How to choose ISO 17357 Yokohama Pneumatic Fenders?

Struggling to pick the right pneumatic fender? A wrong choice can lead to costly vessel damage or premature failure. Learn the key differences to make a safe, smart purchase.

To choose the right ISO 17357 fender, understand the key differences. Molded "Yokohama" fenders have high precision, while handmade types offer flexibility. Select a tire-net-type for high durability or a sling-type when weight is a concern. Always verify the supplier's material quality and reputation.

Choosing a pneumatic fender¹ seems straightforward, but there's more to it than just size and pressure rating. The terms "Yokohama fender" and "pneumatic fender" are often used together, but do they mean the same thing? Knowing the difference is the first step to making a smart investment. Let's look deeper into what these fenders are and how they differ.

What are pneumatic fenders used for?

Using the wrong fender can cause serious problems for ship-to-ship operations². The berthing energy³ can be too high, leading to damage. I can show you the perfect fender solution.

Pneumatic fenders are floating, air-filled rubber protectors. They are essential for safe berthing operations between two ships (ship-to-ship) or between a ship and a jetty. Their main job is to absorb the kinetic energy of a moving vessel, preventing damage to both the ship and the dock.

These fenders are really just rubber structures filled with compressed air. They use this air as a cushion to take the impact when a ship comes alongside a dock or another ship. Because they float, they move up and down with the tide, always providing protection at the waterline. This makes them ideal for ports with large tidal ranges. I remember a project in Southeast Asia where the tidal difference was huge. The client initially considered fixed fenders, but the cost to cover the entire tidal range was very high. We proposed pneumatic fenders, which saved them a lot of money and worked perfectly. They are also very popular for ship-to-ship (STS) transfers at sea because they are portable and create a safe standoff distance between vessels. For a business owner like Tommy, this versatility means he can serve clients in commercial ports and shipyards with a single, reliable product type. They are a truly versatile solution.

What is the difference between pneumatic fenders and Yokohama type fenders?

Confused by the terms "pneumatic fender¹" and "Yokohama fender"? This can lead to buying a product that doesn't meet your standard. Let's clarify what each term truly means.

"Yokohama" fenders are a specific brand of high-quality, mold-formed pneumatic fenders. "Pneumatic fender" is the general term for any air-filled fender. Many suppliers use the term "Yokohama type" for handmade versions, which have different manufacturing processes and performance characteristics. Always ask about the manufacturing method.

The real difference is how they are made. This is something I learned early in my career. The original Yokohama Rubber Co., Ltd. invented these fenders using a molding process. This means for every fender size in the ISO 17357 standard, the factory needs to invest in many expensive steel molds. This process ensures high consistency and quality. As you can imagine, the initial investment for a factory is enormous.

Many other factories entered the market by making pneumatic fenders by hand. They wrap layers of rubber and reinforcement cord around a form. It is a very skillful process, but it does not require an expensive mold. This gives them more manufacturing flexibility and lowers their investment cost. So, when someone says "Yokohama type," they usually mean a handmade fender built to look like a Yokohama fender.

We at Jettyguard can supply both types, including molded fenders⁴ from a top-tier factory that uses the same process as Yokohama, offering a perfect alternative at a better cost.

What is a pneumatic fender with a tire net?

Want the longest life from your fenders? An unprotected fender can get damaged easily, costing you time and money. A chain and tire net⁵ is the answer for maximum protection.

A pneumatic fender with a tire net is a standard fender body protected by a special net. This net is made of horizontal and vertical chains, covered with used aircraft or truck tires. The net shields the rubber body from abrasion and sharp objects, greatly extending the fender’s service life.

The most common pneumatic fender you will see is the net-type. The tire net is a simple but very effective idea. It is a grid made of heavy-duty, hot-dip galvanized chains and shackles. We then thread used tires onto the chains to act as a tough outer skin. This protective net completely wraps the fender body. The tires take all the rubbing and direct impact, while the chains provide the strength. This significantly improves the fender's lifespan, especially in tough conditions. I have seen unprotected fenders get punctured or worn out in several years, but a good quality net-type fender⁶ can last for a very long time. The main downside is that the chain and tire net adds a lot of weight and cost. For most applications, especially permanent installations or frequent STS transfers, the extra protection is well worth the investment for the added durability.

What is a sling-type pneumatic fender?

Is weight a critical issue for your operation? Heavy net-type fenders can be difficult to handle and add too much load. A sling-type fender⁷ is the lighter, more portable solution.

A sling-type pneumatic fender is a fender without the protective chain and tire net. It has special lifting points or flanges on each end for handling with ropes or slings. It is much lighter than a net-type fender, making it easier to deploy, especially for naval vessels.

A sling-type fender is essentially the bare fender body. It is often called a "naked" fender. Instead of the net, it has reinforced lifting lugs at each end. You handle it with ropes or wire slings. The biggest advantage is its reduced weight. Without the heavy chains and tires, these fenders are much easier to transport and handle. This is why they are often preferred by navies or for applications where fenders need to be moved frequently by a small crew. However, because there is no protective net, the rubber body is exposed. To handle this, we usually build sling-type fenders with extra reinforcement layers⁸ inside the rubber. This increases their structural strength to resist punctures and abrasion. It’s a trade-off. You get a lighter fender, but you must be more careful during operations to avoid direct contact with sharp edges on the ship's hull or quay wall. This choice is critical for clients with tight project deadlines or unique handling requirements.

Conclusion

Choosing the right pneumatic fender means understanding manufacturing methods, types, and quality. Ask suppliers about their processes to ensure you get a durable, safe, and cost-effective solution⁹ for your marine assets¹⁰.