10 Things to Consider When Buying Pneumatic Fenders

We know that some recent problems have made some of our customers confused about choosing marine pneumatic fenders. On this occasion, we wrote this guide to help those who do not know how to choose the right marine pneumatic fender.

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What is pneumatic fender?

Pneumatic fender, also known as Yokohama fender, is a fender system with high strength and high wear resistance. The common size is: D1.0m x L1.5 ~ D3.3m x L6.5m. It consists of an outer rubber layer, a cord layer and an inner rubber layer vulcanized together. There are end flanges at both ends for inflation purposes. The outer rubber layer is made of strong rubber material to withstand external forces and protect the other layers from abrasion as well as hard usage in bad weather conditions.

The pneumatic fender uses compressed air as a buffer medium to absorb the impact energy of the ship, and makes the ship more flexible and soft when docking, so as to achieve the effect of collision and collision avoidance. Therefore, it is widely used for ship-to-ship transfer operations and ship berthing operations.

What’s the application of the pneumatic fenders?

The fenders are used primarily for two applications: Ship-to-Ship and Ship-to-Dock. For ship-to-ship application, the fenders are used to berth or moor two vessels side by side (double-banking) in port or at sea. For ship-to-dock application, the fenders are used to berth a vessel alongside a dock or wharf.

Ship-to-Ship (STS) Operation

Fenders used in STS transfer operation offshore are divided into two categories:

1. Primary fenders, which are positioned along the parallel body of the ship to afford the max. Possible protection while alongside.
2. Secondary fenders are used to protect bow and stern plating from inadvertent contact if the ships get out of alignment during mooring and unmooring. It is important that secondary fenders are properly secured and it may be necessary to move secondary fenders prior to unmooring if the likely points of contact have changed due to changes in the freeboards of the two ships. Meanwhile, secondary fenders should be light in weight because they must often be hauled well above the waterlines and located in positions with limited access to lifting gear or support points. So it may help if fenders can be moved quickly to counter possible inadvertent contact.

Ship-to-Dock (STD) Operation

Besides being used for STS operation, pneumatic rubber fenders are also used for dock and wharf protection. Compared with traditional solid rubber fenders, pneumatic rubber fenders have perfect energy absorption and soft reaction force. Meanwhile, as floating rubber fenders, they could be adaptable to tide changes. Nowadays, pneumatic rubber fenders are widely used in some large shipyards, docks and ocean platforms.

Quick reference for choosing a suitable pneumatic fender:

In order to calculate a suitable fender arrangement, it is necessary to calculate the berthing energy of a ship which must be absorbed by the fender at the point of contact.

Here is a quick reference for choosing a suitable pneumatic fender:

                            PETROLEUM Equivalent Displacement
Coefficient(C) Relative Velocity Berthing Energy Suggested Fenders Typical Pneumatic
Rubber Fender Tonnes m/s Tonnes.m Quantity D x L (m) 1,000 0.30 2.4 3 or more 1.0 x 2.0 3,000 0.30 7.0 1.5 x 3.0 6,000 0.30 14.0 2.5 x 5.5 10,000 0.25 17.0 2.5 x 5.5 30,000 0.25 40.0 4 or more 3.3 x 6.5 50,000 0.20 48.0 3.3 x 6.5 100,000 0.15 54.0 3.3 x 6.5 150,000 0.15 71.0 5 or more 3.3 x 6.5 200,000 0.15 93.0 3.3 x 6.5 330,000 0.15 155.0 6 or more 4.5 x 9.0 500,000 0.15 231.0 4.5 x 9.0 LIQUEFIED GAS Equivalent Displacement Coefficient(C) Relative Velocity Berthing Energy Suggested Fenders Typical Pneumatic
Rubber Fender Tonnes m/s Tonnes.m Quantity D x L (m) 1,000 0.30 4 3 1.0 x 2.0 3,000 0.30 12 3 1.5 x 3.0 5,000 0.30 24 3 2.0 x 3.5 8,000 0.25 25 3 2.0 x 3.5 20,000 0.25 61 3 3.3 x 6.5 40,000 0.20 74 4 3.3 x 6.5 80,000 0.15 78 4 3.3 x 6.5

Types of Protective Net

Pneumatic fenders can come without a protective net and is usually black in color. Colors can be changed according to customers’ needs. Boomarine usually has 3 types of protective nets.

1. Tire-Chain Net Pneumatic Fender – multiple tires are tied to the ball, and the two ends are tied to a special fly ring that can rotate flexibly. Suitable for large ships.

2.  Rubber Mat-wire Net Pneumatic Fender – a special rubber pad is tied to the sphere, which can be freely contracted or stretched when squeezed Suitable for small and medium-sized vessels.

3. Rope Net Pneumatic Fender – The net cover is woven with nylon rope and tied tightly to the ball. Suitable for small boats.

Summary

Pneumatic fenders can not only be applied to all kinds of ships, but also protect ports and piers. Due to a more evenly distributed load pressure, the torque performance against the dock is usually smaller when compared to conventionally designed solid fender systems. How can you choose a pneumatic fender that suits you? First of all, you have to determine your use environment, and then refer to the introduction of pneumatic fenders above to choose the most suitable fender for you.

If you are still confused about choosing a pneumatic fender, please contact us and we can recommend the most suitable pneumatic fender for you.

Why does Boomarine meet your pneumatic fender requirements?

• All our high-quality pneumatic fenders comply with ISO standards.
• We have 20 years of experience in producing marine fenders. Each finished fender will be carried out inspection by our Q.C before shipping. Our pneumatic fenders design service life is 20 years, our company has a quality warranty of at least 18 months.
• Fast shipping for global deliveries.
• Competitive prices for all types of pneumatic fenders.

Why Pneumatic Fenders Matter

With global shipping, naval, and offshore operations increasing in volume and complexity, vessel safety during berthing has never been more important. At Sunhelm, we’ve seen cases where improper fender choice led to costly hull damage or failed port operations. That’s why choosing the right pneumatic fenders is urgent, especially when conditions are unpredictable or dockside infrastructure varies. Whether you’re docking tankers, conducting ship-to-ship transfers, or outfitting new terminals, making the right choice protects your investment and personnel.

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What Are Pneumatic (Marine) Fenders and Why Choose Them?

Pneumatic fenders—also known as marine fenders or pneumatic rubber fenders—are air-filled bumpers used to protect vessels and structures during berthing.

They float on water, absorb large impact energy, and exert low reaction force, making them ideal for:

• Ship-to-ship transfers
• Large tankers and naval ships
• Unstable tides or swell conditions

Top Benefits:

• High energy absorption due to internal air pressure
• Low hull pressure, preventing structural damage
• Flexible applications across vessel sizes
• Quick deployment, easy handling, low maintenance
• Meets ISO -1: standards

Sunhelm’s Step-by-Step Guide to Choosing the Right Pneumatic Fender

1. Calculate Berthing Energy

Use vessel weight and approach speed to determine energy impact. This guides your fender’s required energy absorption rating (GEA).

2. Choose Fender Type

• Net-type fenders (with chain & tire nets) provide rugged protection
• Sling-type fenders are lighter, suitable for quick deployment, and provide moderate protection

3. Pick the Right Size

The pneumatic fenders come in sizes from 300mm to 4,700mm in diameter and 500mm to 12,000mm in length.  Larger vessels or higher berthing speeds need bigger fenders.

4. Verify Pressure Ratings

Check for standard pressure options:

• 50 kPa (standard)
• 80 kPa (high-pressure applications)

5. Assess Build Quality

Look for:

• Thick rubber layers
• Reinforced cord layers
• Precision in manufacturing (wrapped or molded)

6. Check for ISO Certification

Ensure your fender meets ISO and comes with classification society approvals like CCS, BV, ABS, or DNV.

7. Plan for Installation & Maintenance

Make sure your team can monitor internal pressure, inspect for leaks, and replace parts like valves or shackles easily.

People Also Ask: Quick Answers from Sunhelm

What is the difference between pneumatic fenders and solid rubber fenders?

Pneumatic fenders float and compress using internal air, absorbing high impact with flexibility. Solid rubber fenders are rigid and mounted to structures, offering less energy absorption and adaptability.

How do pneumatic fenders work?

They use compressed air to absorb berthing energy. When a ship contacts the fender, the air inside compresses and disperses force, preventing damage.

How do I calculate the correct size of a marine pneumatic fender?

Estimate your ship’s berthing energy based on weight and speed. Use the fender manufacturer’s energy absorption chart to match with the correct size.

What pressure should a pneumatic fender be inflated to?

Standard pressure is 50 kPa. For higher energy absorption, 80 kPa versions are available. Maintain regular pressure checks for safe use.

How long do pneumatic rubber fenders last, and how often should they be inspected?

They typically last 5–15 years, depending on usage and environment. Inspect at least every 6–12 months for air pressure, leaks, and surface damage.

Why Choose Sunhelm Pneumatic Fenders?

Sunhelm offers a complete range of marine pneumatic fenders, made from high-grade rubber and reinforced with multiple layers for strength and durability. With full ISO and classification certifications, we provide:

• Custom sizing & type matching
• Global logistics & technical support
• Long-lasting, low-maintenance fender systems

Ready to Protect Your Fleet?

Let Sunhelm help you choose the ideal fender solution for your ship, port, or offshore facility. Contact our marine engineering team today for tailored recommendations and quotes.