Dock Fender Weather Resistant Corrosion Free Low Maintenance

Dock Fender Weather Resistant Corrosion Free Low Maintenance

Description

The Floating Foam Fender is a versatile, high-performance fender system designed for ports, shipyards, and dry dock operations. Constructed from a closed-cell polyethylene foam core encased in a reinforced polyurethane or synthetic rubber skin, the fender delivers superior energy absorption, structural resilience, and durability. Its unsinkable floating design ensures continuous protection of vessels during berthing, docking, and maintenance operations without the need for inflation or pressurization.

Available in a range of diameters from 800 mm to 3,500 mm and lengths from 1 m to 5 m, these fenders can accommodate ships ranging from small tugboats to 50,000 DWT bulk carriers. The outer skin’s abrasion resistance, UV stability, and marine corrosion protection make it suitable for long-term operation in tropical ports, industrial shipyards, and high-traffic berths.

The fender’s design allows it to adapt to tidal fluctuations, providing consistent hull protection and minimizing structural stress on quays, dry docks, and floating pontoons. By reducing the risk of hull damage and infrastructure wear, it enhances operational safety, lowers maintenance costs, and improves overall port efficiency.

Case Study – European Dry Dock Facility

At a European dry dock servicing bulk carriers and chemical tankers, frequent vessel docking caused structural wear on traditional rubber fenders and minor hull damage. Floating Foam Fenders were installed with diameters of 1,200 mm and lengths of 3 m along the dry dock walls.

Results: The fenders successfully absorbed repeated berthing impacts, protected both hull and dock infrastructure, and reduced dry dock turnaround time by 20%. Operators highlighted the fenders’ long-term durability, maintenance-free design, and smooth energy absorption, leading to adoption across multiple docks and berths.

Specifications

Features

Multi Vessel Energy Absorption

The closed-cell foam core distributes impact forces effectively, accommodating varied ship sizes and types without transferring excessive load to vessel hulls or dock structures. This makes the fender ideal for ports handling multiple vessel types in one berth.

High Abrasion and UV Resistance

The reinforced outer skin protects the foam core from mechanical wear, UV exposure, and marine corrosion, ensuring long-lasting performance even in high-traffic ports and dry dock environments.

Tidal Adaptability and Floating Performance

Floating design allows the fender to adjust automatically to changing water levels, maintaining continuous protection across tidal variations, wave motion, and fluctuating dock water depths.

Easy Installation and Repositioning

Despite robust performance, fenders are designed for efficient installation and repositioning, supporting dry dock operations and temporary port layouts without heavy lifting equipment or specialized personnel.

Applications

Port Berthing Operations

Protects container ships, bulk carriers, general cargo vessels, and tugs during berthing, reducing hull stress and quay wear.

Dry Docks and Maintenance Facilities

Safeguards vessel hulls during inspection, repair, and refit operations, preventing damage to both ships and dock walls.

Floating Pontoons and Temporary Berths

Provides impact mitigation for temporary docking arrangements, floating platforms, and construction or maintenance sites.

Why Choose Hongruntong Marine

Experience in Multi Purpose Marine Facilities

Hongruntong Marine has extensive experience providing versatile fender solutions for ports, shipyards, and dry dock facilities, ensuring consistent performance across diverse applications.

Customizable Design Options

We offer tailored diameters, lengths, attachment mechanisms, and outer skin materials to match specific berthing conditions and vessel types, ensuring optimal protection and longevity.

Advanced Material Selection

Our fenders utilize marine-grade polyethylene foam and high-performance polyurethane coatings, delivering excellent abrasion resistance, UV stability, and corrosion protection suitable for both inland and offshore applications.

Professional Technical Support

Hongruntong Marine provides full lifecycle support, including installation guidance, performance assessment, and inspection recommendations, ensuring reliable operation and minimized maintenance costs.

FAQ

1. Can Floating Foam Fenders protect multiple vessel types at one berth?
Yes, the foam core is designed to absorb variable energy impacts, making it suitable for tugs, cargo ships, and bulk carriers without excessive reaction force.

2. Are these fenders suitable for dry dock operations?
Absolutely. Their floating and impact-resistant design protects hulls during docking, maintenance, and repair operations.

3. Do the fenders require specialized installation equipment?
No, they can be mounted using chains, brackets, or temporary floating systems, and are designed for efficient handling and repositioning.

4. How long do the fenders last in port and dry dock environments?
With proper selection and installation, service life typically exceeds 15 years, even under frequent docking cycles and UV exposure.

5. Can the fenders be repaired if the outer skin is damaged?
Minor surface damage can be repaired with polyurethane patching, while the unsinkable foam core ensures continued operational performance.