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Pneumatic fenders are available in various sizes, commonly ranging from 500 × 1,000 mm to 4,500 × 12,000 mm, expressed as diameter × length (D × L). The appropriate fender size depends on vessel dimensions, berthing energy, reaction force, and operating conditions.
This pneumatic fender size chart provides an overview of standard dimensions and key performance ratings, including energy absorption and reaction force at 50 kPa and 80 kPa initial inflation pressures.
In this guide, we explain how to read pneumatic fender dimensions, compare performance ratings, and select suitable sizes for port berthing, ship-to-ship (STS) transfers, and offshore applications.
Pneumatic fender sizes are expressed as diameter × length (D × L) in millimeters. For example, a 1,500 × 3,000 mm pneumatic fender has a nominal diameter of 1.5 meters and a length of 3.0 meters.
The following pneumatic fender size chart presents six Hongruntong fender specifications, including dimensions, energy absorption, reaction force, and hull pressure data. Performance values are provided for 50 kPa and 80 kPa initial inflation pressures.
Size (mm) | Diameter (m) | Length (m) | Energy Absorption at 50 kPa (kNm) | Reaction Force at 50 kPa (kN) | Hull Pressure at 50 kPa (kN/m²) | Energy Absorption at 80 kPa (kNm) | Reaction Force at 80 kPa (kN) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
500 × 1,000 | 0.50 | 1.00 | 64 | 132 | 8 | 85 | 174 |
600 × 1,000 | 0.60 | 1.00 | 74 | 126 | 11 | 98 | 166 |
700 × 1,500 | 0.70 | 1.50 | 137 | 135 | 24 | 180 | 177 |
1,000 × 1,500 | 1.00 | 1.50 | 182 | 122 | 45 | 239 | 160 |
1,200 × 2,000 | 1.20 | 2.00 | 297 | 126 | 88 | 390 | 166 |
1,500 × 3,000 | 1.50 | 3.00 | 579 | 132 | 214 | 761 | 174 |
Technical Note: The hull pressure values above are provided for 50 kPa, as stated in Hongruntong's technical chart. Hull pressure at higher inflation pressures depends on contact conditions and requires technical evaluation.
Fender dimensions alone do not determine suitability. Energy absorption, reaction force, hull contact pressure, vessel characteristics, and berthing conditions should also be considered before selecting a pneumatic fender.
A pneumatic fender size chart helps engineers and vessel operators compare fender dimensions and performance ratings. Beyond diameter and length, three key factors should be considered: energy absorption, reaction force, and hull contact pressure.
The following explanations show how to interpret these values when evaluating pneumatic fenders for marine berthing applications.
Fender deflection describes how much a pneumatic fender is compressed relative to its original diameter. At 60% deflection, the compressed dimension in the loading direction is approximately 40% of the original diameter.
Pneumatic fender performance data may be specified at this compression level under defined test conditions. The corresponding energy absorption and reaction force values help engineers evaluate the fender's ability to manage berthing loads.
Always refer to the manufacturer's performance curves and applicable testing requirements when interpreting deflection ratings.
Guaranteed Energy Absorption (GEA) indicates the minimum energy a pneumatic fender is specified to absorb under defined compression and test conditions. It is measured in kilojoules (kJ), equivalent to kilonewton-metres (kNm).
Reaction Force (RF) is the force generated as the fender compresses against the vessel or berth. It is measured in kilonewtons (kN).
A suitable fender must provide sufficient energy absorption while keeping reaction forces within acceptable structural limits. The applicable performance tolerances should be checked against the relevant standard and manufacturer's test documentation.
Hull pressure refers to the contact pressure acting on the vessel's hull during fender compression. It is different from the pneumatic fender's internal inflation pressure.
Hull contact pressure is influenced by reaction force, contact area, fender geometry, and loading conditions. A larger effective contact area can help distribute the applied load over a wider section of the hull.
When selecting a pneumatic fender, engineers should evaluate hull pressure together with energy absorption and reaction force to ensure compatibility with the vessel's structural requirements.
Pneumatic fenders are commonly available with 50 kPa and 80 kPa initial inflation pressure (IIP) ratings. These pressure levels influence the fender's energy absorption and reaction force during compression.
Based on Hongruntong's pneumatic fender size chart, the 80 kPa versions of the six listed sizes provide approximately 31%–33% higher energy absorption than the corresponding 50 kPa versions. However, higher inflation pressure also increases reaction force, which must be considered during vessel berthing.
Performance Factor | 50 kPa | 80 kPa |
|---|---|---|
Initial Inflation Pressure | 50 kPa | 80 kPa |
Energy Absorption | Lower for the same listed size | Approximately 31%–33% higher for the six listed sizes |
Reaction Force | Lower for the same listed size | Higher for the same listed size |
Hull Pressure | Values provided in the current technical chart | Requires separate technical evaluation |
Selection Consideration | Evaluate against required berthing energy and hull loading | Evaluate additional energy capacity against increased reaction force |
50 kPa pneumatic fenders may be suitable when their rated energy absorption meets the project requirements and a lower reaction force is preferred.
80 kPa pneumatic fenders can provide greater energy absorption for the same nominal dimensions, but their higher reaction force must be checked against vessel and berth structural limitations.
The final selection should be based on verified performance data, required berthing energy, allowable hull loading, and operating conditions.
For example, Hongruntong's listed 1,500 × 3,000 mm pneumatic fender has an energy absorption value of 579 kNm at 50 kPa and 761 kNm at 80 kPa. Its listed reaction force increases from 132 kN to 174 kN.
This illustrates how a higher initial inflation pressure affects both energy absorption and reaction force for the same nominal fender size.
Selecting the right pneumatic fender size involves evaluating vessel characteristics, berthing energy, reaction force, and operating conditions. The goal is to choose a fender that can absorb the required berthing energy without exceeding the vessel's allowable structural loads.
Start by collecting the vessel type, displacement, dimensions, and expected berthing conditions.
Key factors include:
Vessel Displacement: The vessel's actual mass displacement, rather than deadweight tonnage (DWT) alone.
Berthing Velocity: The expected approach speed at the point of contact.
Approach Angle: The vessel's orientation relative to the berth or another vessel.
Environmental Conditions: Wind, waves, currents, and berth exposure.
These factors influence the loads that the pneumatic fender system must accommodate.
Estimate the design berthing energy using an appropriate engineering method, considering vessel displacement, berthing velocity, added mass, eccentricity, and other applicable correction factors.
Because kinetic energy is proportional to the square of velocity, an increase in berthing speed can significantly increase the energy the fender must absorb.
Use the calculated design energy to establish the minimum required fender energy absorption capacity, including applicable design allowances.
Use the pneumatic fender size chart to identify candidate dimensions with sufficient energy absorption capacity.
Compare the available 50 kPa and 80 kPa performance ratings, including Guaranteed Energy Absorption (GEA) and Reaction Force (RF).
A larger fender or higher inflation pressure does not automatically provide the best solution. The selected configuration must meet the required energy absorption while remaining compatible with the vessel and berth.
Check the selected fender's reaction force, hull contact pressure, and effective contact area against the vessel's allowable structural limits.
Before finalizing the specification, confirm the fender dimensions, construction type, installation arrangement, operating conditions, and manufacturer performance documentation.
For complex ship-to-ship or offshore applications, the final selection should be reviewed by qualified marine engineers.
Different marine operations require different pneumatic fender sizes depending on vessel dimensions, berthing energy, hull loading, and environmental conditions.
The following table provides example pneumatic fender sizes for common marine applications, including port berthing, ship-to-ship (STS) transfers, LNG terminals, and offshore operations.
Application | Example Fender Sizes (D × L) | Key Selection Considerations |
|---|---|---|
Harbour Berthing | 1,000 × 2,000 mm | Small-vessel displacement, berthing velocity, and required energy absorption |
Port Quay Berthing | 1,500 × 3,000 to 2,000 × 3,500 mm | Berthing energy, vessel hull loading, and quay configuration |
Ship-to-Ship (STS) Transfer | 2,500 × 5,500 to 3,300 × 6,500 mm | Relative vessel movement, contact geometry, and reaction force |
LNG Carrier / FSRU Berthing | 3,300 × 6,500 to 4,500 × 9,000 mm | Vessel hull limitations, energy absorption, and terminal arrangement |
SPM / Offshore Mooring | 2,500 × 4,000 to 3,300 × 4,500 mm | Environmental loads, vessel movements, and mooring conditions |
Drydock / Shipyard Operations | 1,000 × 2,000 to 2,500 × 5,500 mm | Vessel dimensions, maneuvering conditions, and temporary fender arrangements |
Note: The sizes above are illustrative examples based on commonly discussed application ranges, not fixed engineering recommendations. Final fender selection requires project-specific berthing energy calculations, structural load assessments, and verified manufacturer performance data.
For suitable pneumatic fender options, explore our Pneumatic Fender Products or contact our technical team with your vessel and berthing requirements.
Standard pneumatic fender sizes may not meet every marine project's requirements. Custom dimensions can be considered for specific vessel geometries, restricted berthing spaces, offshore mooring arrangements, and specialized terminal applications.
Hongruntong Marine offers custom pneumatic fender solutions based on project-specific dimensions, performance requirements, and operating conditions.
Custom pneumatic fenders may be required for:
FSRU and LNG Terminal Projects: Fender dimensions tailored to berth geometry and vessel contact requirements.
Offshore Mooring Systems: Non-standard dimensions for specific vessel movements and mooring arrangements.
Port and Berth Retrofits: Customized sizes to accommodate existing structures and limited installation space.
Special Vessel Applications: Alternative diameter-to-length ratios for unusual hull configurations.
To evaluate a custom pneumatic fender, please provide:
Required fender diameter and length (D × L)
Vessel type, dimensions, and displacement
Required energy absorption (GEA)
Maximum allowable reaction force (RF)
Initial inflation pressure (50 kPa or 80 kPa)
Berthing conditions and installation requirements
Custom fender specifications should be reviewed against applicable ISO 17357 requirements. Testing and performance documentation can be discussed according to the selected design and project specifications.
For customized solutions, explore our Pneumatic Fender Products or contact Hongruntong Marine with your technical requirements.
Pneumatic fenders are available in various nominal dimensions, commonly ranging from 500 × 1,000 mm to 4,500 × 12,000 mm, expressed as diameter × length (D × L). Available sizes depend on the manufacturer and product specifications. The appropriate size should be selected according to vessel characteristics and berthing requirements.
Pneumatic fenders such as 2,500 × 5,500 mm and 3,300 × 6,500 mm are often considered for larger ship-to-ship (STS) transfer operations. However, the final size depends on vessel displacement, berthing velocity, energy absorption requirements, and allowable hull loading.
GEA (Guaranteed Energy Absorption) refers to the minimum energy a fender is specified to absorb under defined test conditions, measured in kilojoules (kJ). RF (Reaction Force) is the force generated during fender compression, measured in kilonewtons (kN). Both values are important for evaluating fender performance and vessel protection.
Yes. Hongruntong Marine offers custom pneumatic fender solutions for specialized vessel and berthing requirements. Diameter, length, inflation pressure, energy absorption, and installation conditions can be evaluated according to project specifications.
Start by identifying the vessel's displacement, berthing velocity, and operating conditions. Calculate the required berthing energy, then compare pneumatic fender sizes, energy absorption, and reaction force. Finally, verify hull contact pressure and installation requirements before selecting a suitable fender.
Choosing the right pneumatic fender size requires more than comparing diameter and length. Energy absorption, reaction force, initial inflation pressure, and vessel berthing conditions must all be considered to ensure suitable performance.
A reliable pneumatic fender size chart helps engineers and marine operators compare specifications and identify potential fender options before final technical evaluation.
Hongruntong Marine offers standard and customized pneumatic fender solutions for port berthing, ship-to-ship transfers, and offshore applications.
Explore our Pneumatic Fender Products or contact our team to discuss your vessel requirements and request technical specifications.
