Rubber fender structures are typically divided into two main categories: solid rubber fenders (non-floated) and floated rubber fenders.
Solid rubber fender (non-floating) is a collision-avoidance equipment for docked ships with a long history of application and wide usage. It can be classified into shear, rotational, and compression types based on the load-bearing conditions of the fender. According to the structure of the fender, solid rubber fenders can be further divided into D-shaped, conical, drum-shaped, fan-shaped, rectangular, and cylindrical fenders, among others.
Floating rubber fender can freely float on the water surface and is divided into: inflatable rubber fender and filled rubber fender based on the different internal cushioning medium.
The inflatable rubber fender operates by using compressed air as the medium, dissipating collision energy through the work done by the compressed air.
Foam-filled fender, also known as solid polyurethane fender, is primarily filled with a cushioning medium, mainly closed-cell foam materials, such as foam EVA, foam polyurethane, and foam rubber, etc.
Solid rubber fender has high energy absorption and rebound properties, with additional benefits such as low cost, long service life, and easy installation and maintenance, making it a common protective device for docks and shipyards.
The floating rubber fender is a relatively new type of fender equipment, differing from solid rubber fenders in its main characteristics: large compressive deformation, high energy absorption, low reaction force, self-floating, and easy installation. It is commonly used in ship-to-ship, ship-to-wharf cargo operations, and docking. Due to its self-floating nature, it is particularly suitable for installation at piers with significant tidal variations. The filled rubber fender, with its maintenance-free and long-life benefits, is especially suitable for use in harsh environments, such as offshore drilling platforms.
The industry standards adopted for solid rubber fender are "HG/T 2866-2016 Rubber Fender" and "GB/T 21537-2008锥形橡胶护舷".
