Yokohama rubber fenders—marketed as Yokohama Pneumatic Fenders—are air-filled, cord-reinforced marine fenders renowned for high energy absorption, low reaction force, and adaptability to tidal and inclined berthing conditions. They are available in floating (pneumatic) and fixed (Air Block) versions, compliant with ISO 17357-1:2014, and sized from 0.3 m×0.5 m to 4.5 m×12 m to suit ship-to-ship (STS) and ship-to-dock operations worldwide.
Yokohama Rubber Fenders
Why Yokohama Fenders Matter
When handling ship-to-ship or ship-to-dock operations, especially for large vessels like oil tankers, gas carriers, or naval ships, you need a fender system that delivers high energy absorption, low reaction force, and tidal adaptability.
Yokohama pneumatic rubber fenders—available from OLIPORTS—are the global industry standard for floating fender technology. Certified to ISO 17357-1:2014, they are the trusted solution for both temporary and permanent berthing setups.
Design and Construction
Yokohama Pneumatic Fenders consist of multiple rubber layers reinforced with high-strength tyre cord fabric and use compressed air as the energy-absorbing medium. Key components:
- Winding Rings & End Flanges: Steel rings and flanges at ends, housing inflation and safety valves
- Outer Rubber Layer: Protects the cord and inner rubber from abrasion.
- Cord Rubber Layer: Synthetic tyre-cord fabric providing structural strength.
- Inner Rubber Layer: Airtight liner preventing gas leakage.
All models by OLOIPORTS fully comply with ISO 17357-1:2014, offering proven reliability and safety through extensive testing and operational history.
Types of Yokohama Rubber Fenders
Yokohama pneumatic fenders are available in various configurations and pressure ratings to accommodate different vessel types, berthing conditions, and operational requirements. OLIPORTS offers a complete range of Yokohama-type pneumatic fenders for various marine operations. Below is an overview of their key types and structural variations.
1. Pressure Ratings
There are two standard internal pressure ratings:
- Pneumatic 50 (P50): Initial internal pressure of 50kPa – standard for most applications.
- Pneumatic 80 (P80): Initial internal pressure of 80kPa – for higher energy absorption and rougher berthing conditions.
2. Type I – Net-Type Yokohama Fenders
Net-type Yokohama fenders are encased in chain, wire, or fiber nets. Most are also wrapped in used tires and rubber sleeves for impact protection.
- φ500×1000L to φ1350×2500L: Ends secured with Ring & Shackle.
- φ1500×3000L to φ3300×6500L: Ends linked via Towing Ring.
- φ3300×10600L to φ4500×12000L: Reinforced with Special Towing Ring and Swivel Joint for high loads and safe rotation.
Net Types:
- Rubber Sleeve Net: Full coverage with reinforced rubber sleeves; available in black or orange.
- Aircraft Tire Chain Net: Larger stand-off, ideal for big vessels and high-berthing impact.
- Rubber Jacket: Popular for LPG ships, oil tankers, and cruise ships due to its non-sparking, hull-friendly design.
3. Type II – Sling-Type Fenders
Sling-type fenders feature attachment eyes at both ends, allowing for easy lifting and installation. These are lightweight and ideal for:
- Smaller to medium vessels
- Temporary berthing
- Fast deployment during emergencies
Available in sizes φ500×1000L to φ4500×12000L.
4. Outer Rubber & Structural Variants
- Grey or Cream Rubber: Aesthetic rubber with low marking; ideal for cruise ships or white hull vessels.
- Double Cover: Extra outer rubber + tyre-cord reinforcement for better protection from abrasion, cuts, and operational damage (available in φ2.5m & φ3.3m models).
5. Smart Monitoring Systems
Fender Monitoring System (FMS):
An optional wireless monitoring solution for STS (Ship-to-Ship) or STQ (Ship-to-Quay) operations. It tracks:
- Fender air pressure and deformation in real-time
- Relative ship motions and contact forces
Highly recommended for offshore platforms, sensitive cargos, and dynamic mooring scenarios.
6. Specialized Variants
- Low-Pressure Fenders (LP Type): Lightweight body with moderate energy absorption, ideal for large-clearance berths where full performance isn’t needed.
- Lightweight Portable Fenders: Tailored for small vessels, pleasure boats, or cruise terminals requiring frequent relocation and compact storage.
Yokohama Fender sizes
OLIPORTS offers standard and custom Yokohama fenders ranging from φ500mm x 1000mm to φ4500mm x 12000mm, and pressure ratings of 50kPa or 80kPa.
| Size (D×L mm) | Pressure (kPa) | Energy Absorption (kN·m) | Reaction Force (kN) | Hull Pressure (kPa) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1,000×1,500 | 50 | 32 | 182 | 122 |
| 1,350×2,500 | 50 | 102 | 427 | 130 |
| 3,300×6,500 | 50 | 1,814 | 3,015 | 146 |
| 4,500×9,000 | 80 | 6,633 | 7,551 | 146 |
| 4,500×12,000 | 80 | 9,037 | 10,490 | 154 |
Advantages of OLIPORTS Yokohama Rubber Fenders
- Superior Safety & Durability
Constructed with multiple layers of reinforced tire-cord fabric, OLIPORTS Yokohama fenders offer exceptional resistance to pressure, cutting, and shearing. This makes them highly durable even under dynamic mooring and heavy weather conditions. - Consistent Performance Over Time
Unlike solid rubber or foam fenders, pneumatic fenders use compressed air as the energy medium, eliminating fatigue-related degradation. This ensures long-term, stable energy absorption and reduced maintenance needs. - Better Performance at Angled Berthing
Our fenders maintain high energy absorption efficiency even at up to 15° inclined compression, a scenario where solid or foam fenders suffer performance losses. This results in safer and more reliable berthing, even under challenging angles. - Controlled, Soft Reaction Force
OLIPORTS Yokohama fenders provide a gradual increase in reaction force, even under overload. This minimizes impact on ship hulls and port structures, reducing risk and wear over time. - Stable Protection in Rough Conditions
The wide deflection tolerance and soft reaction curve ensure lower mooring forces, even in stormy seas or high tidal variations. Your vessel and mooring infrastructure stay protected and secure. - Reinforced Against Shear & Compression
Our pneumatic fenders are specially engineered to resist shear stress, thanks to the tire-cord structure. This makes them ideal for demanding environments where traditional fenders may fail. - Cost-Effective Shipping & Storage
OLIPORTS fenders are vacuum-packed and deflatable, allowing compact, containerized shipping and reducing freight costs significantly—unlike bulky foam fenders that require full-size transport.
How to Choose Yokohama Fender
Selecting the right Yokohama pneumatic fender depends on your application scenario — whether it’s Ship-to-Ship (STS) or Ship-to-Dock (Jetty). Each case requires tailored evaluation of vessel type, operating conditions, and berthing energy.
OLIPORTS offers full technical support and can recommend suitable fender types, sizes, and quantities based on project specifics.
For Ship-to-Ship (STS) Operations
When two vessels berth alongside each other, fender selection must account for both ship sizes, displacement, and sea conditions. The selection process includes:
- Identify Vessel Types and Displacement
Confirm deadweight, LOA, and weather (Calm, Moderate, Rough). - Displacement Coefficient Calculation
Calculate the Equivalent Displacement Coefficient (C) using:C = (2 × WA × WB) / (WA + WB)
(WA/WB: Displacement of each vessel)
Use this value to guide you a tentatively select for fender. - Berthing Energy Calculation
Determine total energy (E) based on vessel mass and approach velocity. - Compare Fender Capacity
Ensure fender energy absorption (Ef) ≥ calculated berthing energy (E).
If not, upgrade to a larger diameter fender (not just longer or higher pressure). - Optional Simulation
For dynamic sea states and large vessels, OLIPORTS offers numerical motion simulation and system analysis.
Need assistance? Download the form: Fender Selection Data Form – Ship-to-Ship Use (Contact us to help).
For Ship-to-Dock Operations
Fender selection for jetty installations involves analysis of both berthing and mooring forces.
- Define Design Conditions
Ship type, displacement, tidal range, draft, and approach velocity. - Berthing Energy Calculation
Use standard formulas to calculate berthing energy “E”. - Fender Sizing
Choose a fender model with energy absorption capacity Ef > E. - Dynamic Mooring Load Evaluation
Consider long-period waves, tide, or harbor oscillations. OLIPORTS offers simulation and motion analysis for mooring safety checks.
Need a proposal? Download the form: Fender Selection Data Form – Ship-to-Dock Use (Contact us to help).
Applications
- Ship-to-Ship Transfers (STS): Oil tankers, LNG/LPG ships, military vessels
- Ship-to-Dock (STQ) Berthing: Container ports, cruise terminals, cargo docks
- Special Units: Semi-submersibles, offshore platforms, catamarans
- Fixed Installations: Quay walls, dolphins, dolphins with panel systems
Installation & Maintenance
- Use CTN fenders with heavy-duty chains and tires for abrasion zones.
- Sling type fenders can be hoisted by crane with eye bolts.
- For submarines, install hydro-pneumatic fenders using counterweights.
- Maintain internal air pressure at ±5% of rated level and inspect valves quarterly.
- Store deflated fenders away from sunlight and chemicals for longevity.
Related Marine Fender Products
Why Let OLIPORTS Handle Your Fender Selection?
At OLIPORTS, we understand that rubber fenders are not just buffers—they are critical to the safety and efficiency of your port operations. That’s why we take fender engineering seriously—from raw materials to design to global delivery. Every batch of rubber meets international material standards, including:
- Tensile Strength / Elongation at Break: GB/T528, ASTM D412, ISO 37 : ≥16Mpa
- Hardness: GB/T531, ASTM D2240, DIN 53505 : ≤ 84 Degree
- Compression Set: GB/T7759, ISO 815, JIS K 6261 : ≤ 30 % ( 70℃, 22h, 25%)
- Tear Resistance: ASTM D624 Die B, BS ISO34-1 : ≥70 kN/m
- Abrasion Resistance: GB/T9867, ISO 4649 : ≤150mm³
- Bond Strength Steel to Rubber: ≥7 kN/m
- Ozone Resistance: No surface cracks (40°C, 48h, 50 pphm at 20%)
OLIPORTS yokohama fenders are manufactured using high-quality, wear-resistant rubber reinforced with 3-strand synthetic tire cord layers. This premium construction delivers exceptional durability, energy absorption, and long service life—even in the most extreme marine conditions.
As a professional marine fender manufacturer, OLIPORTS provides end-to-end services from R&D and structural design to material selection and final performance testing.
Every pneumatic fender undergoes rigorous pressure and load testing, either in our own testing facilities or through third-party certification authorities such as: Bureau Veritas (BV)、American Bureau of Shipping (ABS)、Det Norske Veritas (DNV).
Engineered by Know-How, Not Just Numbers
We don’t just manufacture—we engineer. OLIPORTS brings over a decade of hands-on port equipment experience. We understand the critical parameters that affect fender system selection:
- Ship Information: Deadweight, LOA, displacement, bow radius, hull pressure
- Berth Conditions: Fender spacing, deck level, soffit level, tide range, wind force
- Site Conditions: Water salinity, winter ice presence, climate zones, UV exposure
This allows us to recommend the most suitable fender type, size, and installation system, with full customization options.
Expertise That Cuts Rework and Guesswork
From fender sizing to drawing approval, from sample production to mass delivery—we reduce the trial-and-error. OLIPORTS is known for:
- Reviewing drawings with technical accuracy
- Reducing sample delivery time and rework
- Producing fenders that fit right, perform well, and last long
Every project is handled with attention to detail, to ensure that your fender system performs safely from day one.
Manufacturing + Global Fulfillment
With global delivery experience across more than 40 countries, OLIPORTS offers fast, professional, and reliable service. Whether it’s one berth or an entire terminal, we support your port project with reliable rubber fender solutions built to ISO and IACS standards.
Upon completion, we provide a formal test report certifying the performance metrics—including pressure endurance, energy absorption, and reaction force compliance—to ensure full traceability and international class society approval.
Yokohama Fender Sizes & Pricing.
Want to know the Yokohama fender price or check availability for your vessel type? 💡Let OLIPORTS help you select the right Yokohama marine fender dimensions based on:
Displacement & hull pressure
Berth height and tide variation
Vessel operating region (STS vs STQ)
Contact Us
We’re here to assist you with any inquiries. One of our product specialists will get back to you within 24 hours with the information you need.