Choosing the Right Marine Fender
- May 14, 2020
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 21
Marine Fender Systems used in the Maritime Industry have evolved throughout time. Utilization of readily available materials such as wood or logs, rope paddings, and used tires has been seen in earlier centuries. More advanced concepts, however, have emerged in the contemporary period, giving us a wide range of marine fender varieties at present.
Marine Fender Manufacturers did not fail to devise and innovate options for Maritime Companies and Authorities in catering to the needs of the Industry, especially in their quest for loss prevention, in money, time, & human life.
Marine Fender Systems nowadays are highly effective, long-lasting, while maintaining economical and practical. As an assurance measure, marine fenders are installed permanently at the hull or head of a vessel itself and at berthing structures to prevent or minimize damage in cases of collisions or overshooting.
With the vast number of options available in the market today, choosing the best material and system for a certain application is a valuable key to a project’s success. As an unselfish contribution, ESC has derived a guide incorporating necessary details and parameters about the products and systems that enables clients to get started on their sourcing process.
Marine Fender Type: Cone Fender

Features: Considered the most modern and has the highest energy-to-reaction ratios of any fender currently in use. The high efficiency of the fender allows a smaller, less costly rubber fender to be installed. They are equipped with large front panels to distribute the reaction force, keeping the hull pressure low & distributed.
Marine Fender Type: Cell Fender

Features: Known to be the most commonly used fenders, which display the lowest reaction force per unit energy absorbed among all types. They are the most durable rubber fenders available and are currently the largest moulded fenders made.
Marine Fender Type: Arch Fender

Features: Simple, one-piece fender units that provide incredible shear resistance. The distinct shape of these fenders helps them dissipate the stress evenly. These are the most reliable fenders that serve their purpose effectively even in the most severe conditions. It can be installed horizontally or vertically.
Marine Fender Type: Element Fender

Features: Element fender provides a compact solution for the mounting of fenders in limited areas. They are one of the most durable types that can be installed horizontally or vertically.
Marine Fender Type: Square / D-Type Marine Fender

Features: Compression-moulded rubber fenders which are directly fastened to structures using bolt fasteners. They are used in tough & demanding environment, designed to operate in harsh conditions, and has great shear resistance and durability.
Marine Fender Type: Pneumatic Fender
Features: Marine fenders are used as anti-collision devices, preventing ship-to-ship contacts. These floating fender also serves as an additional fender system when existing ones at the dock are not enough. Extensively used in ship-to-ship transfers at open seas, double banking operations, and vessel-to-berth at jetties.
Marine Fender Type: Foam Filled Fender

Features: Floating type compression fender alternative and works comparably to pneumatic fenders. It consists of an outer polyurethane protective layer, a reinforced rubber nylon cord fabric, and an internal space that is filled with foam to absorb impact.
Marine Fender Type: Roller Fender

Features: Roller fenders are mostly not designed to absorb high impacts. They are designed to guide vessels in narrow canals
Type by Material: Foam or Rubber Fender
Type by Area of Application: Dock Fender
Accessories: Anchorages
Advantages:
* Low in maintenance.
* Their elastomer can turn on its axis in contact with moving ships, helping them move away from the protected line.
Recommended Application: Protection of corners or similar on docks. They are most applicable in dry docks, ship repair yards, and other passageways.
Marine Fender Type: Cylindrical Fender

Features: Extruded cylindrical fenders are simple yet commonly used when talking about safe berthing for different kinds of vessels. They are highly durable against long periods of heavy use. They can be placed diagonally if required.
Type by Material: Rubber Fender
Type by Area of Application: Dock Fender
Accessories: Chain Anchors
Advantages: A very economical design solution for protecting berthing structures. Low maintenance due to easy installation/uninstallation and fewer steel parts.
Recommended Application: Very wide range of applications & sizes of ships, depending on the size of the fender. Tug havens, general cargo quays, pontoons, piers, cargo berths, and fishing berths.
ESC Steel, in partnership with PIANC-accredited Manufacturers, has over 20 years of experience delivering marine fender system solutions to Asia, North America, Central & South America, Europe, and the Middle East. ESC's global network provides an end-to-end solution that is customized to project requirements, providing detailed support in close proximity to its valuable clients.
ESC has also developed a tool that aids in calculating berthing loads for the project's complete vessel range, which are then used to specify the optimal fender configuration, which includes - rubber fender selection, frontal panel sizing and location, chain and anchor design, and, if appropriate, cathodic protection design.
Should you require our expertise, please contact us and visit our website at https://www.escsteel.com/