Ship Launching Airbags: Key Precautions

Launching a ship is one of the most critical stages in any shipyard project, and ship launching airbags have revolutionized how vessels of different sizes smoothly enter the water. They offer flexibility, cost savings, and safety advantages compared to traditional dry docks or slipways. However, using these airbags without proper precautions can lead to equipment damage, operational delays, or even accidents.

This comprehensive guide walks you through the essential safety measures when using ship launching airbags, with a special focus on slipway preparation, environmental factors, and innovations like NANHAI’s Beenest Airbags, which deliver unmatched puncture resistance and exceed ISO 14409 standards.

1. Why Safety Precautions Matter

Ship launching involves enormous loads, dynamic forces, and environmental variables. Even minor missteps — like improper air pressure or undetected slipway hazards — can cause airbag failures or hull misalignment. By following a structured checklist, shipyards can significantly minimize risks and ensure smooth, controlled launches.

2. Quick Safety Checklist

Before diving into detailed explanations, here’s a fast, printable checklist:

• Inspect all airbags for external damage, wear, or deformities
• Perform airtightness tests to confirm no hidden leaks
• Ensure proper slipway preparation to remove puncture risks
• Set safe exclusion zones for non-essential personnel
• Assign clear team roles and confirm communication protocols
• Monitor pressure levels constantly during the entire process

3. Pre-launch Inspections and Tests

Before deploying ship launching airbags, a thorough inspection process is non-negotiable:

• Visual inspection: Check for cuts, abrasions, bulges, or exposed cords. Even minor flaws can escalate under high loads.
• Airtightness tests: Inflate the airbags to their rated working pressure and hold them for a specified period (usually 12–24 hours). Any pressure drop indicates a leak that must be fixed before use.
• Valve and connector checks: Inspect valves and air hoses for wear or corrosion to avoid unexpected pressure loss.
• Repair thresholds: If an airbag has undergone too many patches or its cord layers are compromised, it should be retired immediately to prevent accidents.

4. Slipway and Hull Preparation: The Key to Puncture Protection

The slipway environment directly determines the safety and lifespan of your ship launching airbags. Before positioning airbags under the hull:

• Clear debris and sharp objects: Stones, steel rods, or welding residues can puncture airbags under heavy loads.
• Smooth uneven surfaces: Level differences on the slipway can cause uneven rolling forces, increasing strain on the airbags.
• Add protective layers: Use steel plates or reinforced rubber mats to protect airbags from rough slipway surfaces.

Environmental Challenges That Threaten Airbag Integrity

Ship launching often occurs in harsh conditions — rocky shorelines, uneven slipways, or construction zones with scattered metal debris. Traditional airbags are prone to punctures or layer separations in these scenarios, which can halt operations and increase costs.

Introducing NANHAI’s Beenest Airbags

To tackle these challenges, NANHAI has developed the innovative Beenest Airbags. Inspired by a honeycomb-like structural design, these airbags offer:

• 100% higher puncture resistance compared to conventional models
• Exceptional durability under extreme slipway conditions
• Performance beyond ISO 14409 standards for marine airbags
• Longer service life, reducing downtime and replacement costs

For shipyards dealing with rough slipways or heavy-duty vessels, Beenest Airbags provide unmatched safety and reliability during launches.

5. Inflation Procedures and Pressure Management

Proper inflation is critical to achieving optimal performance and safety:

• Use staged inflation: Inflate airbags gradually to avoid sudden stress on internal cord layers.
• Stick to rated working pressure: Common ranges are 0.08 MPa to 0.1 MPa, depending on the airbag size and vessel weight.
• Continuous monitoring: Use calibrated pressure gauges and assign a dedicated operator to oversee real-time pressure adjustments.
• Emergency response readiness: Have spare airbags and repair kits on standby in case of unexpected leaks.

6. Operational Safety During Launch

A successful launch depends on well-orchestrated teamwork:

• Clear role assignment: From pressure monitoring to winch control, everyone should know their exact responsibility.
• Restricted zones: Non-essential personnel must stay clear of slipways and rolling airbags.
• Communication protocols: Use hand signals, radios, or audible alarms to ensure real-time updates.
• Emergency stop procedures: Establish predefined methods to halt operations instantly if needed.

7. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced operators can make costly errors:

• Ignoring slipway hazards: Sharp debris left unremoved can cause catastrophic punctures.
• Incorrect inflation: Overinflated airbags may burst under dynamic loads; underinflated ones may deform or roll improperly.
• Skipping inspections: Relying on old, untested airbags invites unnecessary risks.
• Underestimating environmental impact: Sand, gravel, and debris amplify airbag wear and tear if unaddressed.

8. Standards and Certifications

For safety assurance, ensure that your airbags comply with ISO 14409, the international standard governing marine airbags.
With Beenest Airbags, NANHAI goes beyond compliance, offering performance that exceeds ISO requirements, making them ideal for challenging shipyard conditions.

9. Conclusion

Ship launching airbags have transformed vessel launches, delivering efficiency and cost savings. Yet, safety hinges on proper inspections, slipway preparation, controlled inflation, and coordinated teamwork.

When operating in harsh environments, traditional airbags may not offer sufficient puncture protection. That’s where NANHAI’s Beenest Airbags stand out — with double the puncture resistance and compliance that goes beyond ISO 14409, they ensure safer, smoother, and more reliable launches.

Whether you’re handling fishing vessels, bulk carriers, or offshore structures, investing in the right airbags and following these precautions can save time, reduce costs, and keep every launch incident-free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How often should ship launching airbags be inspected?

Before every launch, ship launching airbags should undergo a thorough visual inspection and airtightness test. Even small cuts or abrasions can lead to failures under high loads, so checking before each use is critical.

2. What is the recommended working pressure for ship launching airbags?

Most airbags operate safely between 0.08 MPa and 0.1 MPa, depending on size and vessel weight. Always follow the manufacturer’s specifications and monitor pressure levels continuously during inflation and launching.

3. How can slipway conditions affect airbag performance?

Sharp debris, rocks, or uneven slipway surfaces are among the most common causes of airbag damage. These environmental risks increase puncture probability and shorten lifespan, which is why NANHAI’s Beenest Airbags — with 100% higher puncture resistance — are ideal for challenging environments.

4. Do ship launching airbags need to comply with ISO 14409?

Yes. ISO 14409 sets international standards for marine airbags, including design, safety, and performance. Using certified airbags ensures compliance and safety. Beenest Airbags from NANHAI actually exceed ISO 14409 requirements, making them suitable for demanding shipyard conditions.