Overview
ISO 17357-2:2014 provides internationally accepted requirements for low-pressure floating pneumatic rubber fenders used in ship-to-ship and ship-to-berthing-structure berthing and mooring. The standard specifies materials, dimensions, performance criteria, minimum test and inspection procedures, and marking/documentation requirements for low-pressure fenders. It does not cover methods for selecting the correct fender for a specific application or address safety hazards associated with use.
Key topics and technical requirements
- Fender types and classification
- Defines two low-pressure types: clamped end (typically ≤ 2.3 m diameter) and moulded end (typically ≥ 2.8 m diameter).
- Default initial internal pressure: 7 kPa unless otherwise specified.
- Materials
- Specifies coated textile construction (vulcanized synthetic rubber over high-tenacity woven nylon) and related component definitions (bead rings, end-closure plate assemblies, clamped end fittings).
- Dimensions and ordering
- Nominal diameter and length requirements, with purchaser information to include ISO number, fender type, initial pressure, size, and colour.
- Performance and testing
- Prototype performance confirmation and performance curves (guaranteed energy absorption and reaction force considerations).
- Prototype tests: parallel compression, angular compression, durability, compression recovery, puncture resistance, and recording conditions.
- Commercial fender inspections: material tests, dimensional inspection, air leakage, and hydrostatic pressure tests.
- Quality assurance
- Documentation and marking requirements for traceability.
- Option for inspection/evaluation by a qualified independent inspection service or major classification society.
- Normative references
Applications and who uses it
ISO 17357-2 is intended for manufacturers, naval architects, port/terminal engineers, ship operators, procurement teams, and classification societies involved with:
- Specification and manufacture of marine fenders for berthing and mooring operations.
- Verifying fender performance and conformance through prototype and commercial testing.
- Preparing procurement documents and ensuring supplier quality control and traceability.
The standard is a technical reference for product quality and test methods; users should combine it with operational risk assessments and energy-absorption selection methods not covered by this part.
Related standards
- ISO 17357-1 - Ships and marine technology - Floating pneumatic rubber fenders - Part 1: High pressure
- Normative test standards referenced within ISO 17357-2 (see clauses on normative references for ISO tensile, hardness, compression set, ozone resistance, coating adhesion, and tear tests).
Keywords: ISO 17357-2, low-pressure pneumatic rubber fenders, floating pneumatic fenders, marine fenders, fender testing, fender performance, berthing and mooring.