How do you install and maintain Yokohama fenders?

Check the fender body for cracks, punctures and outer rubber abrasion; verify ISO 17357-1:2014 certificates, serial numbers and marked pressure grade (P50 / P80). For fenders ≥2500 mm diameter, confirm the safety valve is intact and calibrated横浜ゴム. Inflate slowly at ambient temperature with a calibrated air pump strictly to rated pressure, and apply manufacturer’s temperature correction for accurate pressure readings (air pressure fluctuates with temperature changes).

Net type installed on quay

Sling type for STS operation

1. Wrap the matched corrosion-resistant chain net + protective rubber tires fully around the fender body to buffer friction with hulls and piers.
2. Fasten end flanges via galvanized steel chains, shackles and swivels to quay embedded anchor points. Leave enough chain slack to adapt to water level swings from tides.
3. Adjust vertical height to match the standard contact zone of vessel drafts; arrange multiple fenders evenly along long berthing walls.
4. Test stability under floating status to prevent rolling or shifting during vessel berthing impactsNanjing De....

1. Connect lifting lugs on both fender ends with guy chains or synthetic slings; no full outer net is needed.
2. Mount slings onto vessel deck bollards or temporary quay fixing points. The lightweight structure allows quick hoisting, recovery and repositioning between operations.
3. Control sling tension moderately to avoid excessive pulling stress on fender flanges during tidal movement.

• Position fenders to match hull curved surfaces for uniform contact force distribution.
• Never over-inflate; excess pressure raises reaction force and damages pier structures.
• Safety valves on large-size fenders work only for sudden compression surges, not thermal pressure rises.

• Chain tire net: Replace every 3–4 years according to abrasion intensity
• Corroded shackles, swivels and slings: Replace immediately once damaged
• Safety valves: Recalibrate together with annual pressure testing

• Store idle deflated fenders in shaded, dry, ventilated areas away from sharp objects, strong sunlight and chemical corrosion.
• Clean marine attachments regularly to remove salt fouling and slow galvanized steel rusting.

1. Copy pressure grades from old projects without recalculating berth bearing limits, which causes excessive reaction force to destroy quay structures.
2. Ignore temperature correction and judge pressure abnormality simply by hot weather conditions.
3. Only check outer rubber surface while neglecting internal flange damage after heavy impacts.

With standardized installation and regular maintenance, Yokohama pneumatic fenders normally achieve a service life of 10–15 years.