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Why Major Ports Trust Cell Fenders for Heavy-Duty Berthing?

Advantages of cell fenders

1. What Are Cell Fenders?

Cell fenders have a hollow-cell structure made of high-strength rubber and steel. This design helps them absorb more impact energy than traditional fenders—about 30–50% more per unit weight. They also spring back quickly, making them reliable when ships dock repeatedly.

2. Built for Heavy-Duty Use

Cell and Super Cell fenders shine when big ships like LNG vessels, jumbo container ships, and oil tankers dock. They absorb high impact energy and cushion strong forces. Many ports have used them successfully under heavy docking conditions.

3. Less Maintenance, Longer Life

Thanks to their strong rubber and steel build, Cell fenders resist corrosion, sun damage, and rough weather. They typically last 10–20 years. With only simple cleaning and inspection needed, ports spend much less on upkeep.

cell fenders in use

Why Replacing Cell Fenders Has Become Urgent

1. Ships Keep Getting Bigger

Ships today are much larger than in the past. This means fenders face more pressure. Older fenders struggle and may fail. Modern Cell or Super Cell systems handle this increase safely and reliably.

2. Old Fenders Wear Out

As fenders age, the rubber cracks and steel corrodes. This raises the risk of failure during storms or accidents. A broken fender can shut down a berth and hurt port operations until it’s fixed or replaced.

3. Save Money and Avoid Downtime

Ports that use Cell fender avoid frequent repairs and keep docks open longer. Studies show that replacing worn fenders cuts downtime and lowers costs. Ports can earn back the investment in just a few years.

4. Faster, Smarter Replacement Methods

New methods like modular systems and pre-cut anchors let ports replace fenders in hours not days. Ports can now manage the whole job with digital planning, less disruption, and safe results.


How Ports Replace Cell Fenders

  1. Assessing Needs
    Ports collect data on ship sizes, speeds, tides, and dock structure. They use standards like ISO 9001 to choose the right fenders.
  2. Choosing Fenders
    Using engineering data, they pick Cell or Super Cell models that absorb enough energy and work well with dock structures.
  3. Using Modular Systems
    Ports can remove old fenders and install new ones fast using preassembled frames and bolts. Ships can still dock while work happens.
  4. Ensuring Quality Installation
    Teams follow strict steps for anchor alignment and bolt tension. This ensures the fenders work right from the start.
  5. Maintaining Over Time
    Ports set inspection schedules—right after installation, monthly, and after storms. They check rubber wear, steel corrosion, and bolt tightness.

Real Results

  • A major European deep-water port replaced old fenders with new Cell models. This cut repair events by 60% and improved berth use by 15%.
  • An LNG terminal in Asia switched to Super Cell fenders. It cut dock downtime in half and paid back the investment in 2–3 years.

Final Thoughts

Modern ports face bigger ships, aging docks, and tight schedules. Upgrading to high-performance Cell or Super Cell fenders is no longer optional—it’s essential. These fenders keep ports safe, active, and cost-effective in the long run.

If you’d like help choosing the right fenders, finding suppliers, or planning installation, I’m happy to assist!