D Type Fender Durable Construction High Impact Resistance Easy Installation On Vessels

D Type Fender Durable Construction High Impact Resistance Easy Installation On Vessels

Description

The D Type Fender is a versatile and highly reliable marine fender system designed to absorb impact energy between vessels and quay structures. Its semi-circular “D” shape provides an optimal combination of flexibility and energy absorption, making it suitable for small to medium-sized vessels, tugboats, and working boats. Constructed from premium marine-grade rubber, the D Type Fender offers excellent resistance to ozone, saltwater, UV exposure, and mechanical stress. Its hollow inner chamber allows for significant deflection under pressure, effectively reducing collision forces and protecting both the vessel hull and dock surface.

The fender’s compact profile allows it to be easily mounted on quay walls, tugboats, and pontoon edges using standard bolts or chain systems. The extrusion manufacturing process ensures consistent wall thickness and uniform physical properties, guaranteeing performance reliability in harsh marine environments.

Case Study – Port of Rotterdam, Netherlands

A medium-size tug fleet operating in the Port of Rotterdam experienced repeated damage to hull edges during berthing operations due to frequent contact with concrete quays. Traditional square fenders offered high stiffness but low energy absorption, leading to excessive impact stress. Hongruntong Marine was commissioned to replace the old system with custom D Type Fenders molded from abrasion-resistant natural and synthetic rubber blend.

After installation, field measurements showed a 35% reduction in hull deformation during docking and a 50% increase in energy absorption efficiency compared to conventional rubber blocks. The maintenance interval of fender replacement extended from 18 months to over 5 years. The client also reported improved berthing alignment and smoother vessel operations, particularly under tidal variations. This project demonstrated the durability and cost-effectiveness of Hongruntong’s D Type Fender in demanding harbor conditions.

Specifications

Features

High Energy Absorption with Low Reaction Force
The fender’s internal hollow core structure allows for superior deflection, distributing impact energy evenly across the contact surface. Compared with traditional square or cylindrical fenders, D Type Fenders deliver a better energy-to-reaction ratio, ensuring efficient protection for both dock and vessel.

Excellent Weathering and Seawater Resistance
The compound formulation includes anti-ozonants and UV stabilizers, maintaining elasticity and performance over extended exposure to marine conditions. This minimizes surface cracking and material degradation, ensuring long-term reliability.

Flexible Mounting and Adaptability
The flat rear surface allows easy installation on flat or curved hulls using bolts, chains, or embedded steel strips. Hongruntong can supply fenders in custom lengths, pre-drilled configurations, or continuous extrusions for specific structural requirements.

Low Maintenance and Long Service Life
Engineered for extended operational life, the D Type Fender requires minimal upkeep. Routine cleaning and inspection are sufficient to maintain optimal functionality. Many installations have remained fully operational beyond 10 years without major refurbishment.

Applications

Harbor and Jetty Structures

Protects quay walls and jetty edges from vessel impact during berthing and mooring, providing long-term structural safety.

Tugboats and Workboats
Installed along the hull sides or bow to absorb collision energy during towing or maneuvering operations.

Inland Waterways and Pontoons
Ensures smooth docking and prevents hull abrasion in river ports, floating docks, and ferry terminals.

Why Choose Hongruntong Marine

Advanced Material Engineering
Hongruntong employs a proprietary rubber compounding process combining natural and synthetic polymers to achieve optimal tensile strength, elongation, and compression resilience. Each batch is tested for hardness, tear resistance, and deformation recovery.

Precision Manufacturing Process
Using high-capacity extrusion and vulcanization equipment, every fender maintains uniform density and wall thickness. Dimensional accuracy ensures perfect alignment and consistent deflection behavior during impact.

Global Project Experience
Hongruntong Marine has supplied fender systems to over 60 ports worldwide, adapting products to various environmental and load conditions. Each installation is backed by technical drawings, mounting hardware, and full after-sales service.

Sustainability and Quality Assurance
Production adheres to ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 standards. Rubber materials are fully recyclable, and manufacturing waste is minimized. All products undergo 100% visual and dimensional inspection before shipment.

FAQ

1. What sizes are available for D Type Fenders?
Standard sizes range from D100 to D500, with custom lengths up to 20 meters available on request.

2. How are D Type Fenders installed?
Installation can be done via bolts, chains, or steel strips depending on the mounting surface and vessel type.

3. Can the fenders be supplied in continuous lengths?
Yes, continuous extrusion up to 10 meters can be produced, reducing the need for joints.

4. What is the typical service life?
With proper maintenance, Hongruntong D Type Fenders can last 8–15 years depending on usage conditions.

5. Are there color options available?
Standard color is black, but grey, blue, and custom colors can be provided using UV-stable pigments.