Application Case · marine fendering
Tug Boat Side Fender Replacement (40mm Yellow)
A harbor tug operator standardized on safety yellow 40mm UHMWPE sliding plates after 3-year wear study.
A harbor tug operator standardized on safety yellow 40mm UHMWPE sliding plates after 3-year wear study.
A harbor towage operator running a fleet of 6 tugs was burning through D-shaped rubber fenders every 14-18 months. Heavy assist work meant rubber crushed and tore. They wanted a durable sliding face that absorbed less torque on the rubber backing.
We supplied 40 mm UHMWPE sliding plates bonded over the rubber D-fender, fastened through the rubber into the hull steel with M16 countersunk bolts. Plates were safety yellow throughout (yellow master batch, not painted).
Fender backing rubber lasted 3+ years vs. the original 1.5 years. Total cost of ownership down ~45 %. Crew reported less hull marking on assisted vessels because UHMWPE has lower friction than rubber.
Yellow / black UHMWPE side fender sliding plates for tug boats and work boats.
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