Understanding Floating Fenders – How Do They Work and When to Use Them?

[walterkeith]

Hello everyone.

I’ve been researching different types of marine fenders, and I keep coming across "floating fenders." From what I understand, they provide cushioning between ships and docks, but I’m curious about their specific advantages over fixed or traditional fenders.

How exactly do they function, and in what situations are they most effective? Are there particular materials or designs that perform better in heavy-duty applications? If anyone has experience using them in real-world conditions,

I’d love to hear insights on durability, maintenance, and cost-effectiveness compared to other fender types.

Any recommendations or considerations?

 

[walterkeith]

Hello everyone.

I’ve been researching different types of marine fenders, and I keep coming across "floating fenders." From what I understand, they provide cushioning between ships and docks, but I’m curious about their specific advantages over fixed or traditional fenders.

How exactly do they function, and in what situations are they most effective? Are there particular materials or designs that perform better in heavy-duty applications? If anyone has experience using them in real-world conditions,

I’d love to hear insights on durability, maintenance, and cost-effectiveness compared to other fender types.

Any recommendations or considerations on floating-fender?

thanks in advance for any help

 

[AllanKP69]

Great question. I have seen both types lately, at the docks and the new locks in the Panama Canal. A LOT of the ones in the locks are already hanging down and heavily damaged. Floaters would be a lot easier to replace. Maybe size matters and smaller or large ones can be put in place at docks depending on if a cruise ship or something smaller is being docked at a given time. I am curious to know more but did find the following...... Floating fenders, like pneumatic or foam-filled types, offer advantages over fixed fenders by adapting to fluctuating water levels, providing consistent protection and energy absorption, and minimizing damage to both vessels and infrastructure.
Allan