Indonesia’s national logistics costs are relatively high, around 24% of GDP (source to be cited – e.g., BPS data for 2022). One of the reasons for this is the suboptimal infrastructure of ports, which serve as the backbone of interregional goods distribution. In this process, fenders play a simple yet vital role in ensuring the safety of ships, docks, and the smooth operation of maritime logistics chains.
A fender is a rubber-based device used as a shock absorber, installed on docks or ships’ hulls. It absorbs the impact energy when a ship docks, preventing damage to both the port structure and the ship itself.
Various types of fenders are used according to needs, ranging from cylindrical, V-shaped, cone-shaped, and other types. All are designed with the same goal: to ensure that the docking process runs safely, efficiently, and sustainably.
Fenders contribute to the safety of port infrastructure and the smoothness of maritime logistics in the following ways:
• Reducing damage costs.
Damage to docks and ships due to collisions can lead to high repair costs. If left unaddressed, these costs will contribute to the high national logistics expenses. Fender helps minimize these risks.
• Maintaining port infrastructure performance.
Docks are strategic infrastructure with a high investment value. Fender protects the port structure to ensure it remains durable, allowing the infrastructure to be used sustainably without disruption.
• Supporting supply chain efficiency.
The stability of ships when docking accelerates the loading and unloading process. This time efficiency directly impacts the smooth distribution of goods, both domestically and internationally.
• Securing maritime logistics investment.
Maritime logistics is a vital sector in reducing interregional distribution costs in Indonesia. With fenders in place, port operators and ship owners can reduce the risk of loss while protecting infrastructure investments.
• Contributing to sustainability.
By preventing damage to the ship’s hull or dock, fenders reduce the potential for leakage of hazardous cargo. This supports efforts to preserve the marine environment, which serves as a key trade route for national commerce.
In efforts to reduce national logistics costs, optimizing port infrastructure is key. Fender, as a simple yet vital device, plays a significant role in ensuring safety, efficiency, and sustainability in maritime logistics. Therefore, investing in fenders is not just a technical matter for ports, but also a contribution to improving Indonesia’s economic competitiveness.
For more detailed information regarding various types of fenders for construction and maintenance projects, please contact PT Samudera Luas Paramacitra (SLP) at the hotline (+62) 823 2018 9998 or email admin@niri-rubber.com
