Ocean Guard™ Hydropneumatic Fenders

Ocean Guard™ hydropneumatic fenders are built for demanding marine environments where reliable energy absorption and hull protection are critical. These fenders combine a compressed air core with a water-filled outer chamber, creating a cushion between vessels or between a vessel and a dock that absorbs impact energy while maintaining stable freeboard performance. Marine Fenders International supplies these hydropneumatic systems to ports, offshore platforms, and naval installations that require consistent performance and durability. In berthing situations involving vessels with unusual hull geometries, such as submarines, hydropneumatic fenders are particularly well-suited given their combination of low reaction force and reduced susceptibility to hull damage from point loading.

Ocean Guard™ hydropneumatic fenders operate using a combined air-and-water pressure system that compresses during contact with a vessel, absorbing kinetic energy and reducing the force transmitted to both structures. The water ballast allows the fender to sit deeper and more stably in the water, extending effective protection below the waterline. This makes them suitable for ship-to-ship transfers, LNG terminals, submarine berthing, and emergency docking scenarios. Compared to foam-filled fenders, hydropneumatic systems can offer higher energy absorption for the same size and are particularly effective in high tidal variation areas and applications requiring variable draft protection.

Each hydropneumatic fender is constructed with layers of high-strength tire-cord material encased in a thick rubber skin. This configuration provides structural stability while resisting abrasion and environmental wear. Standard components include end flanges with inflation and deflation valves, safety pressure relief valves, and optional chain and tire nets or rope nets depending on the application, along with an internal water ballast system that allows the fender to sit deeper and more stably below the waterline. Ocean Guard™ hydropneumatic fenders are available in a range of diameters and lengths to meet port and vessel requirements, with customized options available upon request

These fenders are deployed at oil terminals, dry bulk facilities, container ports, and naval bases. Their design allows them to perform reliably in locations with strong currents, tidal changes, or repeated berthing cycles. LNG carriers, oil tankers, cruise ships, and naval vessels often rely on hydropneumatic systems to maintain safe contact with berthing surfaces. Where vessels have deep hulls or berthing occurs below the surface, hydropneumatic fenders provide underwater support, helping maintain vessel alignment and safety.

Hydropneumatic fenders offer high energy absorption with low reaction force, reducing stress on both the vessel and dock structure. They are buoyant, corrosion-resistant, and easy to install. The fenders can be deflated for transport or storage and re-inflated on-site, with internal water ballast adjusted to achieve the desired submersion depth, making them suitable for permanent installations as well as temporary deployments during ship repair or fleet reconfiguration.

We supply a complete range of accessories, including mooring chains, shackles, towing rings, quick-release hooks, and inflation kits. As part of our broader floating fender solutions, we also offer Ocean Guard™ netless foam-filled fenders and Ocean Cushion™ foam-filled fenders with chain and tire nets, which provide alternative protection options for different berthing conditions and can be used alongside floating camels  in certain marine construction or port maintenance projects.

Ocean Guard™ hydropneumatic fenders are tested according to U.S. Navy, Coast Guard, and ISO 17357-1:2014 guidelines. Third-party testing and certification can be provided based on project specifications.

For technical drawings, sizing guidance, or to request a quote, contact us today. Our specialists are available to support your project from initial planning through final delivery.