Cell fenders are a type of marine fender used to protect ships, docks, and other structures from damage during berthing operations. They are designed to absorb the impact energy generated when a vessel comes into contact with a dock or quay. Cell fenders are named for their cylindrical shape, which resembles a cell, and are known for their high energy absorption and low reaction force, making them highly effective in reducing impact forces.
Here are the primary applications of cell fenders:
1. Ports and Harbors
– Container terminals: Cell fenders are commonly used in ports where large container ships dock. Their ability to absorb significant impact energy makes them ideal for heavy-duty applications.
– Bulk cargo terminals: For ships carrying bulk goods like coal, grain, or ores, cell fenders provide a reliable buffer during mooring.
– General cargo docks: They offer protection for docks handling a wide variety of ships and cargo types.
2. Oil and Gas Facilities
– Offshore oil platforms: Cell fenders are used to protect both the offshore platform and vessels involved in oil extraction or transfer operations.
– LNG terminals: These facilities require fenders that can absorb high energy impacts from large LNG tankers, ensuring safety during the transfer of liquefied natural gas.
3. Ferry Terminals
– Passenger ferries: Ferry terminals often use cell fenders to absorb the frequent impacts from ferries docking multiple times a day. Their durable construction ensures long service life in such high-traffic areas.
4. Naval and Military Docks
– Naval bases: Cell fenders are used to protect sensitive military vessels, such as aircraft carriers, destroyers, and submarines, when docking.
– Coast guard stations: These fenders help safeguard coast guard vessels, which often need to dock quickly and securely during emergency operations.
5. Shipyards
– Dry docks: In shipbuilding and repair yards, cell fenders are used to protect the dock walls and vessels during launch and docking operations.
– Repair facilities: Shipyards use these fenders to safely dock ships that need maintenance or retrofitting.
6. Fishing Harbors
– Small fishing boats: While designed for larger vessels, cell fenders are also used in fishing harbors to protect both small boats and docks from repeated impacts.
– Trawler fleets: For fleets of larger fishing trawlers, cell fenders provide necessary protection against heavy vessel impacts.
7. Cruise Ship Terminals
– Passenger cruise liners: Due to the size and mass of cruise liners, cell fenders are used to reduce impact forces when these massive ships dock, ensuring a smooth and safe docking process for passengers.
8. Bridge Protection
– Bridge piers: Cell fenders can be installed around the base of bridge piers in waterways to protect the structure from accidental vessel collisions.
9. Offshore Structures
– Floating docks: Cell fenders are installed on floating docks to protect them from the varying impact energy of ships docking under different tidal conditions.
– Monopiles and jetties: They are used for protecting the critical components of offshore jetties or monopiles in wind farms, oil rigs, and other marine applications.
10. Dredging and Towing Operations
– Dredgers: These fenders can be mounted on dredgers to prevent damage when working in confined or shallow waters.
– Tugboats: Tugboats may use cell fenders during docking to cushion impact when assisting other vessels.
Here are the main benefits of using cell fenders:
1. High Energy Absorption
– Efficient impact management: Cell fenders are designed to absorb large amounts of kinetic energy generated by vessels during berthing. This makes them ideal for heavy-duty applications, such as handling large ships like tankers, cargo vessels, and cruise liners.
– Minimizes damage: By absorbing more energy, they reduce the risk of damage to both the dock structures and the vessels themselves.
2. Low Reaction Force
– Reduced stress on structures: The fender’s design ensures a low reaction force when vessels come into contact with them. This minimizes the load on the quay wall, pier, or dock, helping to prevent structural damage.
– Safer berthing: With lower reaction forces, the vessel experiences less resistance, making the berthing process smoother and reducing the likelihood of accidents.
