Foam-filled fenders are widely used in ports, offshore terminals, and marine construction projects because they provide stable energy absorption without relying on internal air pressure. While netless foam-filled fenders have become increasingly popular for their clean appearance and low maintenance, they are far from the only option available.
In many operating environments, especially those involving high berthing energy, abrasive contact, or heavy-duty vessels, other types of foam-filled fenders can actually perform better and last longer. Understanding these alternatives helps port operators and project engineers choose the right solution instead of defaulting to the most visible product type.
Below are the main foam-filled fender types used besides netless designs.
1. Net-Type Foam-Filled Fenders (Chain and Tyre Net)
Net-type foam-filled fenders are protected by an external net made of chains and rubber tyres. The net acts as a sacrificial layer that absorbs surface wear, impact, and cutting forces before they reach the fender skin.
Key characteristics:
- Very high resistance to abrasion and mechanical damage
- Suitable for harsh environments with rough hulls, sharp edges, or heavy contact
- Slightly heavier and more complex to install than netless designs
Typical applications:
- Bulk cargo terminals
- Ore and coal ports
- Tug berths and workboat docks
This type is still widely used in industrial ports where durability and protection matter more than appearance or weight.
2. Rope Net Foam-Filled Fenders
Rope net foam-filled fenders use high-strength synthetic fiber ropes instead of steel chains. This reduces weight and avoids metal contact with vessel hulls.
Key characteristics:
- Lighter than chain-and-tyre net fenders
- Softer surface contact with ship hulls
- Moderate protection compared to steel chain nets
Typical applications:
- Small to medium-sized ports
- Yacht marinas and passenger terminals
- Locations where hull protection is a priority
They are often chosen when operators want extra protection beyond a pure netless design but still want to avoid heavy steel components.
3. Skin-Only (Coated) Foam-Filled Fenders
Skin-only foam-filled fenders rely entirely on a thick, high-performance elastomer or polyurea coating for protection, without any external net.
They sit conceptually between netless and net-type designs.
Key characteristics:
- Smooth surface with no external attachments
- Easier to inspect and clean than net-type fenders
- Protection depends heavily on coating quality and thickness
Typical applications:
- Medium-duty berths
- Floating pontoons
- Terminals with controlled berthing operations
This type is popular where operators want a balance between protection and simplicity.
4. How These Types Differ in Practice
| Aspect | Net-Type | Rope Net | Skin-Only |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abrasion resistance | Very high | Medium | Medium |
| Hull friendliness | Medium | High | High |
| Weight | High | Medium | Low |
| Maintenance | Medium | Low | Very low |
| Suitable for harsh industrial use | Yes | Sometimes | Limited |
5. How to Choose the Right Type
The right foam-filled fender type depends more on operating conditions than on product trends:
- Berthing energy: Higher energy favors net-type protection.
- Hull condition: Rough or reinforced hulls increase abrasion risk.
- Traffic frequency: High-contact terminals benefit from sacrificial net layers.
- Aesthetic and cleanliness requirements: Passenger terminals prefer smooth, netless or rope-based solutions.
- Maintenance capability: Simpler designs reduce inspection and replacement costs.
Choosing the wrong type can lead to premature wear, higher lifecycle cost, and even operational downtime.
Conclusion
Netless foam-filled fenders are a modern and efficient solution, but they are not universal. In heavy-duty, abrasive, or high-risk environments, chain-and-tyre net or rope net designs often provide better protection and longer service life.
The key is not which type is newer or more visually appealing, but which type best matches the real working conditions of the berth.
FAQ
Q1: Are net-type foam-filled fenders outdated?
No. They are still the most durable option for heavy industrial ports and high-abrasion environments.
Q2: Do chain-and-tyre nets damage ship hulls?
When properly designed and tensioned, they protect both the fender and the hull. Problems usually come from poor installation or worn components.
Q3: Are rope net fenders suitable for large vessels?
They can be, but they are generally better suited for medium loads and situations where hull protection is a higher priority than extreme durability.
Q4: How long do foam-filled fenders typically last?
Depending on environment and design, service life is usually 10–15 years or more with proper maintenance.