SLING-Type Pneumatic Fenders vs. Jetty Fenders: What’s Best for Your Port Operations? Modern ports, harbors, and marine terminals handle heavier vessels, higher traffic, and more demanding berthing conditions than ever before. To accommodate these pressures safely, ports rely on high-performance fender systems designed to absorb impact, protect docking structures, and maintain vessel stability. Among the most widely used solutions today are the SLING TYPE pneumatic fender and the JETTY FENDER, both essential but engineered for different operational needs. For port authorities, shipyards, offshore platforms, and marine logistics hubs, choosing the right fender system is critical for long-term safety, efficiency, and asset protection. Understanding how these two fender types differ helps operators pick a solution that aligns with their vessel profiles, berthing energy requirements, and environmental conditions.
Understanding SLING-Type Pneumatic Fenders A SLING TYPE pneumatic fender is a high-capacity, air-filled defensive cushioning system used widely in ship-to-ship and ship-to-shore berthing. Unlike traditional fenders, it has no chain and tire net instead, it uses reinforced tire-cord layers and high-strength fabric slings to provide superior flexibility and shock absorption.
Advantages of SLING-Type Pneumatic Fenders SLING-type pneumatic fenders offer a combination of performance, portability, and ease of deployment: •
Exceptional energy absorption for large vessels and dynamic berthing
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Lightweight and portable design for fast, flexible positioning Ideal for ship-to-ship (STS) operations, especially offshore Good performance under various tidal conditions High durability due to rubberized outer layers and reinforced fabric Low hull pressure, making them suitable for tankers, LNG carriers, and bulk vessels
These features make pneumatic fenders particularly valuable for marine operations where quick deployment, mobility, and adaptability are required.
Where SLING-Type Pneumatic Fenders Are Most Useful Ports and operators rely on SLING-type pneumatic fenders in: • • • • • •
STS cargo transfer zones Temporary berthing operations Offshore floating terminals Emergency docking situations Multi-vessel interactions Deep-water port berthing
Their adaptability allows them to support vessels of varying sizes, including tankers, naval ships, offshore platforms, and heavy-duty commercial vessels.
Understanding Jetty Fenders A JETTY FENDER is a fixed fendering system installed permanently on a quay, jetty, wharf, or pier. Unlike pneumatic fenders, jetty fenders use solid construction materials such as rubber, composite polymers, or elastomeric blocks. They are designed to withstand repeated berthing impacts and large-scale vessel operations.
Advantages of Jetty Fenders Jetty fenders provide essential structural protection for ports and marine terminals: •
Long-term durability with robust installation
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Consistent performance for high-frequency berthing High impact resistance with minimal maintenance requirements Customizable profiles such as cylindrical, V-type, cone, cell, and arch fenders
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Suitable for all fixed berthing structures where vessels dock regularly Weather and UV resistance for long-term outdoor exposure
These fenders create a strong, permanent defense barrier between the vessel and the dock infrastructure.
Where Jetty Fenders Are Commonly Used Jetty fenders are ideal for:
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Commercial shipping terminals Public and private piers
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Heavy-duty cargo berths Ferry and Ro-Ro terminals Fishing harbors Container and bulk cargo docks
They support frequent berthing and are built to handle decades of operational stress in harsh marine environments.
Key Differences Between SLING-Type Pneumatic Fenders and Jetty Fenders Choosing the right fender type depends on the nature of your marine operations. Here are the critical distinctions:
1. Flexibility vs. Permanence •
SLING TYPE pneumatic fenders are portable, movable, and excellent for flexible berthing needs.
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JETTY FENDER systems are permanently fixed and ideal for repetitive docking at the same structure.
2. Impact Absorption • •
Pneumatic fenders provide high energy absorption with low reaction force, making them ideal for large or sensitive vessels. Jetty fenders deliver consistent, high-strength resistance for structured and predictable berthing approaches.
3. Deployment • •
Pneumatic fenders can be deployed quickly, repositioned, or stored when not in use. Jetty fenders require engineered installation and remain fixed for long-term protection.
4. Operational Use • •
SLING-type fenders are best for offshore, temporary, and STS operations. Jetty fenders suit ports with predictable vessel schedules and fixed berthing zones.
5. Maintenance • •
Pneumatic fenders need periodic pressure checks and inspections. Jetty fenders require minimal maintenance once installed, aside from environmental wear checks.
Choosing the Right Fender for Your Port Operations Your decision should be based on: • • • • • •
Frequency of vessel docking Vessel size and hull characteristics Berthing angle and tidal variations Operational mobility needs Space limitations along the dock Budget and maintenance preferences
Ports handling varied vessel types often use both systems in combination — jetty fenders for permanent protection and SLING-type pneumatic fenders for dynamic, offshore, or high-energy operations.
Final Perspective As marine operations grow more complex, choosing the right fendering system becomes critical for protecting vessels, infrastructure, and crew. Both SLING TYPE pneumatic fenders and JETTY FENDERS bring essential strengths depending on the environment and operational demand. If you are exploring durable, high-performance marine fender solutions engineered for heavy-duty port operations, you may consider reviewing the fender systems available from Lion Rubber, designed to deliver long-lasting protection in demanding marine conditions.
