5 Reasons Why Your Business Needs Pneumatic Fenders？

1. What Is Ship-to-Ship (STS) Operation and Why Is It Risky?

Ship-to-Ship (STS) operations happen when two ships are moored side-by-side to transfer cargo, usually oil, LNG, or chemicals. While this process is common, it can be risky. Waves, wind, and current can move the ships and cause them to collide. This might lead to damage, cargo spills, or even injuries.

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To stay safe, ships need strong, reliable protection between their hulls. That’s where pneumatic fenders come in—they act like giant cushions that absorb shock and reduce impact during STS transfers.

2. What Are Pneumatic Fenders and How Do They Work?

Pneumatic fenders are large, air-filled rubber cylinders. They usually have a tough outer rubber layer, layers of tire cords inside, and metal flanges at both ends. Some fenders come with chain and tire nets for extra protection.

They work by compressing the air inside when pressure is applied. This lets them absorb a lot of energy while keeping reaction force low. This makes them much better than solid rubber fenders when it comes to protecting ships during side-by-side contact.

3. Why Are Pneumatic Fenders Ideal for STS Operations?

High Energy Absorption, Low Reaction Force

Pneumatic fenders can absorb up to 90% of impact energy while giving off very low force in return. This helps protect both ships during mooring.

Float with the Tide

Since they float, pneumatic fenders rise and fall with water levels. No matter how the tide moves, the fender stays in the right place and keeps working.

Easy to Install and Move

They are lightweight and easy to handle. You can inflate or deflate them quickly, making them ideal for both short-term and emergency use.

Long-Lasting and Easy to Maintain

Made from high-quality rubber and reinforced with tire cords, they resist seawater, sunlight, and rough weather. Most can last 6 to 10 years with only basic maintenance like pressure checks and cleaning.

Environmentally Friendly and Cost-Effective

By reducing the chance of ship collisions, they help prevent oil leaks and pollution. Although the initial price may be higher, they save money over time by reducing damage and insurance claims.

Meet International Standards

Many pneumatic fenders meet ISO standards, making them suitable for use on oil tankers, LNG ships, offshore platforms, and navy vessels.

4. Meet SunHelm – A Trusted Pneumatic Fender Manufacturer

About SunHelm

SunHelm Marine is a professional marine equipment manufacturer based in Shandong, China. Since , they’ve focused on producing pneumatic fenders, marine airbags, foam fenders, and more. Their products are certified by ISO, ISO, CCS, BV, DNV, and other major classification societies.

Product Highlights

• SunHelm uses 100% natural rubber and high-strength cord layers to make strong, safe fenders.
• Their fenders can handle pressure far above ISO standards.
• Each fender is customizable in size and can be delivered quickly, saving storage and shipping costs.
• Available sizes range from 500 mm to  mm in diameter and up to  mm in length.

Service and Support

• SunHelm offers full support, from design consultation to after-sales service.
• Their team has over 5 years of experience and can help plan the best STS fender setup.
• They offer warranties, free replacements, and remote installation guidance.
• The company works with reliable shipping partners to reduce delivery time and cost.

5. Why Choose SunHelm for Your STS Fender Needs?

6. Conclusion

Pneumatic fenders are a must-have for safe and smooth ship-to-ship operations. They offer high shock absorption, move with the water, and are easy to use and maintain. SunHelm is a trusted brand that delivers top-quality fenders with reliable service and global certifications.

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Whether you’re transferring oil between tankers or managing emergency docking, SunHelm’s pneumatic fenders give you peace of mind, protect your investment, and help you stay compliant with safety standards.

Why is this issue necessary and urgent?

As global trade extends into Arctic and Antarctic routes, marine operations increasingly face severe cold environments. Picture a cargo vessel docking off Greenland at -40 °C, or an oil rig transfer in Siberia’s -50 °C winds—without reliable fenders, collisions can damage hulls, and berths, and even cost lives. That’s why, when Nanhai developed a new rubber compound that lets pneumatic fenders perform down to –50 °C, it’s not just an upgrade—it’s a breakthrough for maritime safety and business continuity in freezing zones.

How Pneumatic Fenders Stay Reliable at –50 °C

NANHAI’s improved rubber compound keeps the outer and inner layers flexible and airtight even in extreme cold, avoiding brittleness and maintaining high energy absorption, crucial when docking in icy waters.

Why Pneumatic Fenders Outperform Other Marine Fenders

• Superior cold-weather resilience: Unlike foam or solid rubber, pneumatic fenders retain elasticity at very low temperatures.
• High energy absorption, low hull pressure: These fenders cushion impact effectively, even at -50 °C.
• ISO‑-compliant design: Layers of outer rubber, tyre-cord reinforcement, and inner liner ensure durability and strength.

Choosing the Right Specifications

• Materials: A combination of natural rubber with a custom low‑temperature compound offers peak performance.
• Structure: Dual-pressure options (50 kPa/80 kPa) suit different vessel sizes and berthing needs.
• Accessories: Tyre‑chain nets add abrasion resistance, while safety valves prevent overinflation.

Why This Matters Now

Given the surge in Arctic shipping and offshore operations, subzero resilience isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. Without it, ports risk costly delays, equipment damage, or dangerous hull impacts. NANHAI’s pneumatic rubber fenders, tested for –50 °C, guarantee performance under pressure. Their patented compound helps ensure smooth, safe docking even in the harshest environments.

People Also Ask

1. How do pneumatic fenders perform in cold weather?
They maintain flexibility and energy absorption even at –50 °C, thanks to improved rubber formulations.

2. What materials are used in pneumatic fender construction?
Outer protective rubber, tyre‑cord reinforcement, and an inner airtight liner—engineered to resist cold-induced stiffness.

3. Are Yokohama-style pneumatic fenders effective in Arctic conditions?
Absolutely. Yokohama-type fenders are praised for consistent performance even at extremely low temperatures.

4. What maintenance do pneumatic fenders need in extreme cold?
Periodic pressure checks, visual inspections for cracks, and ensuring storage in sheltered conditions—essential for longevity.

5. Can pneumatic fenders be adjusted for different ship types?
Yes—selectable diameters (0.5–4.5 m), lengths (1–12 m), and internal pressure options (50/80 kPa) make them ideal for varied vessels.

Final Take

If your operations require ice-proof marine protection, NANHAI’s pneumatic fenders—with their advanced rubber compound tested down to –50 °C—should be atop your list. Combining the best of Yokohama fenders, robust marine-grade materials, and precise ship‑fender performance, they ensure your fleet stays protected, even in the most extreme cold.

Continue reading to explore specifications, installation tips, and case studies from NANHAI’s Arctic trials—because in subzero environments, only the toughest fenders will do.