Inflatable Yokohama Rubber Fender

Product Overview & Market Position

The Yokohama Inflatable Rubber Fender is a high-performance marine fendering solution primarily used for berthing and mooring operations between vessels and docks or between two vessels to prevent collision damage. Its unique design allows it to absorb tremendous impact energy while maintaining a low reaction force.

Pneumatic Design Principle:

The fender's cylindrical body is constructed from multiple layers of reinforcement cord and an inner rubber layer. In its uninflated "neutral state," the angle of these cords relative to the fender's axis is set between 15° to 45°. When inflated to working pressure, the inner rubber shears, increasing the cord angle and allowing the fender diameter to expand significantly (some patent specifications note that the diameter can increase substantially from a storage size of, for example, 3-5 meters). This design makes it relatively compact for storage and transport while providing maximum buffer volume and energy absorption in use.

Material Science & Durability:

To withstand harsh marine environments and the high-temperature steam vulcanization process during manufacturing, Yokohama Rubber employs high-performance materials. For instance, the reinforcement layers use cords made from PEN fiber. Compared to traditional PET fiber, PEN fiber is more resistant to performance degradation from steam vulcanization and offers excellent fatigue resistance, ensuring the fender's long-term durability under repeated heavy impacts and deformation.

Safety & Stability Mechanisms:

Some models (e.g., vertical-type fenders) incorporate built-in ballast water and safety valve systems. The ballast water stabilizes the fender's position in the water, while the safety valve automatically releases air if internal pressure spikes due to severe compression, preventing rupture. It can also quickly enhance energy absorption capacity by admitting additional air if pressure drops too low.

Based on these features, its primary applications include:

1. Large Vessel Operations: Especially critical for supertankers and other large vessels that cannot dock directly, serving as a key buffer during Ship-to-Ship (STS) transfer operations at sea.

2. Port & Dock Protection: Installed on quay walls to protect both the port structure and berthing vessels of all types.

3. Offshore Engineering: Providing berthing protection for offshore platforms, work barges, etc.

In summary, the core advantages of the Yokohama Inflatable Rubber Fender are:

1. High Efficiency: Optimized inflatable structure and materials provide an exceptionally high energy absorption ratio.

2. High Durability: Use of materials like PEN fiber, resistant to vulcanization degradation and fatigue, ensures a long service life.

3. Easy Handling: Compact when deflated for convenient storage, transportation, and installation.

4. Safety & Reliability: Built-in safety mechanisms (e.g., safety valves) prevent overload damage.

5. Wide Applicability: A comprehensive product line meets diverse needs, from small boats to supertankers.