Yokohama Pneumatic Floating Fenders

Yokohama began manufacturing floating pneumatic fenders in 1958. Since then, more than 60,000 Yokohama fenders have been supplied into ship-to-quay and ship-to ship applications world-wide.

Put quite simply, over the course of the past half-century more people have put their faith in Yokohama fenders than in any other brand of pneumatic fender. And that faith has been justified by the durability and longevity of the fenders – providing an outstanding return on the investment which their owners have made in them.

ISO 17357 is now firmly established within the marine industry as the international standard for the manufacture, testing and performance of pneumatic rubber fenders.

Over the years Fendercare Marine has discovered that although other manufacturers may be claiming full compliance to ISO 17357, it can been demonstrated that in certain cases irregularities have been found which mean that fenders which have been supplied as compliant do not in fact comply with the standard in one or more of the following criteria:

• Incomplete material tests
• Hydrostatic pressure test wrongly conducted, or failed
• Incorrect evaluation of angular and durability tests
• Incorrect reinforcement material used
• Rubber specifications not meeting ISO 17357 requirements
• Certificates out of date or non-existent

Yokohama can demonstrate compliance to PIANC 2002 for floating pneumatic fenders. Further information can be supplied on request.

Advantages

Safe for excess load

The reaction force of a floating pneumatic fender does not increase sharply even under excess load. Therefore, these fenders perform extremely well under such conditions and, as a result, protect ships and mooring facilities.

No deterioration or variation in performance

Because pneumatic fenders use the compressive elasticity of air, there
is no performance deterioration due to fatigue. The performance of
these fenders remains unchanged at extremely low temperatures,
even below -50°C.

Safety and reliability

Yokohama pneumatic rubber fenders are constructed using several layers of strong tyre cord and are therefore extremely resistant to pressure and cutting. The larger sizes (2.5m dia upward) are fitted with a safety valve to prevent accidents in the event of over-compression.

Construction

The fender body is constructed of an inner rubber layer, reinforcing cord layers and an outer rubber layer. All of these layers are vulcanised together and then proven by hydraulic pressure test.

The outer skin rubber compound is designed and manufactured to be able to withstand both strenuous use including abrasion during adverse weather conditions whilst protecting the cord layers and inner rubber.

The Synthetic tyre-cord layers are arranged at optimum angles designed
to distribute load and stress evenly. The inner rubber compound is designed to be completely airtight, utilising a compound equivalent to
that of an inner tube of a car tyre.

To provide maximum strength and safety, the outer skin of a
hydro-pneumatic fender is thicker than a normal surface fender.

Simple and low cost installation

The weight of the fender is supported by the water on which it floats. Fenders can therefore be moored simply by means of a guy rope or chain at minimal cost. They can be removed easily to another position when not in use and transferred to alternative mooring points as required.

Identification

Each fender has the following markings:

• Identification requirements
• International standard number and applicable year
• Size (diameter and length)
• Initial internal pressure
• Date of manufacture
• Name of manufacturer
• Individual serial number
• Type of reinforcement layer

RFID tagging system

Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) is now fitted to all Yokohama fenders. A tag is buried in both ends of the fender enabling easy reading however they are positioned. This RFID tag was introduced so you can identify the individual fender should the standard markings become unreadable. It will also assist in the maintenance of records and inventories over the long-term.

Fendercare Marine are able to supply the RFID Tagging Reader as an optional extra. This reader can read all RFID tags mounted on the fenders manufactured to this specification.

Fendercare Marine also maintains a database of all Yokohama fenders that are sold world-wide and can therefore assist in returning fenders to their rightful owners, should they become lost or stolen.

Certification

Each fender is supplied with a certificate, detailing the following:

• material for rubber and fitting metal
• satisfactory results of tests
• record of compression test
• dimension and weight
• record of serial number and RFID tag numbers