A cushioning device of rubber, foam, or rope placed between a vessel and a berth or another vessel to prevent damage.
In practice
OCIMF publishes guidelines on the selection and inspection of Yokohama pneumatic fenders, specifying rated energy absorption, reaction force, and inspection intervals. For conventional quayside operations, PIANC and terminal operators specify berth fender panel designs appropriate to the vessel size and approach velocity expected. The chief officer is responsible for ensuring adequate fenders are deployed before berthing, and STS operations require a detailed pre-transfer plan under OCIMF's Ship-to-Ship Transfer Guide that includes fender specification and placement. Worn or underinflated fenders that fail during berthing can result in costly hull damage and potential pollution incidents.
Regulatory detail & full definition
A fender is a protective buffer placed between a vessel and a berth structure, or between two vessels, to absorb the kinetic energy of contact and prevent damage to hull plating, paint, and fendering systems. Fenders may be ship-fitted — typically cylindrical rubber or foam-filled units mounted on brackets — or portable, including pneumatic rubber Yokohama fenders widely used in ship-to-ship transfer operations and at terminals.
OCIMF publishes guidelines on the selection and inspection of Yokohama pneumatic fenders, specifying rated energy absorption, reaction force, and inspection intervals. For conventional quayside operations, PIANC and terminal operators specify berth fender panel designs appropriate to the vessel size and approach velocity expected. The chief officer is responsible for ensuring adequate fenders are deployed before berthing, and STS operations require a detailed pre-transfer plan under OCIMF's Ship-to-Ship Transfer Guide that includes fender specification and placement. Worn or underinflated fenders that fail during berthing can result in costly hull damage and potential pollution incidents.