Selection and Interface Engineering
The calculation, the arrangement and the interface details are handled by the same team that supplies the hardware, so drawings, supply and site reality stay aligned.
Molded Rubber Fender Systems for Fixed Berths
A molded rubber fender system protects a quay, jetty, dock or pier and the vessels that use it. The supplied scope is the complete assembly: the molded rubber element, the steel frontal panel, the UHMW-PE facing pads and the chains, anchors and fixings that hold it to the structure. JettyGuard engineers the selection, specifies the steel panel system, integrates the assembly and supplies the molded elements against the approved drawing set.
Type, size, deflection series and arrangement follow a project calculation built from the vessel mix, berthing conditions, structure geometry and acceptance criteria rather than a catalogue default. Send the data you hold with your enquiry; where it is incomplete, we identify the inputs still needed to price the work.
Fixed-Berth Molded Scope and Adjacent Fender Systems
A fixed-berth molded system is a discrete Cone, Cell, Arch, Unit Element or fixed cylindrical element bolted to a quay, jetty, dock or pier, usually behind a steel frontal panel with UHMW-PE facing, on a berth with a defined design berthing energy and a reaction limit on the structure. That scope sets the calculation method, the interfaces and the document set.
Three adjacent conditions are served by different systems:
-
Protection along a continuous length rather than at discrete pointsD, DD, DC, Delta and solid DS profiles are supplied by the metre for berth faces, lock walls, pontoons and vessel rub rails as extruded rubber fenders and rub rails.
-
A floating unit that moves with the vesselAir-filled pneumatic fenders suit ship-to-ship transfer, offshore work, temporary berthing and shipyard use.
-
A floating unit that must not deflateClosed-cell foam-filled fenders with a reinforced elastomer skin suit exposed berths, monobuoy and naval duty.
Compare Cone, Cell, Arch, Unit Element and Cylindrical Fenders
Each type solves a different mix of energy, reaction force, hull pressure, installation depth and maintenance access. Type notes narrow the shortlist; the rated series and design deflection come from the project calculation.
Related Fender Types With Separate Applications
Roller and Wheel fenders guide low-speed vessels rather than absorb a design impact, so they are quoted case by case. W, M, molded D and tugboat-mounted cylindrical fenders are vessel-mounted rather than fixed-berth, and their selection follows the vessel and the intended mounting.
Nominal Size Ranges and Catalogue Qualification
Catalogue ranges show the nominal envelope each type reaches.
| Fender type | Catalogue series | Nominal range | Typical use in an arrangement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cone | JCO | H 500–1800 mm | High-energy berths with large frontal panels |
| Cell | JSC | H 400–3000 mm | Wide-panel, large-berth and heavy jetty duty |
| Arch | JSA | H 150–1000 mm | Compact berths, lock walls and workboat quays |
| Unit element | JME | H 300–1600 mm | Combined element groups tuned to a target performance |
| Cylindrical | JCY | OD 150–2000 mm | Corners, piles and berths with varied vessel sizes |
Catalogue performance data carries a ±10% tolerance, and rated energy and reaction change with deflection series, temperature, berthing angle and compression speed. Final sizes come from the project selection calculation and the released datasheet.
Components of a Complete Fender System
The rubber element is one of four component groups supplied and engineered together:
01
Molded Rubber Element
The energy-absorbing body (Cone, Cell, Arch, Unit Element or cylindrical), sized to the design energy and the reaction limit, produced under JettyGuard quality control to the released project specification.
02
Steel Frontal Panel
Engineered around the panel loads, bending, deflection and contact area, and supplied with site-specified corrosion protection.
03
UHMW-PE Facing
Low-friction pads that reduce shear transmitted into the element and protect both hull and panel plate. Pad thickness, stud pattern and replacement access are fixed on the arrangement drawing.
04
Chains, Anchors and Fixings
Weight, shear and tension chains with brackets, shackles and tensioners, plus anchor bolts or cast-in assemblies matched to the structure and to what the civil contractor can install.
Why the System Interfaces Are Checked Together
The four groups are coupled, so they are verified as one arrangement:
- 01
Element and panel are sized in one step
Hull pressure is the reaction force spread over the effective contact area, so element and panel are sized in the same step rather than sequentially.
- 02
The facing sets the shear that is transmitted
The facing sets the friction coefficient that determines how much shear reaches the element and the chains.
- 03
The chains govern travel and hang-off
The chain geometry controls panel travel and hang-off across the tidal range.
- 04
One change reopens the others
Change any one of them and the others need rechecking.
Define the Design Case
The sequence is fixed: establish the design case and calculate berthing energy, then shortlist a type, then select size and deflection series inside the reaction and hull pressure limits, then verify the arrangement, interfaces and records.
Four input groups define the case. Where any of them is incomplete, the selection cannot be confirmed until the missing input is supplied.
| Input | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Vessel mix and hull geometry — vessel types, displacement and DWT range, length, beam, laden and ballast draft, freeboard, bow flare or parallel body | The largest vessel usually sets the energy; the smallest often sets the geometry and the contact position |
| Berthing conditions — approach velocity, berthing angle, tug assistance, wind, current and wave exposure, continuous mooring or short calls | These set the energy input and the angular and shear demand on the element |
| Water levels and berth geometry — deck level, high and low water levels, structure type, pile or beam spacing, available installation face, obstructions limiting fender height or panel travel | These decide whether a candidate arrangement physically fits and stays in contact across the tidal range |
| Project acceptance criteria — allowable reaction force, maximum hull pressure, design and inspection standards named in the specification, coating requirements, documents expected at approval | These are the limits the calculation must satisfy and the basis on which your consultant approves |
Check Energy, Reaction Force and Hull Pressure
Berthing energy is the demand; the allowable reaction force on the structure and the maximum hull pressure on the vessel are the limits. The selected type, size and deflection series has to satisfy all three at the design deflection.
- 01
Calculate berthing energy first
It follows from the vessel data and berthing conditions, and it is the demand the system must absorb.
- 02
Select a candidate type, size and deflection series
The absorbed energy must meet that demand at the design deflection.
- 03
Confirm the reaction force
The reaction generated at that deflection must stay within the limit the structure allows.
- 04
Derive hull pressure
The same reaction spread over the effective contact area of the panel gives hull pressure, which makes panel dimensions and facing layout part of this check rather than a later detail.
- 05
Test the alternatives where a limit is exceeded
A lower-reaction deflection series, a different type, a larger panel or grouped elements each change the result, and the calculation confirms which combination satisfies all limits at once.
Verify Geometry, Interfaces and Records
A selection that satisfies energy, reaction and hull pressure still has to work as an installed assembly and be documented to the contract.
| Verification item | What is checked or supplied |
|---|---|
| Water levels and contact geometry | That the fender stays in effective contact with the hull between high and low water for the full vessel range, at the design berthing angle |
| Panel travel and clearances | That the panel can deflect fully without fouling the structure, adjacent fenders, services or obstructions |
| Chains, anchors and fixings | Chain geometry, bracket positions, anchor or cast-in details matched to the structure and to installable tolerances |
| Arrangement drawings | Fender arrangement, panel and facing layout, chain geometry and anchor or bolt details, issued for review and updated to approved status |
| Selection calculation | Berthing energy, selected type and size, deflection, reaction force and hull pressure check, presented so your consultant can verify the basis |
| Material and performance records | Material and performance test reports for the supplied elements, plus steel, welding and coating records for the panel system |
What Your Berth Type Demands of the Fender
Berth type changes vessel contact, reaction limits, access, replacement needs and the arrangement that has to be verified.
Container Terminals
Long continuous quay lines with a wide vessel range; panel size and fender spacing must protect flared bows without overloading smaller feeder hulls.
Bulk and General Cargo Berths
Heavy displacement, frequent calls and abrasive conditions; element robustness and simple facing replacement matter alongside rated energy.
Oil, Gas and LNG Berths
Strict hull pressure limits and low reaction targets on breasting dolphins, commonly large panels on Cone or Cell elements; energy, reaction, hull pressure and dolphin geometry are checked together. Where a floating alternative is still under consideration for a gas berth, see the pneumatic fender versus cone fender comparison for LNG berths.
pneumatic fender versus cone fender comparison for LNG berthsRo-Ro and Ferry Terminals
High call frequency, tight approach angles and side-thruster wash; fast element replacement and durable facings keep the berth in service.
Shipyards and Dry Docks
Fit-out quays, repair berths and dock entrances handling mixed hull forms, where geometry and mounting flexibility often weigh more heavily than peak energy.
Locks, Piers and Marine Structures
Lock walls, pier corners, dolphins and pontoons with limited installation depth, frequently suiting Arch or cylindrical elements mounted directly to the face.
Engineering, Integration and Records You Receive
Panel and Hardware Integration
The steel panel system, element, facing and hardware are specified and supplied as one engineered scope, so fit-up questions have a single owner.
Performance and Quality Records
Molded elements are produced under JettyGuard quality control to the released project specification, with dimensional and performance checks recorded against the approved drawings.
Coordinated Delivery
Parts are marked and matched against the approved arrangement and shipped to the agreed Incoterm with the contracted marking and packing, together with installation drawings including bolt and chain data.
Information Needed for a Fender Quote
Send what you have. Partial data is enough to start.
- 01
Vessel mix
Types, displacement or DWT range, length, beam, laden and ballast draft, freeboard
- 02
Berthing conditions
Approach velocity, berthing angle, tug assistance, wind, current and wave exposure
- 03
Structure
Berth type, deck level, high and low water levels, pile or beam spacing, available installation face
- 04
Limits
Allowable reaction force on the structure and maximum permitted hull pressure
- 05
Scope and quantities
Elements only or a complete system with panels, facings, chains and anchors; number of fender positions, spares and required delivery window
- 06
Project documents and commercial
Specification extracts, berth drawings, existing fender details for replacement work, destination port, delivery term, and the documentation or inspection your contract requires
Molded Rubber Fender System FAQs
Do all molded rubber fenders require a steel frontal panel?
No. The approved arrangement decides. High-energy Cone, Cell and Unit Element arrangements normally distribute load through a steel frontal panel, while Arch and fixed cylindrical elements are often mounted directly to the berth face or fitted with a facing plate instead. Contact geometry, hull pressure and the mounting surface determine which of the three configurations is approved for a given position.
When are third-party inspection and witnessed testing included?
Only when they are written into the contract. Where the specification calls for them, the inspection body, the hold points, the sample rate and the reporting format are agreed per project before production, so the scope is explicit rather than assumed.
Is on-site installation support included in the supply?
Installation drawings with bolt and chain data are part of the supplied delivery evidence. Attendance on site is not: on-site guidance during installation is a separately scoped and quoted service, agreed with the berth programme in mind.
Request a Quote for Your Fender System
Send the vessel range, berthing conditions and structure details you have today. Our engineers work from that data, tell you which inputs are still missing, and return the selection, an arrangement proposal and a quotation once the case is complete.