What Is a Marine Fender?

Why Is This Topic Necessary and Urgent?

With global trade increasing, ports and vessels need reliable fender systems to ensure safe operations. Whether it’s a small marina or a major shipping hub, the right marine fenders can mean the difference between smooth sailing and a disastrous collision.

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Marine fenders play a vital role in preventing collisions, not just between ships but also between vessels and docks or ports. Typically, manufacturers construct these fenders from elastic materials like rubber or foam, which absorb massive berthing energy through compression. Compared to unprotected docks, those with fenders experience far less impact, which means lower maintenance costs and less downtime.

Workers install fenders on ship hulls or bows to prevent damage during ship-to-ship transfers. Their main purpose? To avoid major accidents in daily operations, reduce casualties, and protect the marine environment.

Custom Marine Fender Solutions

When designing marine fenders, engineers must consider multiple factors, such as:

• Ship size and length
• Port location and type
• Waterway width
• Tidal range
• Nearby water conditions

Fortunately, Nanhai delivers tailored solutions to meet every unique need.

Types of Marine Fenders

Nanhai offers a wide range of high-performance fenders, ensuring durability in even the harshest conditions while minimizing risks to ports and vessels.

Pneumatic Fenders

Primarily used for ship-to-ship cargo transfers, pneumatic fenders require little upkeep. For instance, Nanhai’s Pneumatic fenders only need refilling every six months and meet ISO 17357 standards. Additionally, crews can deflate and fold them for cheaper transport. Moreover, these fenders work well in ports with large tidal swings since they float with water levels.

Foam Fenders

Made from PE foam panels with closed-cell structures, Nanhai’s foam fenders block water penetration. As a result, they stay functional even under heavy impacts without bursting. What’s more, a polyurea coating boosts corrosion and scratch resistance, extending their lifespan. Best of all, customers can customize the thickness and color.

Donut Fenders

Workers mount these fenders on submerged steel piles, allowing them to rotate and float with tides. Typically, they’re placed at dock corners and narrow channel entrances to help ships turn safely. Plus, their bright colors act as visual guides.

Super Cell Fenders

One of the oldest and most reliable designs, Super Cell fenders remain popular because they’re easy to install, simple in structure, low-maintenance, and strong. Currently, Nanhai offers standard (500mm–3000mm) and custom sizes.

Super Cone Fenders

Thanks to their conical shape, these fenders excel in ports with extreme tidal shifts, providing top-tier shear and compression resistance. In fact, Nanhai’s Super Cone Fenders (an upgrade from 25-year-old designs) support larger panels with almost no performance loss at 10° deflection.

Super Arch Rubber Fenders

Stable and low-maintenance, arch fenders handle high-pressure environments well, especially for mid-sized vessels. Often, crews pair them with cylindrical fenders for extra protection.

Cylindrical Rubber Fenders

As the most common fender worldwide, cylindrical fenders stand out because they’re easy to install, affordable, and adaptable. You’ll find them in:

• Bulk cargo berths
• General cargo quays
• RoRo & ferry terminals
• Fishing & workboat berths
• Floating structures & tug havens

Element Rubber Fenders

These fenders feature pre-formed rubber legs embedded in plates, absorbing high energy while minimizing kickback. Right now, Nanhai supplies 300mm–1600mm sizes (including custom designs), making them perfect for tight spaces.

Composite Rubber Fenders

By blending rubber’s elasticity with UHMW-PE’s low friction and durability, these fenders use special vulcanization for a stronger bond. Common uses include:

• Docks & tugboats
• Bridge protection
• Inland waterways
• Landing platforms
• Small vessel berths

Extruded Rubber Fenders

• D-Type: D-shaped with a D (DD) or round (DO) center hole—workers bolt them directly to docks, even on curves.
• Square-Type: Square profile with D (SD) or round (SO) center hole. Available in black/navy gray (custom colors), they also come with UHMW-PE panels.

Tugboat Fenders

Tugs rely on cylindrical fenders as bow/stern buffers. Due to their rounded shape, they work well with large bows and ship sides. And, Nanhai offers custom lengths.

Roller Fenders

Mostly, crews install these in tight spots like dry dock walls to guide ships smoothly. Alternatively, they’re used in corners and lock entrances where low energy absorption is key. Since they use stainless steel & composite bearings, they barely need maintenance. Plus, they can be stacked.

Nanhai delivers high-performance marine fenders for every scenario, ensuring safety, durability, and efficiency in global maritime operations.

people also ask

1. What materials are marine fenders made of?
   Common materials include natural rubber, synthetic rubber (EPDM, SBR), foam (PE, PU), and composite materials like UHMWPE for wear resistance.
2. What’s the difference between cell fenders and cone fenders?
   Cell fenders offer uniform compression for all-around protection, while cone fenders provide higher shear resistance – ideal for tidal zones or oblique impacts.
3. What are ISO standards for pneumatic fenders?
   Key standards include ISO 17357.
4. Which fenders work best for cruise ship terminals?
   Large cylindrical or pneumatic fenders are preferred for their high energy absorption and soft hull contact to prevent cosmetic damage.