Safety and efficiency are the foundations of shipyard industrial operations. Every process, from hauling a vessel ashore to launching it back into the water, involves significant risks. Operational efficiency is also essential to maintain the industry’s growth.
This is why rubber airbags play such an important role. This equipment is crucial in shipyard operations for the following reasons:
- Efficient Ship Launching. Airbags provide high lifting capacity and even load distribution, enabling faster ship launching with less manpower and reduced risk of damage.
- Improved Workplace Safety. Proper material quality and design help minimize potential accidents. High-quality airbags maintain vessel stability during docking and launching process.
- Flexible Use. Unlike steel rails, rubber airbags can be reused for vessels of various sizes and shapes. This flexibility makes them highly economical for both small and large shipyards.
- Minimal Upfront Investment. Rubber airbags do not require plenty of shipyard construction prior to their use, unlike graving docks or dry docks. Airbags can operate in a flat, clean surface. Therefore, significantly reducing upfront investment to the shipyard owners.
However, the effectiveness and efficiency of airbags greatly depend on their quality and specifications. Therefore, choosing the right rubber airbag is crucial for shipyard companies. Below are several key factors that must be considered:
1. Check the Quality of the Rubber Material
The main components of an airbag are its rubber layers and reinforcing fabric (synthetic tire cord). Low-quality material will easily crack, peel, or lose elasticity. Ensure that the airbag has an outer rubber layer that is resistant to abrasion and marine weather, an inner layer with high air-tightness, and multiple reinforcement layers (typically 3–7 plies).
2. Choose the Right Layer Structure Based on Load
The larger the vessel, the higher the internal pressure and shear force that the airbag must endure. Therefore, the ply structure must be carefully matched to the expected working load. The recommended ply configuration is as follows:
- 3–4 plies — suitable for small vessels such as tugboats and speedboats.
- 5–6 plies — ideal for medium-sized cargo vessels and barges.
- 7 plies or more — required for large vessels and heavy-duty hauling operations.
3. Ensure Certification and Quality Standards
Airbags should comply with international standards such as ISO 14409 (Ship Launching Airbags) and other shipbuilding manufacturing standards. Certified products are also accompanied by pressure tests, rubber physical properties tests, and leakage tests. Certification ensures that the airbags are safe for heavy-duty operations.
4. Choose the Appropriate Size and Diameter
Common airbag sizes range from 0.8 m to 2.0 m in diameter, with effective lengths of 5 m to 20 m. Size selection depends on vessel width, tonnage, and launching/docking method. Shipyards must calculate the required number of airbags and their spacing to ensure even load distribution, such procedure is standardized under ISO 17682 (Methodology for ship launching utilizing air bags).
5. Check Safety Features and Supporting Accessories
High-quality airbags come equipped with leak-proof air valves, valve protection caps, reinforced end fittings (end metal parts), and safety ropes when needed. Avoid using airbags without standard accessories as they may increase operational risk.
PT Samudera Luas Paramacitra has extensive experience in supplying marine equipment, including high-quality rubber airbags. If you need more detailed information about rubber airbags, please contact our hotline at (+62) 823 2018 9998 or email admin@niri-rubber.com.
