Fender Design

Why Use Fenders?

PIANC 2002 states: there is a simple reason to use fenders: it is just too expensive not to do so

What are the benefits?

PIANC 2002 suggests fenders Minimise full life construction and operations costs Reduce risk of ship damage Mean less down time, lost days Lower risk of accidents Allow berth construction in more exposed locations Reduce vessel movements when loading, discharging Improve safety: for people, structures, vessels and the environment

The Fundamental Principles

EA = 0.5 x M x V2 x C x FS Where, M = Ship displacement V = Berthing Speed C = Ship & environmental factors (CM x CE x CS x CC) FS = Factor of Safety

Fender energy capacity is

E F = R.d > E A
0

Reaction (kN) Reaction (Rated)

Energy Absorption (kNm)

S=a+bxh 2

b a
Deflection (metre)

D1 Energy Absorption (kNm) E13 E12 E11 E10 E9 E8 E7 E6 E5 E4 E1

D2

D3

D4

D5

D6

D7

D8

D9

D10

D11

D12

Rated Deflection

E2

E3

E3=S1+S2+S3 E2=S1+S2 E1=S1

Deflection (metre)

Golden Rules of Fendering

Buy cheap, buy twice Anything in the world can be made a little worse and sold a little cheaper. Quality is remembered long after the price is forgotten.

Install Enough Energy

The energy capacity of the fender must be more than the kinetic energy of the ship. The kinetic energy of a 100,000t displacement ship berthing at 150mm/s is about the same as a 1.5 tonne car travelling at 132km/h.

Fenders Must Save Money

There is no point installing a fender system if it does not save the customer money and provide other tangible benefits. In other words, it must be cheaper to fender than not to fender.

Lower Reaction = Lower Cost

Lower reaction forces can mean:

Fewer piles Smaller piles Less concrete Lower stresses Lower hull pressures

The result is reduced total construction costs, even if the fenders are more expensive.

Steel frames are as important as rubber

Steel frames are as important as rubber

Good Specifications Save Money

Designer calculations Visit the factory Prove the performance Track record PIANC Type Approved Rubber physical properties Steel fabrication specs Paint type, thicknesses Corrosion allowances Stainless grades Chain systems Wear allowance of PE pads Spare parts availability