TOKYO—Yokohama Rubber Co. Ltd. claims to have taken floating pneumatic fenders to new lengths with the development of an ultra-large fender with a diameter of nearly 20 feet. The fender, Yokohama said, is designed for offshore cargo transfer operations of liquified natural gas from LNG-FPSO (Floating Production, Storage and Offloading system) to LNG tankers.
YRC expects demand for LNG-FPSO solutions to grow as the demand for LNG continues to rise. Its new fender enhances the safety in off-loading operations by allowing two vessels to maintain a greater distance apart when compared to existing fenders.
The inflated, rubber marine fender prevents damages to ship during ship-to-ship operations or when the vessels are moored, Yokohama said.
YRC was among the first to manufacture and sell pneumatic fenders, marine hoses and other products for the marine equipment market, first launching its products in 1958.