Danyang Yonghong Marine Rubber Co., Ltd.
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Marine Fender

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Marine Rubber Fender for Dock and Vessel Protection

A marine rubber fender is an energy-absorbing rubber component installed between a vessel and a dock, wharf or other marine structure to reduce direct impact during berthing and mooring.


YongHong manufactures marine rubber fenders for ports, wharves, shipyards, workboats and other marine berthing applications. Fender dimensions, rubber hardness, mounting holes, connection details and product markings can be customized according to the installation drawing and project requirements.

A suitable fender should not be selected only by its outside dimensions. Vessel size, berthing conditions, available installation space, dock structure, expected compression and required impact protection should all be reviewed before confirming the design.


For more examples of how rubber protection products are used around docks and vessels, visit our wharf and ship docking systems page.


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Key Features of YongHong Marine Rubber Fenders

Impact Cushioning

The rubber body compresses when contacted by a vessel, helping reduce direct impact between the vessel and dock structure.

The actual protection provided depends on the fender dimensions, rubber compound, compression condition, mounting method and project design.

Flexible Rubber Construction

Rubber deformation allows the fender to accommodate repeated vessel contact without creating a completely rigid interface.

The required flexibility should be balanced with:

  • Structural stability

  • Rubber hardness

  • Recovery after compression

  • Expected contact force

  • Fender size

  • Installation position

Resistance to Marine Exposure

Marine fenders may be exposed to:

  • Seawater

  • Rain

  • Sunlight

  • Ozone

  • Outdoor temperature changes

  • Vessel movement

  • Surface abrasion

  • Repeated compression

The rubber compound and surface structure should therefore be confirmed according to the operating environment and expected service conditions.

Custom Dimensions and Mounting Details

YongHong can review customized requirements for:

  • Fender length

  • Fender width

  • Fender height

  • Outside diameter

  • Inside diameter

  • Cross-section

  • Mounting-hole diameter

  • Hole spacing

  • End configuration

  • Rubber hardness

  • Product marking

  • Color requirements

Customization is subject to drawing review and manufacturing confirmation.

Replaceable Protection Component

A rubber fender acts as a protective interface between a vessel and a more expensive dock or hull structure.

When replacement is required, the existing dimensions, mounting holes and installation conditions can be reviewed to determine whether a compatible replacement product can be manufactured.



Marine Rubber Fender Applications

YongHong marine rubber fenders can be evaluated for different docking and vessel-protection environments.


ApplicationMain Protection RequirementInformation to Confirm
Port BerthsRepeated vessel contactVessel size, speed and berth structure
Wharves and JettiesProtection of concrete or steel edgesInstallation area and mounting details
ShipyardsContact with different vessel sizesFender location and maintenance access
TugboatsCompact hull-side protectionHull profile and fixing method
WorkboatsProtection during docking and service operationsContact area and product dimensions
Floating DocksMovement with changing water levelsDock movement and mounting configuration
Fishing PortsRepeated contact from smaller commercial vesselsVessel mix and berth layout
Inland TerminalsRiver-vessel berthing protectionWater-level variation and dock structure



Marine Fender Materials and Construction

The performance of a marine rubber fender depends on the rubber compound, internal construction, dimensions and installation details.

Rubber Body

The rubber body provides the main cushioning and recovery function.

Material selection should consider:

  • Repeated compression

  • Seawater exposure

  • Outdoor weather

  • UV and ozone

  • Abrasion

  • Temperature range

  • Required hardness

  • Expected service life

The exact compound should be confirmed according to the project and available material specifications.

Mounting Holes

Mounting holes must match the approved dock or vessel drawing.

Incorrect hole diameter or spacing can cause:

  • Installation delay

  • Forced alignment

  • Fender distortion

  • Uneven bolt loading

  • Local rubber damage

Both center-to-center spacing and edge distance should be clearly shown on the drawing.

Embedded Components

Where the design includes embedded steel parts or other reinforcement, the material, dimensions, location and corrosion-protection requirements should be confirmed before production.

Chains and Connection Accessories

Some installations may require chains or other supporting accessories.

Availability should be confirmed according to:

  • Fender design

  • Installation orientation

  • Required movement

  • Project drawing

  • Customer supply scope



How to Select a Marine Rubber Fender

The first step is to determine whether the project is a new berth, a vessel-mounted application or a replacement order.

New Dock or Berthing Project

For a new project, provide:

  • Vessel type

  • Vessel displacement

  • Berthing speed

  • Berthing angle

  • Dock structure

  • Tidal range

  • Fender spacing

  • Available installation area

  • Required energy absorption

  • Allowable reaction force

  • Applicable standard

The final fender selection should be confirmed by the project designer or qualified marine engineer.

Replacement Fender

For a replacement product, provide:

  • Original drawing

  • Overall dimensions

  • Cross-section

  • Mounting-hole diameter

  • Hole spacing

  • Existing rubber hardness

  • Product markings

  • Installation photographs

  • Damaged-product photographs

  • Required quantity

An old fender may have permanent deformation or wear, so dimensions should be checked against the original drawing whenever possible.

Vessel-Mounted Fender

For a tugboat, workboat or other vessel-mounted installation, provide:

  • Vessel type

  • Installation position

  • Hull curvature

  • Contact area

  • Available fixing points

  • Required projection

  • Fender length

  • Operating environment

Custom Application

For a custom application, a clear drawing should show:

  • Front view

  • Side view

  • Cross-section

  • Overall dimensions

  • Hole positions

  • Installation direction

  • Supporting structure

  • Required tolerances


Common Marine Fender Selection and Installation Problems

ProblemPossible ResultRecommended Action
Selection based only on sizeInadequate project performanceReview vessel and berth conditions
Incorrect mounting-hole spacingInstallation failure or forced alignmentConfirm the approved drawing
Fender too hard or too softUnsuitable compression responseConfirm hardness and performance requirements
Poor installation alignmentUneven loading and local damageAlign before tightening
Inadequate supporting structureMovement or anchor failureCheck dock or hull structure
Missing performance requirementsUnverified energy and reaction behaviorProvide project criteria
Incorrect contact positionPoor force distributionReview vessel contact area
Incompatible rubber compoundPremature aging or crackingConfirm marine exposure conditions
Loose fastenersFender movement and wearPerform scheduled inspections
Sharp surrounding edgesCuts and surface damageRemove or protect contact hazards


FAQ

What is a marine rubber fender?

A marine rubber fender is a protective rubber component installed between a vessel and a dock, wharf or other marine structure. It compresses during contact to help reduce direct impact and damage.


Where are marine rubber fenders installed?

They may be installed on ports, wharves, jetties, floating docks, shipyards, tugboats, workboats and other vessel-contact structures.


How do I select a rubber fender for a dock?

Selection should consider vessel type, vessel displacement, berthing speed, berthing angle, dock structure, available installation area, tidal range, energy absorption and allowable reaction force.


Can the marine fender dimensions be customized?

Fender length, width, height, diameter, cross-section, mounting holes and product markings can be evaluated according to the submitted drawing and manufacturing requirements.


What rubber hardness should a marine fender have?

There is no single hardness value suitable for every application. The hardness should be selected according to the fender structure, required compression, vessel contact conditions and project performance requirements.


Can YongHong manufacture a replacement fender from an old drawing?

Replacement production can be evaluated from the original drawing, product dimensions, hole positions, markings and installation photographs. The old product should be measured carefully because long-term use may cause wear or permanent deformation.


What are energy absorption and reaction force?

Energy absorption describes the amount of berthing energy the fender can absorb during compression. Reaction force describes the force transferred through the fender to the vessel and supporting structure. Both values should be reviewed during project selection.


How are marine rubber fenders inspected?

Inspection may include overall dimensions, cross-section, mounting holes, rubber hardness, appearance, material properties and agreed compression or performance testing.


Do you provide installation accessories?

Accessory availability depends on the confirmed design and supply scope. Please submit the required bolts, chains, embedded parts or other accessories with the project drawing.


What information is required for a quotation?

Please provide the project location, application, vessel information, fender drawing, overall dimensions, mounting-hole details, rubber hardness, performance requirements, quantity and required delivery date.


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