0.12 MPa.
• How many airbags are needed for a ship launch?
  It depends on the ship’s size, weight, and launching method. Proper calculations determine both number and spacing.
• Are marine rubber airbags reusable after a launch?
  Yes — if they’re undamaged and pass subsequent inspections, you can reuse them multiple times.
• What materials are ship airbags made of?
  Ship airbags are typically made of rubber reinforced by strong synthetic cord materials.