Recently, the new-generation high-performance rubber fender systems independently developed by Qingdao SunKai Marine Supplies Co., Ltd. were officially commissioned at a major domestic deep-water port. The first batch of more than 50 sets of customized equipment has completed installation, commissioning and acceptance, significantly enhancing berth anti-collision capability and operational safety, and providing essential equipment support for the upgrading of smart port infrastructure.
As the core buffer system between vessels and berths, the performance of rubber fenders directly affects port safety and the service life of dock structures. SunKai’s newly launched fender products achieve major breakthroughs in both material formulation and structural design.
The fenders adopt a high-elasticity compound system of natural rubber and styrene-butadiene rubber, enhanced with nano-calcium carbonate fillers. All units are integrally molded through precision pressing and vulcanization. The overall Shore hardness is controlled at 55–65 degrees, tensile strength reaches ≥18 MPa, and tear strength ≥50 kN/m.
The anti-aging performance has been improved by 30% compared with conventional products, enabling reliable operation in extreme temperatures ranging from –40℃ to 60℃, fully meeting the requirements of high-latitude ice-resistant ports and tropical UV-intensive environments.
Based on the operational needs and vessel tonnage of various terminals, SunKai provides tailored anti-collision system configurations:
Equipped with SA-type super arch fenders, each set offering 2500 kJ energy absorption with peak reaction force ≤ 800 kN, effectively reducing berthing impact for large-scale containerships.
Utilize a combination of D-type drum fenders and anti-collision blocks. Installation spacing is optimized to 3.5 meters, eliminating protection blind spots for vessels with varying draft depths.
Apply low-temperature-resistant and flame-retardant rubber formulas, with anti-slip textures and reflective markings to enhance safety, warning visibility and berthing precision.
These configurations reflect SunKai’s long-term technological accumulation in marine protection equipment, ship airbags, and fender systems.
According to the head of SunKai’s Port Equipment Division, traditional fenders often face challenges such as limited service life, high maintenance cost and poor environmental adaptability. SunKai’s new-generation products address these issues through innovative formulas and optimized structures.
The systems adopt pre-embedded bolt mounting technology, improving installation efficiency by 40%. In addition, optional pressure-sensor modules can monitor fender stress in real time, upload data to the port’s intelligent management platform, and enable early fault warnings and predictive maintenance—greatly reducing dock operation and maintenance expenditures.
Field tests show that at a berthing speed of 0.35 m/s, the fenders achieve 92% energy absorption efficiency, with no structural damage to the berth and 100% intact hull paint surface.
SunKai’s full series of rubber fenders—including arch, drum, and cylindrical types—have passed CCS certification and EU CE certification. The products are widely used in coastal and inland port projects across China and exported to Southeast Asia, the Middle East and other regions.
Relying on advanced equipment such as high-pressure mixers, vulcanization containers, pressure testing machines, rubber rolling production lines and complete inspection systems, SunKai continues to strengthen its manufacturing and innovation capabilities.
The commissioning of this new-generation rubber fender system once again consolidates SunKai’s technical strength in the field of marine anti-collision protection. The company will continue to follow the development trends of port intelligence and greening, focus on more efficient buffering technologies, and contribute to the upgrading of global port infrastructure through high-quality marine protection solutions.
