What Are Marine Fenders?
Marine fenders, also known as ship bumpers or dock bumpers, are essential components in maritime operations. Their primary role is to absorb the kinetic energy of a vessel during berthing, preventing damage to both the ship and the quay. Without marine fenders, collisions during docking could result in costly repairs or safety hazards.
Types of Marine Fenders
There are several types of marine fenders depending on the application and location:
- UHMWPE Fender Pads: These are low-friction, high-wear-resistant plates often used on the face of rubber fenders to reduce surface damage.
- Rubber Fenders: Traditional cylindrical or cone-type fenders that provide high energy absorption.
- Foam Fenders: Lightweight and floating, suitable for temporary or offshore applications.
- Pneumatic Fenders: Air-filled fenders often used in ship-to-ship or ship-to-dock operations.
At AR Plastic, we specialize in UHMWPE marine fender pads, engineered for extreme environments with excellent UV resistance, impact absorption, and long service life.
Why UHMWPE Is Ideal for Marine Fender Pads
UHMWPE (Ultra-High Molecular Weight Polyethylene) is an advanced engineering plastic with several advantages for marine use:
- Extremely low coefficient of friction
- High resistance to abrasion and UV
- Excellent impact strength and durability
- Corrosion-resistant in saltwater environments
- Customizable to any size, shape, and color
These properties make UHMWPE fenders particularly effective for minimizing maintenance in ports and protecting ship hulls.
Common Applications
- Container terminals
- Ferry berths
- Offshore platforms
- Floating docks
- Tugboats and cargo vessels
From Saudi Arabia’s industrial ports to Southeast Asia’s busy terminals, UHMWPE marine fenders are trusted by maritime professionals worldwide.
Custom Marine Fender Solutions from AR Plastic
At Anyang Ruisu Plastic Co., Ltd., we provide tailored UHMWPE marine fender pads and support plates. With years of experience in marine-grade plastic manufacturing, we ensure consistent quality, competitive pricing, and global shipping.
Need a custom solution? Contact us today to request your quote.
Learn more about marine fender design standards from PIANC.
