Difference between cone fender and drum fender

Cone fenders and drum fenders are two common types of ship guards, mainly used to protect the hull from collision damage. They are different in shape and function, the specific differences are as follows:

1. Shape and structure

Cone fender: the shape of cone fender is similar to an inverted cone, the bottom is larger, the top is gradually narrowed. The purpose of the conical fender design is to spread the impact of the ship at berth to the entire fender surface, slowing down the impact of the collision on the hull.

Drum Fender: The drum fender has a round or drum shape, and the surface is usually a smooth curved surface. Its side is curved shape, like a horizontal drum. The drum fender mainly absorbs and disperses the impact force through its curved surface and air cushioning.

2. Performance and applicability

Cone fender: Due to the shape and structure characteristics of cone fender, it can better disperse the impact force in the process of collision, and has better cushioning performance, especially suitable for harbours or wharves that need to withstand larger impact force.

Drum fenders: Drum fenders generally perform better in smoother collisions because they are designed to effectively disperse impact forces and have a larger contact surface to reduce hull damage. It is suitable for use in lighter collisions or for boats that are suitable for slower berthing.

3. Installation position

Cone fender: usually installed in the contact surface between the ship and the dock which needs to withstand a large impact force, commonly found in harbours and ship berthing areas.

Drum fenders: Commonly used in smooth berthing environment, can also be used for wider hull or larger area of collision avoidance needs.

4. Material

Both are usually made of highly resilient rubber or polyurethane to ensure that the impact energy is absorbed and mitigated during a collision.

5. Durability

Tapered fenders: Due to their structure, localised wear and tear may be more noticeable on sustained impacts after a long period of use.

Drum fenders: because of the larger contact surface, usually show a more balanced durability.

Summary:

Tapered fenders: are more suitable for environments where greater impact dispersion is required and the shape is more conducive to directing the force of the ship's impact.

Drum fenders: are suitable for smoother or lighter impacts and are usually more effective when used at rest.

Both are important ship protection devices, and the choice of fender depends on the needs of the specific environment and collision situation.