Understanding Floating Fenders – How Do They Work?

Hello everyone.

I've been researching floating fenders and their role in marine applications, but I’d like to get some insight from those with experience. How exactly do floating fenders function in different conditions, and what are the key advantages over fixed fenders?

Are there specific types better suited for certain vessels or docking environments? Also, how do factors like tide changes and wave action affect their performance? If anyone has recommendations on materials or maintenance tips, I’d love to hear them.

Looking forward to learning more from those familiar with their real-world use!

 

thanks in advance for any help

 

Floating fenders/breasting floats have two overwhelming advantages. a) they can be moved to where they need to be placed on many different ships. b) they can be removed from the water for maintenance. A lesser advantage, especially with breasting floats, is that they rise and fall with the tide and are typically made self-tending. The major disadvantage is that they require quay or pier structure behind them to support the loads wherever they are placed. This can be on the order of thousands of tonnes

 

Our harbour here for ships has a few of these 'Yokohama' type of floating fenders - they can be easily re-positioned to suit.
Yokohama seems to be the generic name for these fenders.
tps://www.chinamarinefender.com/products/floating_fenders/pneumatic_fenders.html

 

Floating fenders, such as pneumatic (Yokohama) fenders and foam-filled fenders, offer significant advantages over fixed fenders, especially in environments with tide variations and wave action. Pneumatic fenders use compressed air to absorb impact, making them ideal for ship-to-ship operations and large vessel mooring. Foam-filled fenders, with their closed-cell structure, provide high durability and require minimal maintenance. Compared to fixed fenders, floating fenders adapt better to changing water levels and offer higher energy absorption, ensuring safer berthing.

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