What kind of rubber fenders are used on tugboats?
Tugboats are common work boats in ports. They are usually used to help vessels berth by pushing and towing. In order to protect the safety of the ship and tugboat, it is necessary to install rubber fenders on the tugboat. What kind of rubber fenders are used on tugs? Is it different from other fenders? The following is a detailed introduction to tugboat fenders.
1. Tug cylindrical fenders
Tug cylindrical fenders are specially designed for tugs. They are installed on the bow and stern of tug boats. Tug cylindrical fenders’ dimensions and length can be customized according to different tugs need. It’s easy to install, which make it very popular.
2.. Pushing fenders
Pushing fenders are the fenders mainly installed on the bow and stern of tugs. There are three types of pushing fenders, including keyhole fenders, W type fenders and M type fenders.
Keyhole fenders
Keyhole fenders’ hollow part is the keyhole shape, and usually installed vertical mounted by fixing pins. Keyhole fenders have load absorbing capabilities. Besides, It can be equipped with UHMWPE pads according to requirements.
W type fenders
W type fender has W shape grooves on the top, which provides an additional grip and low pressure when pushing operations. It can absorb excessive bumps and knocks. It’s an ideal choice for most tugs.
M type fenders
M type fenders have wider contact surface area than W type fenders, which exert a low pressure during pushing operations. M type fender has three legs that give a strong attach ment to the tug construction.
3. Belting fenders
Belting fenders include D fenders, GD type fenders and square fenders. They are often used as belting on tugs to protect boats.
D type fenders
D fenders are commonly used on vessels and jetties. It can be cut to the length required. Besides, D fenders can be mounted straight as well as in a curved form. The cost of installation is low. According to the difference of inner hollow shapes, D fenders can be divided into three types: DD type fenders, DO type fenders, and solid D fenders. Each of these three types has its own advantages.
GD type fenders
GD fender is also known as wing fender. It is an improved design from D fenders. Compared with D fenders, GD fenders have more wider bottom, and its strength of installation and utility life is much more improved than D type fender.
Square fenders
Square fenders are another choice for tugboats. Square fenders have two types, including O-shaped hollow and D-shaped hollow. It has great shear resistance and incredible durability. Besides, its color, size and Hole pattern can be customized according to requirements.
