“Floating fenders” are marine fenders designed to float on the water’s surface, providing a flexible and effective solution for protecting ships, docks, and other marine structures during berthing and mooring operations. These fenders are typically used in situations where tidal variations, ship-to-ship (STS) transfers, and deepwater docks make traditional fixed fenders less effective. Floating fenders can be made from various materials, including foam-filled and pneumatic designs, and are capable of handling a wide range of vessel sizes and types.
Types of Floating Fenders:
- Pneumatic Floating Fenders: These are air-filled fenders (similar to **pneumatic fenders** like Yokohama fenders). When compressed, the air inside absorbs the impact energy, making them highly effective for both ship-to-ship and ship-to-dock applications. Pneumatic fenders float due to their air-filled nature, allowing them to adapt to tidal changes and vessel movement.
- Foam-Filled Floating Fenders: These fenders are filled with a resilient foam core and have an outer layer made of a tough elastomeric skin. They are highly durable, non-deflatable, and provide continuous protection even if the outer skin is punctured. The foam core compresses under impact to absorb energy, and the closed-cell foam prevents water ingress, ensuring buoyancy.
- Hydropneumatic Fenders: A specialized type of pneumatic fender, these have both air and water inside, allowing them to be partially submerged. They are often used for berthing submarines or very large vessels where a portion of the hull sits below the waterline.
Structure of Floating Fenders:
– Outer Layer: Made of heavy-duty rubber or elastomeric material that is resistant to weathering, UV radiation, saltwater, and abrasion.
– Core: Depending on the type, the core is either air-filled (pneumatic fenders) or filled with high-density closed-cell foam (foam-filled fenders).
– Reinforcement: In some designs, floating fenders may be covered with tire nets or chain nets to provide additional protection against damage during rough berthing conditions.
Key Features of Floating Fenders:
- Buoyancy: Floating fenders naturally stay on the water’s surface, making them highly adaptable to changes in tide levels and vessel movement.
- Energy Absorption: They are designed to absorb significant amounts of impact energy, reducing the risk of damage to both the dock and the vessel.
- Low Reaction Forces: Floating fenders provide a cushion effect, minimizing the reactive forces exerted on ships and docks during berthing.
- Mobility: Since they float, these fenders can easily be repositioned as needed, making them versatile and useful for temporary berthing setups.
Applications of Floating Fenders:
- Ship-to-Ship (STS) Transfers: Floating fenders are commonly used in ship-to-ship operations, where two vessels come alongside each other. The flexibility of floating fenders allows them to adapt to the movement of both ships, providing constant protection.
- Ship-to-Dock (STD) Operations: They are used in docks and piers to absorb the impact from ships during berthing. Their floating nature makes them especially useful in docks where the tide fluctuates significantly.
- Deepwater Ports: In ports with deepwater berths, floating fenders are essential for accommodating large vessels that have varying hull heights based on cargo loads and tide levels.
- Offshore Platforms: Floating fenders are used to protect offshore oil and gas platforms and other structures from damage when supply vessels or service ships come alongside.
- Naval Applications: These fenders are used in naval operations, particularly for berthing submarines or other military vessels that require specialized protection.
Advantages of Floating Fenders:
- Tidal Flexibility: Floating fenders automatically adjust to tidal variations, maintaining proper positioning regardless of water level changes, which is critical in ports with high tidal ranges.
- High Energy Absorption: Whether pneumatic or foam-filled, floating fenders are highly efficient at absorbing impact energy, reducing damage risks to ships and docks.
- Versatility: They are suitable for a wide range of vessel types, from small boats to large cargo ships, tankers, and offshore rigs.
- Durability: Foam-filled fenders are particularly durable, with a long service life even in harsh conditions, as they are non-deflatable. Pneumatic fenders are also tough but may require air pressure maintenance.
- Easy to Deploy: Floating fenders are portable and can be deployed or moved easily, making them ideal for temporary or emergency fendering solutions.
Summary:
“Floating fenders” are a critical component in marine operations where dynamic berthing and fluctuating water levels are involved. Whether foam-filled or pneumatic, they provide excellent energy absorption, adaptability to tidal changes, and versatile protection for both ships and docks. Their ability to float makes them highly effective in ship-to-ship transfers, deepwater ports, and offshore platforms, ensuring vessels of all sizes are safely docked without risk of damage.
