What Are Pneumatic Fenders
A pneumatic fender is also called a Yokohama rubber fender. It was developed by the Japanese Yokohama Rubber Company in 1958. So, it has other names: Yokohama Fender or Yokohama Pneumatic Fender. Yokohama fenders are advanced protective devices used to protect ships and terminal facilities. These Yokohama floating fenders are widely used in marine collision avoidance. They are made of high-strength rubber. The Yokohama rubber fender contains compressed air, which allows the pneumatic fender to float on the water.
These fenders can absorb energy during ship-to-ship (STS) operations or mooring. They provide softer reaction forces to the vessel. And Yokohama fenders are lightweight and easily deflated. Their installation and redeployment are simple. Unlike traditional elastic rubber fenders such as scrap tires or solid rubber fenders. Yokohama marine fenders have significant advantages. Such as high energy absorption, low pressure per unit area of the ship, excellent impact resistance, and easy installation. The Yokohama rubber fender has a long service life and low maintenance cost. It is suitable for harsh environments. All Jerryborg Yokohama fenders are fully
ISO 17357-1:2014 compliant.
Yokohama Fender Structure
A Pneumatic fender mainly includes inner rubber, outer rubber, steel wire mesh, and air valve. All components of Yokohama Fender are combined into a whole after high-temperature vulcanization. So, the pneumatic marine fender has high strength, fatigue, and impact resistance. Also, Yokohama pneumatic Fenders have the advantages of thermal stability and good adhesion.
Rubber Outer Layer: The outer layer of Yokohama Fender is usually made of wear-resistant rubber. It has good corrosion resistance and UV resistance. This layer of rubber skin can effectively absorb and disperse collision energy and reduce impact.
Inner Leak-proof Layer: Inside the rubber, the outer layer is usually leak-proof. Its purpose is to prevent gas leakage. This inner layer is usually made of corrosion-resistant materials with good sealing properties.
Air Valve: The pneumatic fender is equipped with an air valve inside. We use gas valves to regulate and maintain internal gas pressure. You can control the hardness and elasticity of the fender by adjusting the gas pressure. This allows adaptation to different vessel and environmental conditions.
Connectors: The Yokohama pneumatic fender is often equipped with connectors. This makes it easier to connect to a dock or other structure. These connections may be chains, cables, or other suitable connecting devices.
Advantages Of Jerryborg Marine Yokohama Rubber Fender
Safety and reliability
Jerryborg Yokohama Rubber Fenders are designed with a primary focus on safety. Their robust construction ensures reliable performance under various berthing conditions. They significantly reduce the risk of accidents or damage to vessels and docking structures.
No deterioration or variation
Jerryborg pneumatic fenders maintain consistent performance throughout their service life. This means they provide predictable and constant protection. Yet, they are not affected by aging or environmental factors.
Well inclined berthing
fenders are particularly effective in accommodating vessels that berth at an angle. This flexibility is crucial in complex docking situations. It ensures that vessels are safeguarded against damage even when they cannot berth perpendicularly.
Soft reaction force
Jerryborg fenders are engineered to absorb and distribute berthing ships’ energy gently. They reduce the impact on both the vessel and the jetty structure. This soft reaction force is critical in preventing damage. It also maintains the integrity of the structures involved.
Lower mooring forces
In challenging weather conditions, fenders perform exceptionally well. They reduce the strain on mooring equipment. This feature is vital for ensuring the safety and stability of moored vessels during storms or high winds.
Against shearing force
The design and materials used in Yokohama Rubber Fenders make them highly resistant to shearing forces. This resistance is essential in dynamic marine environments. Lateral movements of ships can exert significant shear stresses on fendering systems.
Adaptable to the tide
fenders adjust to changes in tide levels. These marine fenders can maintain their protective function regardless of the water level. This ability to float by itself ensures there is always protection that works well without needing manual changes.
Low installation cost
fenders are designed for easy installation and need minimal maintenance. This simplicity reduces the overall costs associated with their use. They are an economical choice for many ports and harbors.
Low delivery cost
Yokohama rubber fenders also have advantages in terms of logistics. Fenders are usually packed and shipped in a container or pallet in a collapsed state. This packaging method adds to their overall economic benefits.
Two Main Production Technology Of Pneumatic Fender
Pneumatic Fender Applications
In a port with dramatic tidal changes
Ship-to-ship ignition operations
Oil and Gas (Typical FSRU)
Temporary berth
Molded Production Technology
Molded pneumatic rubber fenders are crafted using a distinct mold, unlike wrapped fenders. This production technique mirrors Yokohama Rubber’s approach. These fenders boast a remarkably smooth surface.This surface provides enhanced performance and a prolonged lifespan. But Molded Yokohama Fender comes at a higher price point. Its safety valve is also different from a manual pneumatic fender.
Integrative Twining Technology
Wrapped Pneumatic Rubber Fenders Are Manufactured Using An Integral Winding Technique. Their Surface May Not Be As Smooth As Molded Pneumatic Fenders. But They Still Meet The Performance Standards Specified In Iso 17357. Moreover, These Fenders Come At A Significantly Lower Price. They Are Available In Sling, Chain, And Tire Net Types. You Can Equip Truck Or Aircraft Tires On The Fender’s Body.
