What are the causes of damage to rubber fenders?

Rubber fenders—whether used on ports, docks, or vessels—are critical for protecting structures and ships during mooring. However, damage to these marine fenders can lead to costly repairs and serious safety risks. Let’s break down the most common causes of damage and what you can do to avoid them.

Why Do Rubber Fenders Fail?

Understanding the root causes of fender damage helps in planning maintenance, selecting the right type of ship fenders, and preventing accidents. We’ve seen cases where ships hit fenders with excessive force, or fenders detach and fall into the sea due to poor connections. These issues can delay operations and put personnel at risk. Let’s explore the top three reasons for failure.

1. Overloading Due to High Impact Energy

This is one of the most frequent reasons for failure, especially in older rubber fenders.

When a ship hits a fender too hard—often due to high berthing speed or steep berthing angles—the impact energy may exceed what the rubber fender is designed to handle. The result? Cracks form, usually along the length of the fender, particularly in D-type and V-type marine fenders.

This problem worsens when:

• The ship size or tonnage exceeds design specs
• The vessel’s bow hits first instead of making an even contact
• Rough weather adds to the force

2. Poor Anchoring and Loose Connections

Fender failures often occur because the bolts, chains, or fixtures anchoring the fender aren’t secure.

Corrosion in marine environments happens quickly. Even if the anchor bolts were designed for replacement, rust and deformation can make that impossible. As a result, pneumatic rubber fenders can loosen, shift, or even fall into the sea.

Examples include:

• Loose mounting bolts in V-type fenders
• Embedded bolts that can’t be replaced due to rust
• Chains that break from repeated tension and wave forces

3. Damage from Excessive Friction

Friction-based wear is common in fixed-type fenders like D or V shapes. These fenders often suffer from corner loss, cracks, or surface scuffing.

Here’s why it happens:

• A ship berthing with a high tangential speed drags the fender
• The fender is forced to move with the ship’s hull, shearing the rubber
• High friction (above 0.4 coefficient), especially during mooring adjustments, increases the risk of tearing

When ships shift forward/backward or sway in waves while tied too tightly, the fenders experience repeated friction damage over time.

How to Prevent Rubber Fender Damage

To improve the lifespan and performance of your marine fenders:

• Ensure fender specifications match your vessel type and docking conditions
• Monitor berthing speed and angles
• Perform regular checks on all anchor systems
• Use fenders with low-friction face pads or UHMW-PE panels if needed
• Train mooring teams on proper approach techniques

Related Questions: People Also Ask

What are the common types of marine fenders?
Marine fenders include pneumatic fenders, foam-filled fenders, cone fenders, and D-type or V-type fenders.

How long do rubber fenders last?
Properly maintained rubber fenders can last 10–20 years, depending on environmental exposure and usage.

Can pneumatic rubber fenders be repaired?
Yes. They can often be patched or re-inflated, but frequent overloading may cause irreparable damage.

Why is pressure monitoring important in pneumatic fenders?
Maintaining correct pressure ensures energy absorption and prevents overcompression or bursting during mooring.

Conclusion: Choose Reliability, Choose NANHAI

At NANHAI, we understand the risks involved with marine fender damage. That’s why we offer robust, tested, and durable solutions, including pneumatic rubber fenders, ship fenders, and expert guidance for safe docking.

Contact us today for a tailored fender solution that keeps your vessels—and your crew—protected.