The combination of foam-filled fenders (solid polyurethane fenders) with other types of fenders is achieved through the following complementary methods to meet diverse protection needs in different scenarios:

1. Combination with Compression Rubber Fenders

    • Functional Complementarity: Foam-filled fenders offer buoyancy, maintenance-free operation, and corrosion resistance, making them ideal for areas with significant tidal variations. In contrast, compression rubber fenders (e.g., D-type, cylindrical) provide high energy absorption and reaction force, commonly used in fixed docks. Together, they cover both intertidal and fixed dock protection.

    • Installation: Foam-filled fenders are suspended via chains above water, while compression fenders are fixed to the dock structure, forming a three-dimensional protective system.

2. Combination with Inflatable Fenders

    • Enhanced Safety: Foam-filled fenders eliminate the risk of bursting, making them suitable for harsh environments (e.g., offshore platforms). Inflatable fenders offer high energy absorption efficiency but require regular maintenance. Their combination reduces maintenance demands for inflatable fenders while ensuring safety.

    • Application: In large docks or STS operations, foam-filled fenders are used for peripheral floating protection, while inflatable fenders are positioned closer to the vessel for high-impact buffering.

3. Combination with Steel Fenders

    • Structural Protection: Steel fenders have strong impact resistance but can cause hull wear. Foam-filled fenders, being more flexible, reduce hull friction. Alternating their installation balances structural strength and vessel protection.

    • Example: In high-pile docks with narrow spacing, steel fenders are often installed alternately with rubber/polyurethane fenders.

4. Combination with Rotating Fenders

    • Dynamic Protection: Rotating fenders (e.g., tire-type) are suitable for roll-on/roll-off docks, guiding vessels to berth, while foam-filled fenders (https://www.maritime-group.cn/products/foam-filled-fenders/donut-foam-fenders/)provide static buffering, collectively reducing lateral impact forces.

5. Innovative Modular Designs

    • Patent Technology: For instance, some “modular rubber fender” uses a hollow main body with a flexible rotating sleeve. Qingdao Evergreen Foam-filled fenders can be embedded in such structures to enhance wear resistance and extend lifespan.

Advantages of Combined Use

• Broad Adaptability: Covers complex conditions like tidal changes, dynamic loads, and corrosive environments.

• Cost-Effectiveness: The maintenance-free nature of foam-filled fenders reduces long-term costs, while compression fenders have lower initial costs.

• Safety: Mitigates risks of single fender failure (e.g., foam fenders remain operational if inflatable fenders deflate).

Through these combinations, foam-filled fenders effectively compensate for the limitations of other fender types, improving the reliability and cost-efficiency of the overall protection fender system.