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.

As a leading Yokohama fender manufacturer in China, Jerryborg Marine also provides custom pneumatic fender design services.

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.

Pneumatic Fender structure

Advantages of Jerryborg Marine yokohama rubber fender

Advantages Of Jerryborg Marine Yokohama Rubber Fender-Safety and reliability

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.

Advantages Of Jerryborg Marine Yokohama Rubber Fender-No deterioration or variation

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.

 

Advantages Of Jerryborg Marine Yokohama Rubber Fender-Well inclined berthing

Well inclined berthing

Jerryborg 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.

Advantages Of Jerryborg Marine Yokohama Rubber Fender-Soft reaction force

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.

Advantages Of Jerryborg Marine Yokohama Rubber Fender-Lower mooring forces

Lower mooring forces

In challenging weather conditions, Jerryborg 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.

Advantages Of Jerryborg Marine Yokohama Rubber Fender-Against shearing force

Against shearing force

The design and materials used in Jerryborg 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.

Advantages Of Jerryborg Marine Yokohama Rubber Fender-Adaptable to the tide

Adaptable to the tide

Jerryborg 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.

Advantages Of Jerryborg Marine Yokohama Rubber Fender-Low installation cost 

Low installation cost 

Jerryborg 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.

Advantages Of Jerryborg Marine Yokohama Rubber Fender-Low delivery cost

Low delivery cost

Jerryborg 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.

Contact Jerryborg Marine now !

Pneumatic Fender Applications

  • In a port with dramatic tidal changes
  • Ship-to-ship ignition operations
  • Oil and Gas (Typical FSRU)
  • Temporary berth

Two Main Production Technology of 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.

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.

standard Yokohama Fender Sizes

As a professional Yokohama fenders manufacturer, we produce pneumatic fenders with initial pressures of 50kPa (pneumatic 50) and 80kPa (pneumatic 80). All pressure values of our Yokohama rubber fenders fully comply with the requirements of ISO 17357.

IP50PerformancePressure (at GEA) kPaPressuresBody Thickness mmMooring Chain Diameter mm
Dia. × Length (mm)Energy (GEA) kJReaction (at GEA) kNPressure (at GEA) kPaBody Only kgChain Net (e×cl body) kgSling TypeRelief Valve kPaProof Test kPa
Ø300 × 600L0.52413415–20–2001213
Ø500 × 1000L6641322412135–2001216
Ø600 × 1000L8741262813239–2001216
Ø700 × 1500L171371355016560–2001316
Ø800 × 1500L241581326428072–2001416
Ø1000 × 1500L3318212280220107–2001416
Ø1000 × 2000L4625713297242124–2001416
Ø1200 × 3000L109482134250435280–2001416
Ø1350 × 2500L104427130220385264–2001516
Ø1500 × 2500L125464126243484287–2001619
Ø1500 × 3000L156579132275583319–2001619
Ø1500 × 4000L230815130330690380–2001619
Ø1700 × 3000L195639128319638363–2001619
Ø1700 × 7200L5161621133760N/A810–2001622
Ø2000 × 3000L260727122403990469–2001622
Ø2000 × 3500L3148751284451056502–2001722
Ø2000 × 4000L36110201254901150540–2001622
Ø2000 × 6000L61116311366581650720–2001626
Ø2500 × 4000L6761381137992136411881752501826
Ø2500 × 5500L96220191481199203514521752501832
Ø2500 × 9100L163134821402150346722301752501832
Ø3000 × 5000L113620211541520180016401752501932
Ø3300 × 4500L119818841301606188120241752502036
Ø3300 × 6500L185030151462057282724751752502038
Ø3300 ×10600L312852571582816512633661752502248
Ø4500 × 7000L330237961333740429038801752502448
Ø4500 × 9000L4847574714643345929–1752502450
Ø4500 ×12000L6602798415452697689–1752052458

The data in the table adheres to the ISO 17357 standards.
The Yokohama fender body and net weight can vary by up to ±10%. The net weights reflect Jerryborg’s standard design.
Upon request, we can provide pneumatic fenders in special sizes.

IP80PerformanceFender WeightPressuresBody Thickness mmMooring Chain Diameter mm
Dia. x Length (mm)Energy (GEA) kJReaction (at GEA) kNPressure (at GEA) kPaBody Only kgChain Net (e×cl body) kgSling TypeRelief Valve kPaProof Test kPa
Ø300 × 600L0.6  17–20–2501313
Ø500 × 1000L8851742612137–2501316
Ø600 × 1000L11981663013242–2501316
Ø700 × 1500L241801775216563–2501416
Ø800 × 1500L312041807128083–2501516
Ø1000 × 1500L4523916084220111–2501516
Ø1000 × 2000L64338174101242129–2501516
Ø1200 × 2000L89390166149352176–2501516
Ø1200 × 3000L140623185275435310–2501616
Ø1350 × 2500L144561170226385270–2501716
Ø1500 × 2500L174610166268484312–2501719
Ø1500 × 3000L218761174339583355–2501720
Ø1500 × 4000L2961053176363690378–2501720
Ø1700 × 3000L272840168348638392–2501720
Ø1700 × 7200L6682096170795N/A845–2501822
Ø2000 × 3000L363955160413990479–2001922
Ø2000 × 3500L43811501684541056520–2501924
Ø2000 × 4000L52013801735051150535–2501924
Ø2000 × 6000L791210917072416508102303001828
Ø2500 × 4000L94418151801111136413092303002030
Ø2500 × 5500L134326531851670180018502303002134
Ø2500 × 9100L229345051992360346724502303002038
Ø3300 × 4500L167324761711892188122992303002234
Ø3300 × 6500L258339611912420282728272303002242
Ø3300 ×10600L436669072083333512638722303002354
Ø4500 × 7000L460849881744136430143502303002654
Ø4500 × 9000L6766755119248185929–2303002658
Ø4500 ×12000L92181449020258637689–2303002658

The data in the table adheres to the ISO 17357 standards.
The Yokohama fender body and net weight can vary by up to ±10%. The net weights reflect Jerryborg’s standard design.
Upon request, we can provide pneumatic fenders in special sizes.

Properties of Outer and Inner Rubber Material

No.Test ItemTest MethodRequired Value
Outer RubberInner Rubber
1Before Aging————-————-
1-1Tensile StrengthISO 37 : 2005≥18 MPa≥10 MPa
1-2ElongationISO 37 : 2005≥400 %≥400 %
1-3Durometer

Hardness

(A type)

ISO 7619 1 : 2004

ISO 7619-1 : 2004

60 ± 10

60 ± 10

50 ± 10

50 ±10

2After AgingISO 188 : 2007Air oven aging 70±1 , 96 hAir oven aging 70±1 , 96 h
2-1Tensile StrengthISO 37 : 2005Not less than 80% of the original propertyNot less than 80% of the original property
2-2ElongationISO 37 : 2005Not less than 80% of the original propertyNot less than 80% of the original property
2-3Durometer

Hardness (A type)

ISO 37 : 2005Not to exceed the original property by more than 80%Not to exceed the original property by more than 80%
3TearISO 34-1 : 2004≥400 N/cmNo requirement
4Compression SetISO 815 : 200830 % (70±1 for 22 h)

or less

No requirement
 5Static Ozone Aging TestISO 1431-1 : 2004No crack after elongation by 20% and exposure to 50 pphm at 40 for 96hNo requirement

Pneumatic Rubber Fender Types

Type I: Sling Pneumatic Rubber Fender

Sling Pneumatic Rubber Fenders are made from layers of durable rubber. And we reinforce them with synthetic tire cords. This structure makes them resilient and robust. They are air-filled, effectively allowing them to absorb a berthing ship’s kinetic energy. This cushioning effect minimizes the risk of damage during impact. Jerryborg Sling pneumatic rubber fenders offer high energy absorption with a low reaction force. We make them suitable for protecting a wide range of vessel sizes.

Type II: Pneumatic Fender With Tire & Chain Net

These fenders consist of a pneumatic rubber core. On the outside is a protective mesh made of tires connected by chains. Rubber core absorbs impact energy. The tires and chain mesh provide extra wear resistance. This combination ensures higher energy absorption capacity. It also allows pneumatic fenders to distribute impact forces more evenly. This fender is particularly suitable for harsh marine environments. It is also ideal for various ships, including large cargo ships and oil tankers.

Type III: Hydropneumatic Fender

Hydropneumatic fenders use air and water in separate chambers to absorb impact energy. They are particularly effective at accommodating vessels that berth at an angle. They provide a softer and more controlled cushioning effect. Hydropneumatic fenders are ideal where a softer berthing process is required. Such as sensitive cargo or delicate hull structures.

How To Choose a Suitable Floating Rubber Fender For STS Operation?

The marine fender selection procedure for STS operations is outlined below.

  • First, Consider two ship’ types and sizes. Weather conditions such as Calm, Moderate, and Rough are initially confirmed.

  • Second: The selections are designed based on Calm weather conditions. If the weather is confirmed as Calm, the Fender system can be simply selected from the tables.

 

Quick Reference Guide to Yokohama Fender Selection for STS Operations

PETROLEUM, CHEMICALS and LIQUEFIED GASSES
Equivalent
Displacement
Coefficient (C)		Relative VelocityBerthing EnergySuggested Fenders
Tonnesm / sTonnes.mDiameter × Length (m)Quanitity
1,0000.32.41.0 × 2.03 or more
3,0000.371.5 × 3.0〃
6,0000.3142.5 × 5.5〃
10,0000.25172.5 × 5.5〃
30,0000.25403.3 × 6.54 or more
50,0000.2483.3 × 6.5〃
100,0000.15543.3 × 6.5〃
150,0000.15713.3 × 6.55 or more
200,0000.15933.3 × 6.5〃
330,0000.151554.5 × 9.04 or more
500,0000.152314.5 × 9.0〃

Qualified Pneumatic Rubber Fenders

Jerruborg Marine is a professional Yokohama Fenders manufacturer. And our products meet third-party certifications.

Our certificates include: ISO 17357, BV, SGS, CCS, DNV, ABS, LR.

ISO 17357

Project Cases

We offer a comprehensive warranty on our pneumatic fenders. The standard warranty period is two years from the date of buy. We ensure that any issues under normal operating conditions will be resolved promptly and efficiently. Please see our Warranty Policy for specific warranty terms and conditions. Or you can contact our customer service team.

ISO 17357-1:2014 specifies high-quality marine fenders’ material, performance, and testing requirements. The standard covers various aspects such as size, shape, internal pressure, and durability. These requirements ensure the safety and efficiency of pneumatic fenders. They are essential during mooring or berthing operations.

Yokohama Fenders is a specific brand of pneumatic rubber fenders. Yokohama Rubber Company originally manufactured it. This type of marine fender is widely used in offshore applications. Pneumatic fenders generally use air as the main component to absorb energy. It is suitable for ship berthing and terminal operations. Essentially, Yokohama fenders fall into the category of aerodynamic fenders. Both types of marine fenders are known for their quality and reliability in marine environments.

No, we use Integrative Twining Technology. This method often involves a complex web of reinforcing layers. It can enhance the strength and durability of the fender. This reinforcement makes the fender more resistant to wear, tear, and punctures. This design can be adapted to produce fenders of various sizes and shapes. It can meet specific requirements. These fenders can sometimes be easier to repair due to their layered construction.

repair policy Of Yokohama Rubber Fenders Manufacturer

When you buy our pneumatic fenders, we will equip them with free repair parts. And we provide a detailed maintenance manual. Of course, you can also send it back to us for repair.

When Do You Need To Replace The Marine Fender

Contact us now ！

Get a quick quote and learn more about us.

+86 18765259568

[email protected]

No.1, Xishanqian Industrial Park, Jimo District 266200, Qingdao City, China.


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