Types of ports and what marine fenders are suitable for them

1. Introduction

When a ship docks, it must meet the port safely and gently. A marine fender acts like a cushion. It absorbs impact and protects both the ship and the port. But not all fenders suit all ports. Each port type needs a specific fender design for best performance.

2. Types of Ports

Ports are not all the same. Each type of port serves different purposes, handles different vessels, and faces different environmental conditions. Because of that, they also need different types of marine fenders. Let’s take a closer look at the most common types of ports:

1. Cargo and Container Terminals

These are the busiest ports in the world. They handle bulk cargo, general cargo, and containerized goods. Ships that visit these terminals are often massive—like container ships, bulk carriers, and heavy-lift vessels.

• Key Features: High-tonnage ships, deep berths, tall quay walls
• Berthing Needs: High energy absorption, stable fendering systems
• Fender Priority: Low reaction force to protect ship hulls

Examples: Port of Shanghai, Port of Rotterdam, Port of Los Angeles

2. Oil, Gas, and LNG Terminals

These ports specialize in handling liquid cargo such as crude oil, petroleum products, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and chemicals. The vessels here are tankers—some of the largest and most sensitive ships in the world.

• Key Features: High safety demands, strict international regulations (e.g., ISGOTT, SIGTTO)
• Berthing Needs: Controlled, low-impact contact due to flammable cargo
• Fender Priority: Soft contact, flexible movement, explosion-proof materials (often pneumatic)

Examples: Ras Laffan (Qatar), Port Arthur (USA), Ningbo-Zhoushan (China)

3. Ferry and Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) Terminals

These terminals handle frequent ship movements. Ferries, car carriers, and Ro-Ro ships dock here many times a day to load and unload passengers and vehicles.

• Key Features: Frequent docking, short turnaround times, medium-size vessels
• Berthing Needs: Quick energy absorption, flexible installation for tidal changes
• Fender Priority: Compact fenders that offer reliability under frequent use

Examples: Dover (UK), Calais (France), Kobe Ferry Terminal (Japan)

4. Tugboat and Workboat Harbors

These small-scale ports serve support vessels like tugboats, pilot boats, fireboats, and crew vessels. While the vessels are smaller, the berthing operations can be harsh due to frequent maneuvering.

• Key Features: Small docks, narrow spaces, rugged operations
• Berthing Needs: Simple, durable fenders with easy installation
• Fender Priority: Compact rubber fenders (D-type, W-type) directly mounted to hulls or quays

Examples: Local harbor facilities, shipyards, offshore supply bases

5. Offshore Platforms and Ship-to-Ship (STS) Transfer Zones

Some berthing doesn’t happen at a port at all—it happens in the open sea. Ship-to-ship (STS) transfers and offshore platforms use floating fenders to protect ships during fuel, oil, or gas transfer at sea.

• Key Features: No fixed dock, floating operation, exposed to waves and wind
• Berthing Needs: Flexible, floating protection that works with vessel movement
• Fender Priority: Large pneumatic or foam-filled fenders that absorb impact in dynamic settings

Examples: FPSO units, mid-sea LNG bunkering, oil transshipment near Malacca Strait

3. Main Marine Fender Categories

Marine fenders fall into three main groups:

• Rubber Fenders – These are molded rubber units fixed or mounted.
• Pneumatic Fenders – Air‑filled, floating units that adjust to tidal changes.
• Foam‑Filled Fenders – Foam core with a tough outer skin; they float but don’t deflate.

These groups cover most port fender needs.

Rubber Fenders

Rubber fenders are strong, reliable, and stable. They suit many port types. Different shapes serve different uses:

• Cell fenders: These absorb high energy with low reaction force. They work well at large cargo ports and oil terminals.
• Cone fenders: These are shaped to resist angled impacts and uneven tides. They match large ships at high tidal variation ports.
• Arch fenders: Compact but strong. They fit tight spaces and protect small or medium vessels at ferry or Ro‑Ro terminals.
• Cylindrical fenders: Simple and versatile. They handle moderate tidal change and vessel size, ideal for general ports and smaller berths.
• D‑type fenders: Small and cost‑effective. They protect tugs, workboats, and quays in small ports.

Pneumatic Fenders

Pneumatic fenders, also known as Yokohama fenders, float beside the ship. They adjust easily to tide and vessel movement. They offer very low reaction force and high energy absorption. That makes them perfect for sensitive operations.

These fenders are widely used at:

• Offshore ship‑to‑ship transfers and floating transfer operations
• Oil and gas terminals needing flexible, safe fenders
• Ports with big tidal swings and temporary berthing spots.

Foam‑Filled Fenders

Foam‑filled fenders have a solid foam inside and a tough skin outside. They soak up heavy impacts and still work even if they get a cut. Plus, they float and won’t sink.

They are ideal for:

• Ship‑to‑ship transfers when you need a floating cushion and fail‑safe design
• Dynamic environments like ports moving with waves or storms
• Permanent or semi‑permanent berths where low maintenance and durability matter.

Recommended Fenders by Port Type

Here’s a simple match between port types and fender choices:

5. Why Design and Selection Matter

Choosing the right fender needs careful planning:

• Estimate the energy when a vessel berths, which depends on ship weight and approach speed .
• Choose a fender that absorbs enough energy but does not press too hard on the hull.
• Consider tides, currents, weather, and how often berthing occurs.
• Ensure the installation space suits the fender shape and mounting needs.
• Follow accepted design guidelines like PIANC WG211, ISO 17357, or national standards.

6. Summary

Every port type needs the right fender. Rubber, pneumatic, and foam‑filled fenders all serve distinct roles. Matching them to port operations ensures safe berthing, lower maintenance, and longer life. Start with energy calculations and key port conditions, then select the fender shape that brings safety and performance to your port.